Monument record MDR11376 - Racecourse Park, Derby
Type and Period (5)
- RACECOURSE (Victorian - 1845 AD to 1845 AD)
- RIFLE BUTTS (Victorian - 1870 AD? to 1880 AD?)
- CRICKET GROUND (Victorian - 1860 AD to 1870 AD)
- FOOTBALL GROUND (Victorian - 1884 AD to 1895 AD)
- PUBLIC PARK (Second World War to Mid 20th Century - 1945 AD? to 1950 AD?)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
Derby Racecourse was laid out in 1845 in an area partly known as The New Pastures or Cowsley Fields. The site was not built on previously, and within the oval area bounded by the racetrack the field pattern persisted, along with a pre-existing footpath running east-west, the line of which continues to this day. Horse racing started in 1848 and was organised by the Derby Recreational Company. A fine grandstand was built to the south-east of the track, designed by Derby architect Henry Duesbury. The southern part of the oval was used as a cricket ground from the 1860s. By the 1880s a rifle range also made use of the site, with butts off to the north-east of the Racecourse, as shown on the 25" Ordnance Survey map of 1882. The Racecourse was the original home of Derby County football club, used by them between 1884 and 1895. Racing stopped in 1939, and the Racecourse was used by the army for the duration of World War II. The racecourse was not reopened after the war, and instead football pitches were laid out for a new public park; preparatory work led to the uncovering of Roman remains. (1)
Sources/Archives (1)
- <1> SDR19816 Unpublished document: Sheppard, R (TPAU). 2006. An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of Derby Racecourse.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 36295 37536 (525m by 1820m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | DERBY, DERBY, DERBYSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
- EDR4032
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External Links (0)
Record last edited
Mar 18 2024 10:34AM