Derby, which lies along the River Derwent, is the most centrally located city in the UK. It is often used as a base for visitors exploring the nearby Peak District and offers several historical and cultural attractions.
Derby has been an important centre for trade since it was settled by the Romans in the 1st century CE. It was a popular market town in the Middle Ages and later became important in the textile, ceramic and transportation industries.
Anyone planning to visit Derby needs to be aware of the UK’s new ETA system for border entry. Here’s our guide to the city of Derby, detailing how to get around, what to see and the requirements for the new UK ETA for Derby.
History of Derby
Early history
The settlement that would become Derby was a Roman camp called Derventio, built around 48 CE. The remains of this camp are located in the suburb of Little Chester, just north of the city centre.
While there is evidence of a Mercian settlement in the area called Northworthy that was founded after the Roman occupation, the first settlement that would form the basis of modern Derby was founded by Danish settlers in the 9th century under the name of Deoraby. The surrounding Derbyshire area became known as Danelaw, and Derby became one of the Five Boroughs of the Danelaw, which was ruled by a Jarl with allegiance to the Norse King in York.
By 918 CE, the forces of Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians, had conquered the region. She died not long after her conquest, and soon after, Derby came under the rule of Edward the Elder, King of Wessex. By the time of the Norman conquest of Britain, Derby had become a major centre for agriculture in the region.
The Middle Ages to today
Derby received its first charter in 1206, which gave the town freedom from tolls and other privileges beneficial to trade. King Henry III granted a further charter in 1229 regarding the election of a provost at the king’s discretion.
In 1692, Derby became the first city in Britain to use a system for urban water supply using wooden pipes and waterwheel-powered pumps. This design, developed by the engineer George Sorocold to distribute water around the city, would remain in use in the following centuries and form the basis of today’s urban water supply systems.
The town was at the centre of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, and during the 18th century, its main industries were silk, porcelain and china. After King George III visited in 1773, he granted local producers the right to mark their china products with a crown, leading to its modern name of Royal Crown Derby.
During the 19th century, Derby’s industry turned towards engineering. The town became a major centre for transportation, particularly the railway industry in the 1840s and automobile and aircraft manufacturing from the early 20th century onwards. Derby was granted the status of a city by Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
What To See in Derby
Derby Cathedral
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Built on the site of the original 10th-century All Saints Church, this gothic cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Derby. The tower was completed in the early 16th century and is the oldest part of the building still standing, while the nave was completed in 1725 in a neo-classical style. The cathedral houses several historical attractions, including Florence Nightingale, Joseph Wright and Bonnie Prince Charlie memorials.
The Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill
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Situated in one of the world’s first modern factories, the Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a museum dedicated to Derby’s role in the Industrial Revolution. Visitors can explore collections of over 30,000 objects, from early mill machines to modern aircraft technology. The museum also hosts a range of workshops, activities, and special events.
Derby Market Hall
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Constructed in the mid-19th century, Derby Market Hall is situated in a large hall covered by a cylindrical glass ceiling. The Grade 2 listed building was constructed by the engineer Rowland Mason Ordish, who also designed and built the dome of London’s Royal Albert Hall and the roof of St Pancras station. Today, the Market Hall hosts stalls offering local artisanal products, upmarket stores and local delicacies.
Weather in Derby
Derby has an oceanic climate. Visitors can expect mild summers and cold, wet winters. The coldest month is January, with an average low of 2.1° C, while the warmest is July, averaging a high of 21.4° C. Rain can occur throughout the year, but the best months for good weather are from May through September.
Getting to Derby
There are several ways to reach Derby. Derby is part of the East Midlands Railway line, which runs daily from London to St Pancras. There are also services from Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham, as well as East Midlands Airport via Railink and Skylink bus transfers if arriving by air. National Express runs coach services to the Derby Bus Station. The city is also reachable by road via the M1 junction 24, accessible from the A6, A50, A38 and A52.
Details on the UK ETA for Derby
The UK government is implementing a new procedure for border entry into the UK as part of their new border and immigration system. Based on similar systems used in other nations, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system will streamline the border entry procedure for foreign nationals entering the UK while providing border security officers with the data they need to conduct an informed screening of all visitors. Prior to their trip, all visitors to the UK must be aware of the new ETA procedure. The following information is crucial for all potential visitors regarding the UK ETA for Derby.
Who Is Eligible for the UK ETA for Derby?
There are 92 nations whose citizens must apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK, according to the list of nations with ETA eligibility. All British citizens and passport holders are exempt from ETA requirements. Any person from an overseas territory or a protected person falls under this category. Irish citizens are currently exempt from the ETA system as well. This system is scheduled to go into effect in 2024.
What Are the Requirements for the UK ETA?
All visitors must possess a current electronic passport from an eligible country that does not call for a visa, according to the list of ETA requirements. Visitors are only permitted in the UK for up to six months at a time and must only be there temporarily for travel, business, or transit. Visitors must also not have any criminal records or immigration infractions that would make them a security threat. Finally, before beginning travel, all qualified visitors must submit an ETA application, pay the fee and wait for an approval email.
What Is the Reason for the UK ETA?
The new UK ETA system, according to the UK government, will increase security at all UK borders. Each traveller’s arrival, activities while they are in the UK, and departure will all be recorded by the system. The ETA will be used to gather information on visitors to the UK and their travel habits and efficiently pre-screen any visitors who might pose a risk. This process is designed to speed up entry for visitors to the UK while also giving border control agents the tools and information they need to screen each traveller quickly.
How To Apply for the UK ETA
The UK ETA Application process requires a traveller’s passport, home address, employment status, eligibility and payment details for the associated fee. Names, birth dates and genders are examples of personal information. The country of citizenship, passport number, issuance and expiration dates and any additional nationalities or citizenships are all included in a passport’s information. Contact information includes a person’s name, address and phone number, while visitors may be asked to provide information about their place of employment, including the name, address and contact information of their employer. The final aspect of eligibility is any prior criminal, immigration or health-related issues. The application can then be submitted for processing with a valid credit or debit card.
What To Do When the UK ETA is Granted
The ETA system will take a few days to process each application. The applicant will be able to start travelling to the United Kingdom once the application is accepted and an ETA is given. Carriers, who will only be permitted to board passengers with a valid ETA, will also have access to this information. The ETA is good for up to six months from the date of issuance, after which the visitor needs to get a new one in order to travel back to the UK. Visit the ETA FAQ website to find out more.
Visiting Derby
Derby has been important in industry development in the UK and is a popular destination due to its scenic places of interest and historical significance in the region. Visitors who intend to visit the UK in the near future must be aware of the UK ETA for Derby before they travel.