Romans, Saxons, Vikings, risings and revolution...at the crossroads of history

FROM Roman roads to Rolls-Royce engines, Derby's dramatic past is the subject of a vivid new history book by a local author.

- By EVA MILLETT

Derby: A Potted History, is the latest work by historian and author Michael Smith, who has written more than a dozen books focused on Derby and Derbyshire’s heritage.

The 96-page paperback traces more than a thousand years of the city’s past and includes over 100 colour illustrations, many taken by Michael himself.

It covers a wide sweep of Derby's history, from Roman occupation and Viking battles to its central role in the Industrial Revolution and both world wars.

Michael, 78, who was born and raised in Derby, said his interest in the city’s history dates back to childhood.

“My father took me on a sort of dads and lads walk around Derby looking at all the historic sites like the Bridge Chapel, and we went around the museum and all those sorts of things,” says Michael.

“I taught history. I love history. I taught it in schools, I've taught it for Nottingham University, it keeps me out of trouble.”

He described Derby as the “crossroads of history” and said many of the events that put the city on the national stage happened by accident.

“It’s partly just luck and just chance more than anything else,” says Michael.