10 fascinating facts about Swadlincote

1. Eddie “The Eagle" Edwards warmed the nation’s hearts when he competed for Great Britain in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, despite coming last in 70m and 90m events.

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He learned to ski at Swadlincote on the dry ski slope and still visits from time to time. His story of true British spirit was made into a film and proved a popular box-office attraction.

2. Locals often shorten the town name to ‘Swad’.

3. The mining of coal in the area was first recorded in February 1293 but it was not until the Industrial Revolution that it became a major local industry. The last pit, Cadley Hill, closed in March 1988, marking the end of deep coal mining in South Derbyshire.

4. Swadlincote Town Hall, also known as Swadlincote Market Hall, was built in 1861 from money raised by public subscription.