Derby, city and unitary authority, central England, on the Derwent River. Derby is a rail center and since the 18th century has been famous for the manufacture of porcelain. Other manufactures include aircraft and motor-vehicle parts, electrical apparatus, hosiery, and chemicals. Of note in Derby is the Cathedral of All Saints, which has a fine early-16th-century tower. Derby has a museum, several technical schools, and a grammar school (1160). The Romans established an outpost, Derventio, near the site of present-day Derby. An Anglo-Saxon settlement existed here, and in the 9th century it became a Danish borough. In 1717 the first silk mill in England was built at Derby. The manufacture of porcelain began in 1750. By the mid-19th century, Derby was a railroad service and equipment-manufacturing center. Until 1974, Derby was the county town of Derbyshire.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Derby Information info
|
