Events include a first plague victim, a tragic queen, rock and roll royalty, the crowning of champions and a sporting debut to forget
451 YEARS AGO: MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS DEPARTS WINGFIELD MANOR FOR THE FINAL TIME
Mary Queen of Scots, who spent many years under house arrest in Derbyshire, notably in Buxton, Chatsworth and the now ruined Wingfield Manor, left the latter for the final time in September 1569 – moving to Tutbury Castle which was deemed more secure amid the imminent threat posed by the Northern Rebellion.
355 YEARS AGO: THE PLAGUE CLAIMS ITS FIRST VICTIM IN EYAM
As the plague ravaged London in 1665, Eyam tailor George Viccars took delivery of a seemingly innocuous package of cloth from the capital. On September 7 he became the first villager to die. The plague had arrived in Eyam and the village would never be the same again.
180 YEARS AGO: BRITAIN’S FIRST PARK IS UNVEILED IN DERBYSHIRE – AND INSPIRES ICONIC NEW YORK LOCATION
Derby Arboretum was the first ever public park in Britain and is believed to have been the inspiration behind New York’s famous Central Park. It was given as a gift to Derby on September 16 1840 by Joseph Strutt, who became rich through the Industrial Revolution. The area had previously been used as his summer retreat.
136 YEARS AGO: FIRST MATCH ENDS IN HEAVY DEFEAT
Derby County Football Club was formed in 1884 and it was in September of that year that they played their first ever match – a friendly against Great Lever. It didn’t go well, though. They lost the game 6-0! Fortunately, better times lay ahead.
75 YEARS AGO: LADYBOWER RESERVOIR GAINS ROYAL APPROVAL
Having been delayed due to the Second World War, the construction of Ladybower Reservoir – which had resulted in the deliberate flooding of two villages, some of the remains of which still lie deep beneath the water today – was completed and officially opened on September 25 by King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth.
69 YEARS AGO: GRADE I LISTED STATUS FOR THE ‘PALACE OF THE PEAK’
On September 29 1951 Chatsworth House was granted Grade I listed status, meaning it is officially recognised as a building of exceptional interest. Construction of this grand Derbyshire stately home began way back in 1687 and was originally owned by Bess of Hardwick and Sir William Cavendish.
51 YEARS AGO: MUSIC ROYALTY TAKE TO THE BUXTON STAGE
Rock icons Fleetwood Mac played a gig at Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens Ballroom on September 26 1969; performing a nine-song set. The venue played host to numerous high-profile bands throughout the decade, including twice welcoming the Beatles while the Fab Four were on the cusp of worldwide stardom during the early years of the 1960s.
45 YEARS AGO: BIRTH OF A THEATRE
Derby Playhouse, with a seating capacity of 535, was officially opened on September 20 1975 by the 11th Duke of Devonshire. It closed in 2008 but was reopened as Derby Theatre a year later and is now owned and run by the University of Derby.
15 YEARS AGO: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE RELEASED
The iconic motion picture Pride and Prejudice, based on the 1813 novel by Jane Austin, was released in September 15 years ago. Featuring the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen, filming took place at a number of Derbyshire locations as stars of stage and screen temporarily resided in the county. Filming locations included Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and various parts of the Peak District.
8 YEARS AGO: LAST-DAY SPORTING SUCCESS IN FRONT OF THE CAMERAS
In front of the Sky Sports cameras broadcasting to millions, Derbyshire County Cricket Club overcame the odds by being crowned Division Two champions in September 2012. It followed a six-wicket victory over Hampshire with Derbyshire topping the table on 194 points - pipping cricketing giants Yorkshire to the post. It was the club’s first title in 19 years.
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