Derby

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Derby Cathedral

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Derbyshire Cathedral

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Derby Council House (geograph 2355048)

Derby is a city and unitary authority area in Derbyshire, England. It lies on the banks of the River Derwent in the south of Derbyshire, of which it was traditionally the county town. At the 2011 census, the population was 248,700. Derby gained city status in 1977.

Derby was settled by Romans – who established the town of Derventio – Saxons and Vikings, who made Derby one of the Five Boroughs of the Danelaw. Initially a market town, Derby grew rapidly in the industrial era. Home to Lombe's Mill, an early British factory, Derby has a claim to be one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution. It has a claim to be one of the centres of the British rail industry and is known for its role in the aerospace, engineering, and manufacturing industries.

History

The area around Derby has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age settlements. The Roman fort of Derventio was established under Emperor Claudius, and the town was later mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as Deoraby, from which the name Derby is derived.

In the Middle Ages, Derby was a centre of the wool trade. It was granted a charter by King Henry II in 1154. The Derby School was founded in 1160, and Derby was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.

Economy

Derby's economy has historically been based on manufacturing, and it remains a major centre for advanced transport manufacturing, home to the world's second-largest aero-engine manufacturer, Rolls-Royce, and Derby Litchurch Lane Works, the UK's only remaining train manufacturer. The city is also home to a number of major employers in the IT and technology sectors.

Culture

Derby is known for the annual Derby Festival, which includes one of Britain's longest-running horse races, the Derby Stakes, held at Epsom Downs. The city has a large number of parks and open spaces, including the Derby Arboretum, the first public park in England. Derby Museum and Art Gallery houses a collection of Joseph Wright paintings, and the city has a vibrant music and nightlife scene.

Transport

Derby is a hub for rail travel, with the Derby railway station offering connections to a wide range of destinations. The city is also close to the M1 motorway, providing road links to London and the north of England.

Education

The city has a range of educational institutions, including the University of Derby and Derby College. There are also numerous primary and secondary schools.

Sports

Derby is home to Derby County Football Club, which plays at the Pride Park Stadium. The city also has facilities for cricket, rugby, athletics, and swimming.