On Sunday the 4th of August 2024 after breakfast, we packed up the camp to head home. But first I wanted to pop into Derby to see what that’s like.
So we eventually reach Derby and park up in Sowter Road Car Park and head up Sowter Road.
We pass the Museum of Making, but being early on a Sunday morning it was closed.
The Museum of Making is located on a site of global significance, where the Derby Silk Mill – widely regarded as the site of the world’s first modern factory – first stood over 300 years ago. This new visitor attraction is also located in the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the key sites of the industrial revolution - something that will appeal to visitors from far and wide.
This is no ordinary museum. It has been created and built by the people and industries of Derby, with hundreds of local volunteers helping to shape and design the way the museum will work for visitors. It will also tell the story of making in the region to help inspire visitors to unleash their creativity and start making.
Some stand-out elements to the new museum that visitors can enjoy include:
Entering the new museum via the Grade I listed Bakewell Gates. Designed by master ironmaker Robert Bakewell, the gates have stood proudly at the front of the Silk Mill in Derby since 1725
They will be able to make their own bespoke trail through the amazing 30,000 collections, which are displayed and shared in unique ways.
A seven tonne Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine suspended in the new Civic Hall above visitors’ heads
The much-loved Midland Model Railway, located in the Railway Gallery
The world’s smallest engine run using a human hair.
We walk a short way along the River Derwent and see Cathedral Green Footbridge.
.We walk through Silk Mill Park and pass the statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
A cast bronze figure on a sandstone ashlar pedestal and base. The figure depicts Prince Charles Edward Stuart on horseback in a jaunty pose and wearing a frock coat with sword at his belt
It is a war memorial statue commemorating Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) and the Jacobite Rising, at Cathedral Green, Derby.
We walk pass Derby Cathedral and down Iron Gate. There is Police everywhere, maybe they are expecting more protests from the far right again.
We pass the War Memorial and walk on. Can’t say I’m Impressed with what I’ve of Derby so far.
We stop for Coffee at Costa before walking back on ourselves. If there is to be protests we don’t want to be here.
We walk back to Derby Cathedral but can’t enter as a service was just about to start.
The Cathedral Church of All Saints, Derby, better known as Derby Cathedral, is a cathedral church in the city of Derby, England. In 1927, it was promoted from parish church status to that of a cathedral, creating a seat for the Bishop of Derby, which new see was created in that year. The original church of All Saints was founded in the mid-10th century as a royal collegiate church, dedicated to All Saints. The main body of the church as it stands today is a Georgian rebuilding by James Gibbs, completed in 1725. The tower dates from the 16th century, and a retroquire was added in the 20th century.
We are back at the car and head off home after a great weekend!
