The Derby Arboretum (park) in Normanton was England's first public park and was bequeathed to the town of Derby by a local philanthropist Joseph Strutt, It was designed by John Claudius Loudon.
It was opened in September 1840 and it attracted thousands of people from the midlands who traveled here by Steam train to sing, dance and listen to the bands who would play in the Band stand.
The Prime Minister Lord Palmerston presented Derby with two cannons and these were placed in the Arboretum, I'm not sure these are here today.
Unfortunately in recent years this park has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, But this is about to change as a £5.6 Million regeneration project is just starting to restore this park to its former glory.
For a large scale map location with the park indicated with an arrow click HERE
For an Aerial photo of the park area click HERE
Image Reference No. : DP-040701ARBOR-01
Exact Map location : Click HERE
Date photo taken : 4th July 2001
Other Information : The Arboretum is a smallish park but it is landscaped like this so it seems quite large as you walk around it. there used to be a great statue of a Boar at the end of this path which was made of Italian marble designed by John Coffee. It was removed following damage during World War Two.
Image Reference No. : DP-040701ARBOR-02
Date photo taken : 4th July 2001
Other Information : The fountain can be seen here in the distance.
Image Reference No. : DP-040701ARBOR-03
Date photo taken : 4th July 2001
Other Information : This cast iron fountain was built in 1840 and it still works, although not at the time I took this photograph.
Image Reference No. : DP-040701ARBOR-04
Date photo taken : 4th July 2001
Other Information : This is one of the summer houses that are around the perimeter of the park. The statue of Sir Henry Royce made in 1933 used to be located on the left side of this walk, the statue was then moved to the River gardens in the 1970's and in the 1980's was finally moved to the Rolls-Royce headquarters on Victory road.
