Derbyshire Record Office
@derbyshiredro.bsky.social
Free access to 900 years of history - Derbyshire, Britain and beyond: books, archives, maps, prints and photographs. Explore online or visit us in Matlock.
Website: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/recordoffice
Website: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/recordoffice
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This Remembrance Day, we also remember those who cared for the injured during the First World War at Blackwell Red Cross Hospital. In the two years it ran for, it served 133 injured servicemen: https://recordoffice.wordpress.com/2020/11/11/blackwell-red-cross-hospital/
#RemebranceDay #FirstWorldWar
#RemebranceDay #FirstWorldWar
Blackwell Red Cross Hospital
During the First World War, the Blackwell Colliery Company played a large role in helping the war effort, both at home and on the front. A quarter of men employed by the company, 1128 men, went off…
recordoffice.wordpress.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:45 AM
This Remembrance Day, we also remember those who cared for the injured during the First World War at Blackwell Red Cross Hospital. In the two years it ran for, it served 133 injured servicemen: https://recordoffice.wordpress.com/2020/11/11/blackwell-red-cross-hospital/
#RemebranceDay #FirstWorldWar
#RemebranceDay #FirstWorldWar
In 1847 railways arrived in Erewash affecting every aspect of local peoples’ lives. Read their story in ‘Railway Tales’. Learn why by 1969, the 7 railway stations a mile or so of Ilkeston’s borough border, had gone. A super mix of history, humour & memories in our #LocalStudies library. #Railway200
November 10, 2025 at 12:10 PM
In 1847 railways arrived in Erewash affecting every aspect of local peoples’ lives. Read their story in ‘Railway Tales’. Learn why by 1969, the 7 railway stations a mile or so of Ilkeston’s borough border, had gone. A super mix of history, humour & memories in our #LocalStudies library. #Railway200
Join author Michael Somerville at the Record Office on Wed 19 November for his talk “Sherwood Boys – Biography of a Battalion” providing a unique view on the British Army during the #SecondWorldWar. For more information and details of how to book visit our blog:
Talk: Sherwood Boys – biography of a battalion
Join us at the record office on 19th November for a free illustrated talk on the Sherwood Boys – the group of ordinary men who performed extraordinary feats to help win a war. Author Michael …
recordoffice.wordpress.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Join author Michael Somerville at the Record Office on Wed 19 November for his talk “Sherwood Boys – Biography of a Battalion” providing a unique view on the British Army during the #SecondWorldWar. For more information and details of how to book visit our blog:
Have you got a bear to show some love to on #HugABearDay? Luckily for these servants at Thornbridge Hall in the #1900s this fine example was stuffed - though we do feel sorry for the poor bear itself.
#PhotoFriday
#PhotoFriday
November 7, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Have you got a bear to show some love to on #HugABearDay? Luckily for these servants at Thornbridge Hall in the #1900s this fine example was stuffed - though we do feel sorry for the poor bear itself.
#PhotoFriday
#PhotoFriday
This plan for the Burton and Ashby Light Railway shows just how industrial the area around Swadlincote Station was in 1902.
#Railway200
#Railway200
November 6, 2025 at 1:35 PM
This plan for the Burton and Ashby Light Railway shows just how industrial the area around Swadlincote Station was in 1902.
#Railway200
#Railway200
On the 20th of October 2023 a small commute from work on a wet day turned into a surreal event. Read Chesterfield resident Joe Curtis’s personal account of Storm Babet and its impact on Chesterfield; find a copy in our #LocalStudies library.
#LocalHistory
#LocalHistory
November 6, 2025 at 10:20 AM
On the 20th of October 2023 a small commute from work on a wet day turned into a surreal event. Read Chesterfield resident Joe Curtis’s personal account of Storm Babet and its impact on Chesterfield; find a copy in our #LocalStudies library.
#LocalHistory
#LocalHistory
Are you going to marvel at a fireworks display this Bonfire Night? If you'd been in Markeaton in 1986, then this is the spectacle you'd have seen 🎆🤩
#BonfireNight #Fireworks #1980s #LocalHistory
#BonfireNight #Fireworks #1980s #LocalHistory
November 5, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Are you going to marvel at a fireworks display this Bonfire Night? If you'd been in Markeaton in 1986, then this is the spectacle you'd have seen 🎆🤩
#BonfireNight #Fireworks #1980s #LocalHistory
#BonfireNight #Fireworks #1980s #LocalHistory
The Cattle Plague outbreak of 1865-1867 killed around 10% of the country's population of cattle. During this time, there was also a large outbreak of cholera. A national day of prayer, or 'humiliation' was called on 7 March 1866 to pray for release from the situation.
#EYAReligion/Spirituality
#EYAReligion/Spirituality
November 5, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Cattle Plague outbreak of 1865-1867 killed around 10% of the country's population of cattle. During this time, there was also a large outbreak of cholera. A national day of prayer, or 'humiliation' was called on 7 March 1866 to pray for release from the situation.
#EYAReligion/Spirituality
#EYAReligion/Spirituality
It 's not quite winter yet, but the cold weather is heading our way. Our #ArchiveOfTheWeek is a recording of Brian Gill remembering being inspired to travel from Sheffield into the Hope Valley to walk during the famous heavy snow of 1947.
#1940s #weather
#1940s #weather
November 4, 2025 at 1:47 PM
It 's not quite winter yet, but the cold weather is heading our way. Our #ArchiveOfTheWeek is a recording of Brian Gill remembering being inspired to travel from Sheffield into the Hope Valley to walk during the famous heavy snow of 1947.
#1940s #weather
#1940s #weather
On 1 Feb 1870, the Sheffield–Chesterfield line opened. That same year, Edward Lucas & Son shipped goods from Dronfield Station to Dronfield Foundry. This consignment note offers a glimpse into the town’s industrial past: what was made and where it went.
#Railway200
#Railway200
November 3, 2025 at 4:24 PM
On 1 Feb 1870, the Sheffield–Chesterfield line opened. That same year, Edward Lucas & Son shipped goods from Dronfield Station to Dronfield Foundry. This consignment note offers a glimpse into the town’s industrial past: what was made and where it went.
#Railway200
#Railway200
Interested in your family history? Then Parish Registers are a great resource to consult. See our guide to the baptism, marriage and burial registers we hold for Church of England and Non-Conformists churches: https://recordoffice.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/church-registers/
#EYAReligion/Spirituality
#EYAReligion/Spirituality
Church Registers
A guide to Derbyshire Anglican, Catholic and Non-Conformist church registers. Derbyshire Record Office is also the Derby Diocesan Record Office for the Church of England. Many non-conformist churc…
recordoffice.wordpress.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Interested in your family history? Then Parish Registers are a great resource to consult. See our guide to the baptism, marriage and burial registers we hold for Church of England and Non-Conformists churches: https://recordoffice.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/church-registers/
#EYAReligion/Spirituality
#EYAReligion/Spirituality
We have lots of interesting books for sale in our #LocalStudies bookshop, covering a wide range of Derbyshire subjects and local authors. Do come in for a browse and find that perfect gift you've been looking for…
#LocalHistory
#LocalHistory
November 1, 2025 at 2:10 PM
We have lots of interesting books for sale in our #LocalStudies bookshop, covering a wide range of Derbyshire subjects and local authors. Do come in for a browse and find that perfect gift you've been looking for…
#LocalHistory
#LocalHistory
If you fancy a special Derbyshire treat this #Halloween, the book 'Traditional Derbyshire Fare' has recipes for Thor cakes, which are traditionally eaten around this time of year, as well as lots of anecdotes about all the recipes. Find a copy in our #LocalStudies library.
October 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM
If you fancy a special Derbyshire treat this #Halloween, the book 'Traditional Derbyshire Fare' has recipes for Thor cakes, which are traditionally eaten around this time of year, as well as lots of anecdotes about all the recipes. Find a copy in our #LocalStudies library.
If you were in Bolehill at #Halloween 2003, then you may have opened your door to this scary bunch of trick or treaters. The stuff of nightmares!
#PhotoFriday #EYAMonsters
#PhotoFriday #EYAMonsters
October 31, 2025 at 10:05 AM
If you were in Bolehill at #Halloween 2003, then you may have opened your door to this scary bunch of trick or treaters. The stuff of nightmares!
#PhotoFriday #EYAMonsters
#PhotoFriday #EYAMonsters
Looking for spooky thrills this Halloween? Our #LocalStudies library has you covered. Snuggle up and read a Derbyshire ghost story or get out and about this autumn for a spine-tingling ghost tour visiting historic places, planned using our Derbyshire haunted places books 👻
October 30, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Looking for spooky thrills this Halloween? Our #LocalStudies library has you covered. Snuggle up and read a Derbyshire ghost story or get out and about this autumn for a spine-tingling ghost tour visiting historic places, planned using our Derbyshire haunted places books 👻
These groups of excited onlookers are catching a glimpse of the world famous 'Flying Scotsman' as it passed by Shirebrook North Station Signal Box on the 18th April 1964.
#Railway200 #train #1960s
#Railway200 #train #1960s
October 30, 2025 at 10:50 AM
These groups of excited onlookers are catching a glimpse of the world famous 'Flying Scotsman' as it passed by Shirebrook North Station Signal Box on the 18th April 1964.
#Railway200 #train #1960s
#Railway200 #train #1960s
Our latest #NewAccession are photos of the Enthoven and Sons factory, Darley Dale, in the #1980s. Acquired from a London-based firm in 1941 parent company Billiton UK Ltd redeveloped the site to provide melting, smelting and refining facilities for recycling lead.
October 29, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Our latest #NewAccession are photos of the Enthoven and Sons factory, Darley Dale, in the #1980s. Acquired from a London-based firm in 1941 parent company Billiton UK Ltd redeveloped the site to provide melting, smelting and refining facilities for recycling lead.
Take a peek into the #1700s with our #ArchiveOfTheWeek, Derby Borough Quarter Sessions. It dealt with all sorts: road repair, illegitimate children and all kinds of petty crime, like the theft of a quilted petticoat, apron and fine woollen gown from a garden in Nov 1758.
![A statement by Dorothy Ford dated 21 November 1758 stating that: she had taken or stolen out of the Garden on Backside belonging to Anthony Clough in the Parish of Saint Werburgh in the said Borough one Quilted Petticoat, one white
apron, one white Scotch Cloth Handkerchief, and one Black Shalloon Gown which she had hung in the said Garden on Backside to dry, and that she
suspects the same to be stoln [sic] by some person or persons within the said Borough.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:wj5kvgounn6ciqi3kdn6mgas/bafkreibtha53uzbjhbtvzfcmhv5zwwpalweqjdo6zakfvg2so74tilsmou@jpeg)
October 28, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Take a peek into the #1700s with our #ArchiveOfTheWeek, Derby Borough Quarter Sessions. It dealt with all sorts: road repair, illegitimate children and all kinds of petty crime, like the theft of a quilted petticoat, apron and fine woollen gown from a garden in Nov 1758.
Representations of #BlackHistory are often filtered through white colonial lenses, such as these late 19th century adverts from Scales & Salter's, with illustrations from the Battle of Kirbean during the Mahdist War of the 1890s and King Cetshwayo of the Zulu Kingdom.
#BlackHistoryMonth
#BlackHistoryMonth
October 27, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Representations of #BlackHistory are often filtered through white colonial lenses, such as these late 19th century adverts from Scales & Salter's, with illustrations from the Battle of Kirbean during the Mahdist War of the 1890s and King Cetshwayo of the Zulu Kingdom.
#BlackHistoryMonth
#BlackHistoryMonth
The posts about the #Railway200 material we hold are only a tiny reflection of what we have. To give more of a sense of what we hold and to help in your research, here is a short guide to the published sources and archives relating to the rail industry in Derbyshire:
Researching Railways
A short guide to the published sources and archives relating to the rail industry in Derbyshire. A very brief history The Stockton-Darlington line, the world’s first public steam railway, opened in…
recordoffice.wordpress.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:45 AM
The posts about the #Railway200 material we hold are only a tiny reflection of what we have. To give more of a sense of what we hold and to help in your research, here is a short guide to the published sources and archives relating to the rail industry in Derbyshire:
On #WorldOperaDay, we just love this 1914 photograph of #Buxton Opera House, designed and built in 1903 by Frank Matcham, one of Britain's finest theatre architects. Still a beautiful and busy venue today, the doors first opened to the public on 1st June 1903.
#1900s
#1900s
October 25, 2025 at 1:05 PM
On #WorldOperaDay, we just love this 1914 photograph of #Buxton Opera House, designed and built in 1903 by Frank Matcham, one of Britain's finest theatre architects. Still a beautiful and busy venue today, the doors first opened to the public on 1st June 1903.
#1900s
#1900s
Vegetarians please look away now! On #WorldTripeDay we remember the Sam Adams Tripe Shop on Albert Street, Derby in 1982. Apparently, they also sold cow heels! Tastes certainly do change.
#PhotoFriday #1980s
#PhotoFriday #1980s
October 24, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Vegetarians please look away now! On #WorldTripeDay we remember the Sam Adams Tripe Shop on Albert Street, Derby in 1982. Apparently, they also sold cow heels! Tastes certainly do change.
#PhotoFriday #1980s
#PhotoFriday #1980s
This huge block of coal was hewn from Pollington Colliery, near New Brinsley, at the time the largest single piece of coal taken from a mine, 4 Tons 12 hundredweights (4,600Kg), loaded onto an Oakes railway truck to be taken to the London Colliery Exhibition 1903.
#EYAMonsters #coalmining
#EYAMonsters #coalmining
October 23, 2025 at 12:40 PM
This huge block of coal was hewn from Pollington Colliery, near New Brinsley, at the time the largest single piece of coal taken from a mine, 4 Tons 12 hundredweights (4,600Kg), loaded onto an Oakes railway truck to be taken to the London Colliery Exhibition 1903.
#EYAMonsters #coalmining
#EYAMonsters #coalmining
For this week's #Railway200 post, this is a copy of the proposal for the electric (light) railway from Derby to Ashbourne from 1897. It is not signed, but the author spent time in the USA: "Electric roads in America are rapidly taking the place of the old fashioned horse cars and cable cars".
October 23, 2025 at 9:40 AM
For this week's #Railway200 post, this is a copy of the proposal for the electric (light) railway from Derby to Ashbourne from 1897. It is not signed, but the author spent time in the USA: "Electric roads in America are rapidly taking the place of the old fashioned horse cars and cable cars".
Our latest #NewAccession is a little book of rules for Ilkeston Co-operative Society from 1958. The Coop in Ilkeston started as a little shop in Bath St in the late 19th century later moving to a larger shop on the Market Place.
#1950s
#1950s
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Our latest #NewAccession is a little book of rules for Ilkeston Co-operative Society from 1958. The Coop in Ilkeston started as a little shop in Bath St in the late 19th century later moving to a larger shop on the Market Place.
#1950s
#1950s