When Derby town centre saw the light
THIS fascinating photo featuring one of Derby’s long-gone buildings was recently discovered in an old magazine. Local history enthusiast Vic Belshaw, who lives in Littleover, spotted the photo in a magazine called Electrical Technical, which dates back to 1894.
Vic said: “This Victorian photograph appeared in a technical article dated July 1894 and is entitled ‘Laying the Mains at Derby.’
“Although it does not state the location for the photograph, the distinctive architecture on the left of the picture clearly shows it is the old Assembly Rooms on the east side of the Market Place, looking south.
“The building was dismantled in the 1970s and re-erected at the wonderful Crich Tramway Village in what can only be described as a
partial victory for common sense. In the distance of this photograph can be seen the magnificent Royal Oak pub (now Royal Oak House, Register Office) and, adjoining this, the old Borough Police Office.
“Just in the picture on the right is part of the Guildhall.
“The history of electric lighting in Derby goes back to 1890 when the Electric Lighting Committee recommended that Derby Corporation borrowed £3,000 for the purpose of providing an appropriate system.
“In October 1893, the new power station was opened on Silk Mill Lane [later Full Street]. This provided sufficient electricity for private lighting and also street lamps. The steam raising plant for the power station comprised three traditional Lancashire boilers, which I was surprised to read were manufactured by Fletcher & Co.
“Historians of engineering in Derby may also be surprised at this fact as this company is invariably associated with sugar processing machinery.
“At that particular time, the well known boiler manufacturing company of International Combustion Limited were many years from establishing their works on Sinfin Lane.”