Celebrating Derby

Derby has been variously described as the ¿crossroads of history¿, ¿the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution¿, ¿the real ale capital of the world¿, ¿Jubilee City¿ and ¿the most haunted place in the country¿. It is all of these and much, much more. For over a century it was an important railway-manufacturing centre, and the city has made a significant contribution to the artistic and cultural life of the country, particularly famed Enlightenment artist Wright of Derby. Britain¿s first factory was established in Derby in 1721, and in 1745 Derby became the southernmost point reached by Bonnie Prince Charlie in his abortive attempt to overthrow King George II and seize the Crown. In the twentieth century Derby became the home of Rolls-Royce, which alone has contributed to a number of world-beating achievements. But Derby¿s greatest asset is its people. The inventiveness of individual engineers, artists and scientists has been supported by the craftsmanship and skill of t he workforce th