HANDYSIDES BRIDGE HERITAGE WALK
HANDYSIDES BRIDGE
Situated behind Haslam’s former factory on City Road is a fine bowstring bridge. It was built by Andrew Handyside in 1877 and crosses the River Derwent. He established his Britannia heavy engineering works and iron foundry in 1848. Originally, Handyside produced ornamental and architectural ironwork but later became involved with railway architecture.
Great Northern Railway
The bridge formerly carried the Great Northern Railway’s Nottingham to Derby line between North Parade and City Road and remained in use until closed by Dr Beeching. Originally, there was a public footway near the structure’s near side. But this was later removed when the listed bridge was renovated. Since then, pedestrians have used the main span, walking where the tracks were once laid.
Little Chester
The housing boom in Little Chester, Derby’s first suburb, took off in the 1890s. When houses were erected in a semi-crescent formation, along Chester Green Road, they were built to a good standard, with long back gardens running down to the Great Northern Railway line. The Romans established a large fortified settlement at Little Chester, which they named Derventio.
Darley Abbey
It was the Industrial Revolution, with water as the driving force, that saw Darley Abbey transformed from a small settlement into an important industrial village. Thanks to the entrepreneurial approach of Thomas Evans and his family. Today it forms part of The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The mills built by Thomas Evans, on the east bank of the Derwent, remain primarily intact although no longer used for cotton spinning. But for a diverse range of purposes.
THE WALK
A fascinating walk visiting historic Little Chester where the Roman fort, Derventio, once stood and Darley Abbey Mills which is now part of the Derwent Valley World Heritage Corridor. It is hard to find in all of Derbyshire a walk that combines so much heritage and beautiful scenery.
LOOK OUT FOR
THE ROUTE
Access Handysides Bridge either from the city centre by North Parade or the Derwent Riverside walk. Cross the bridge and follow the broad path to the right of Parker’s Piece playing field. Where a Roman underfloor heating system and an abundance of coins have been found.
2. On reaching City Road turn right past what was at one time the Haslam Foundry. Where, in 1880, the first refrigeration system was designed, which made it possible to import frozen food from Australia and other countries.
3. Go to the left across St Paul’s Road named after the church at the far end of the road. Little Chester Heritage Centre, which opened in 2001, is located at the church.
4. As you near Mansfield Road turn left along a tree-lined path across Chester Green ablaze with daffodils in spring.
5. On reaching Chester Green Road, turn left and then after a short distance right into Marcus Street. At the top end of the street are the remains of a Roman Well, which has been preserved together with postholes. Continue to the right of the well along a short passageway and turn left along Old Chester Road.
6. Go to the right at the junction with City Road to soon follow a tree-lined path across Darley Playing Fields.
7. Cross a footbridge and walk-up Folly Road with Derby Rugby Union Football Club on your right. At the end of the road go left through the Darley Abbey Mills complex now part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Corridor. Cross the temporary bridge over the River Derwent.
8. Once on the other side of the bridge turn left. Continue straight on down Darley Street past the Abbey Inn. The only remaining building from the original abbey is still intact. It may well once have been used by the monks to entertain guests.
9. Go to the left in front of the pub and walk diagonally through the public car park. Keep to the left of the cricket ground. This takes you close to the River Derwent. From there you follow the riverbank back to Handysides Bridge and the starting point of the walk.
