Derby Then & Now

Once an ancient chartered settlement with Roman origins, Derby was caught up in the leading edge of the Industrial Revolution and became the important manufacturing city and regional capital that it is today. Fortunately, despite its rapid expansion, Derby has managed to preserve much of its stunning medieval core, but much has also changed in Derby’s streets. In ninety fascinating archive and modern photographs comparing the Derby of old and the Derby of today, historian Maxwell Craven takes a fond look at the changes that have taken place in his hometown over the decades.

Maxwell Craven is an author, historian, conservation lobbyist, and graduate of the University of Nottingham. Following four years as a London broker, he was with Derby Museum 1974-1998 as an Education Officer, Assistant Keeper of Archaeology, and for 18 years, Keeper of Antiquities. He is the author of numerous books mainly on architecture, biography and local history, including a monograph on John Whitehurst FRS. He was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Derby (1996) and was elected FSA and appointed MBE in 1999.