Darley Abbey Park
Derby isn’t a big City (I always insist its more a large town), historically the pioneering home of much industry, a good deal of which is still operating in the city to-day. But we are also fortunate in having large areas of green open spaces and parks. In fact Derby can boast the first ever Public Park in Britain…Known as ‘The Arboretum’ it was the first of many Derby Parks donated by local industrialists and their families… Strutts, Mundy, Maxwell and Evans being just a few of these benefactors to the city and its people. Yes, those were the days when we had true ‘benefactors’
It is Walter Evans to whom we have to say thanks for Darley Abbey Park (above) a swath of wooded land that runs alongside of the River Derwent. There is a small arboretum, some formal gardens but mainly just space to walk and relax alongside the river.
River Derwent, Darley Abbey
The Abbey, Darley Abbey Village
But why Darley ABBEY for as search as you will there is no Abbey to be found. The Abbey itself was destroyed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries in Henry VIII reign. There are though two buildings of the original Abbey estate remaining in the village, one is a private residence the other has a much higher profile and is a Pub… The Abbey.
The Legacy created by Derby’s Industrial Heritage has been recognised internationally. The Derwent Valley has been designated a World Heritage Site. Water powered Mills were established all along the River Derwent, they were that start of the industrial revolution and mechanisation of manufacturing. One of these mill site can be found here in Darley a sprawling complex of building by the river weir.
The Toll Booth and Workers Cottages, Darley Abbey
All of this within one mile of the City Centre; Industrial Heritage, a Lost Abbey and lots of space to relax and enjoy the Spring…..and a ‘Pint’!
28th March
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 