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Derby
Resting on the River Derwent, the Viking city of Derby has been at the heart of some of the most important events in Britain. It has had it's place in industry, revolution and theatre, and remains one of the gems of England's Midlands.
The city was at the heart of the industrial revolution, an event that transformed the nature of England and much of the world. The world's first water powered silk mill was opened there in 1717, and the city came to specialise in cloth manufacture, especially cotton spinning, with a water powered cotton mill - another world first - opening in 1771.
In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie's rebellion had reached as far south as Derby when he received news that the King was mustering forces and decided to withdraw - to defeat at Colluden, it turned out. His time in the city is commemorated each December with a parade through the streets.
Set close by the beautiful Derbyshire Dales, the city has had many famous citizens, including essayist Dr Johnson; John Flamsteed, the first astronomer Royal; Florence Nightingale and two Victoria Cross winners.
The modern city is vibrant and exciting, home to Derby Jazz, an internationally renowned music organisation; prestigious sport venues for cricket, football and rugby and the Derby Playhouse, which specialises in works by American stage musical composer Stephen Sondheim. It also claims to be the most haunted city in Britain.
