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Derby Leasing

Did You Know?

We know she’s a fictional video game character of course, but she was created by Derby-based game studio Core Design. So beloved in her hometown, near the city you’ll find Lara Croft Way. The road name was chosen by public vote when the new traffic system was created in 2010.

Derby lad Harry M. Stevens immigrated to America in the 1800s where he pioneered concession stands at baseball games. He’s been credited with inventing the hot dog with quick thinking when the paper that sausages were typically served on had run out.

Derby Arboretum is known for being England’s first public park but it’s also been cited as the inspiration for New York’s Central Park. Frederick Law Olmstead visited the grade II listed area in 1859 and incorporated some of the features into his design for the famed American city park.

Throughout the 18th century, Derby brought together some of brightest minds out there in art and philosophy that would inspire scientific and technological breakthroughs. This included Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles) who founded the Derby Philosophical Society, famed clockmaker and founder of the Lunar Society John Whitehurst, while the artist Joseph Wright was known for his innovative use of light in his paintings.

Known as Wright of Derby, Joseph Wright was one of the most important 18th century painters. His work is found in world-famous galleries in St Petersburg, New York, London and Australia – but the Derby Museum & Art Gallery (a five minute walk from our Derby University accommodation) is home to the world’s largest collection of Wright’s paintings.

You may be aware that Rolls Royce is Derby’s employer and it’s likely you’re aware of their very prestigious cars. However, a fun fact is Rolls Royce are now more known for being one of the UK’s leading suppliers of engines.

Derby’s Silk Mill is thought to have been the first factory in the world – and it was the first silk mill in England. Lombe’s Mill, as it was known, was built next to the River Derwent after John Lombe visited Piedmont in 1717 and returned to England with details of the Italian silk-throwing machines and Italian craftsmen.

The first human settlement of Derby was by the Romans who built a fort on high ground around Belper Road, overlooking the River Derwent, one of a line of forts seeking to protect the first boundary of their newly-conquered province. Soon realising the importance of the area, around AD80, they moved across the Derwent and built a new fort on the east side, calling it Derventio.