MARKEATON PARK
PARK LOCATION
The main entrance to the park is off the Markeaton traffic island where the A38 and A52 cross. Alternatively, it can be entered off Markeaton Lane, on the opposite side of the park, where there is additional parking and quick access to the Mundy Play Centre. It has over 207 acres of parkland and is one of Derby’s largest parks and offers a wide range of activities and attractions.
THE PARK
When Markeaton is mentioned, most people immediately think of Markeaton Park, with its numerous fun attractions for children and special events. Rather than the ancient settlement of Markeaton on the western side of the park,
A craft village now occupies what were once Markeaton Hall stables. It consists of several individual units selling a wide range of goods, where visitors can watch skilled craftsmen at work. The craft village, which has been extensively refurbished, is open throughout the year, but the times of opening of individual units vary.
HISTORY
Markeaton Estate was very extensive and dominated the northwest side of Derby, from 1086 to the early part of the 20th century.
In 1516, the manor of Markeaton, together with Mackworth and Allestree came into the hands of John Mundy, a goldsmith, who six years later became the Lord Mayor of London and was knighted in 1529. The last Mundy to live at Markeaton was Francis Noel who died in 1903, and on the death of his wife 26 years later, the estate passed to the Rev William Clarke-Maxwell.
The hall, built-in 1755, and 16 acres of gardens were left to the Council, with the stipulation that they should be used to benefit the citizens of Derby. In addition, the council also purchased other lands from Clarke-Maxwell.
Prior to her death, Mrs Mundy gave seven acres of land to the people of Derby, where the Corporation constructed a children’s play area and paddling pool, calling it ‘The Mundy Playing Field’. The hall was in a somewhat dilapidated state when it was left to the city and, after being used by the Army during the Second World War, it was eventually declared unsafe and knocked down.