queen's visit to chesterfield

The day The Queen came to Chesterfield

Her Majesty was in town to open the new hospital

• 15:10, 9 SEP 2022

Never miss a story and read the latest headlines with our free email updates

We have more newsletters

The year is 1985, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was 32 years into her reign and had already paid a number of visits, official or otherwise, to Derbyshire. However, on this day, March 15, the Royal party were in town to mark a very special moment in the history of Chesterfield.

Hundreds of people gathered up Hady Hill and onto Chesterfield Road where the new Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Hospital had been built. It was the Queen's duty to officially open the hospital, known in modern times as Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Inside the hospital, built to replace the former Chesterfield Royal Hospital on Basil Close in the town centre, hundreds of nurses gathered in the main entrance waiting to meet the Queen.

Read More: In pictures: Remembering the times Queen Elizabeth II visited Derbyshire

The site, far smaller than it is now near Calow, had opened to patients on April 29, 1984, but it wasn't until the Queen arrived nearly a year later that the hospital was officially opened.

Pictures taken at the time of the official opening show Her Majesty the Queen walking into the main entrance holding a bunch of flowers and her famous handbag. The nurses are crammed in behind a rope grabbing a glimpse of the Monarch, some with cameras in hand to capture the historic moment.

Her Majesty also met a number of patients who were already being treated by staff from a number of different departments. The visit marked the latest in a number of visits members of the Royal family had made, and continued to make, to Derbyshire over the many decades.

Since the visit in 1985, the site near Calow has expanded with numerous new departments being added over the years. The hospital also continued the connection with the Royal Family with the now King Charles III opening a new Chemotherapy unit in 1999.

Queen Elizabeth also awarded the hospital's NHS Foundation Trust the George Cross earlier in 2022.

Guidance on mourning for workplaces, shops, sports and events following death of Queen Elizabeth

Queen was in 'really good spirits' in the days leading up to her death

The Queen has died aged 96 - reaction and tributes from Derbyshire

Derbyshire schools mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in different ways

The Queen's funeral plans and national day of mourning

• Royal Family
• Monarch Airlines
• Most Recent

Glover: Queen's visit to Chesterfield in 1977

Where's the video clip.

It looks as if this video clip is not available online yet.  

Use the enquiry button on the right and we’ll get back to you to discuss the quickest way for you to view it.

Master format:

Description.

The film is made up a of a series of shots that show the crowd developing on a street in Chesterfield as preparations are made for a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. It ends as the car carrying the Queen passes the camera person's vantage point.

No credits specified

Today's Digital Daily

site categories

Parent item expand the sub menu, balenciaga fall 2024 couture: pushing the envelope, the best street style at paris couture week, vestiaire collective ceo max bittner on potential ipo, queen camilla and empress masako of japan coordinate in crisp white dresses and pearls during state visit in london.

The queen consort repurposed a Philip Treacy hat she wore to a Buckingham Palace garden party last May.

Senior Digital News Writer

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on X
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Pin It
• Share this article on Tumblr
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on LinkedIn
• Share this article on WhatsApp
• Share this article on Email
• Print this article
• Share this article on Talk

Queen Camilla joined King Charles III and Prince William to welcome the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit to the U.K. in London on Tuesday. The royals greeted Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan , followed by a carriage ride to Buckingham Palace.

Related Articles

Avril lavigne does couture: behind the scenes in paris at the tamara ralph show, cate blanchett goes strapless in embellished jumpsuit with dramatic v-neckline and more looks at armani privé fall 2024 couture front row, you may also like.

Queen Camilla’s black-and-white ensemble complemented the look worn by Empress Masako of Japan. Empress Masako also favored a white ensemble with tiered fabric near the bottom of the skirt and lace detailing throughout. She coordinated her look with a complementary hat and pearl earrings, as well.

Black-and-white dressing has quickly become a go-to color scheme for Queen Camilla. She recently wore a similar color palette, opting instead for monochromatic white dressing, for the D-Day anniversary commemoration in Normandy . Coincidentally, her ensemble coordinated with First Lady of France Brigitte Macron.

On the occasion she wore her black-and-white Philip Treacy hat at the Buckingham Palace garden party last May, Camilla fashioned a coordinated black-and-white ensemble by Fiona Clare — one of the queen consort’s go-to designers.

While Queen Camilla consistently favors similar silhouettes by designers like Anna Valentine and Fiona Clare, the queen consort is always open to playful patterns and prints. Her black-and-white dressing, however, is evocative of the type of formal occasion a state visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan represents. With further royal duties ahead in 2024, it’s a color motif the royal may favor again soon.

Queen Camilla’s Royal Style Throughout King Charles III’s Reign [PHOTOS]

Sign up for WWD news straight to your inbox every day

WWD Recommends

Avril lavigne does couture: behind the scenes in paris at the tamara ralph show.

• By Leigh Nordstrom

Des Phemmes’ Salvo Rizza on Tweaking Brand Strategy, Venturing Into New Categories

• Designer and Luxury
• By Sandra Salibian

Margaret Qualley Talks About The ‘Impact’ of Her Character’s Wardrobe in ‘Kinds of Kindness’

WWD and Women's Wear Daily are part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Fairchild Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Fashion Expand fashion menu

• Fashion Trends
• Fashion Features
• Fashion Scoops
• Designer & Luxury
• Ready-To-Wear
• Accessories

Business Expand business menu

• Government & Trade
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Marketing & Promotion
• Human Resources
• Business Features
• Real Estate

Beauty Expand beauty menu

• Beauty Features

Men's Expand mens menu

• Mens Accessories
• Mens Clothing Furnishings
• Mens Designer Luxury
• Mens Lifestyle
• Mens Retail Business
• Mens Sportswear
• Mens Fashion

Runway Expand runway menu

• Men’s Fall 2024
• Pre-Fall 2024
• Spring Ready-to-Wear 2024
• Fall Couture 2023
• Resort 2024

Denim Expand denim menu

Sustainability expand sustainability menu.

• Environment
• Social Impact

Home/Design Expand home-design menu

• Interior Design
• Architecture

WWD Weekend Expand wwd-weekend menu

Events expand events menu, eye expand eye menu.

• Celebrity Real Estate

Shop Expand shop menu

More expand more menu.

• Fairchild Live
• RetailRx Community

Verify it's you

Please log in.

UK's King Charles welcomes Japan's Emperor Naruhito for state visit

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar, Alexandra Hudson and Bill Berkrot

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

UN-led Doha meeting with Taliban not about recognition, says UN

A United Nations-led meeting with Afghanistan's Taliban in Qatar this weekend will not be a discussion about international recognition of the group, U.N. political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo said on Wednesday.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Japan’s emperor says he looks forward to deepening ties with Britain’s royals during UK visit

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito speaks during a press conference at the Imperial Palace in advance of his visit to Britain, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool)

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito attends a press conference at the Imperial Palace in advance of his visit to Britain, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool)

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, center, behind, attends a press conference at the Imperial Palace in advance of his visit to Britain, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool)

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, center, speaks during a press conference at the Imperial Palace in advance of his visit to Britain, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool)

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito walks to address a press conference at the Imperial Palace in advance of his visit to Britain, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool)

• Copy Link copied

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Emperor Naruhito said Wednesday he is “delighted” to finally be able to visit Britain after the trip was delayed by several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he looks forward to rekindling his friendship with the British royal family and exploring Oxford, where he studied about 40 years ago.

Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako, will make a weeklong visit to Britain starting Saturday. The trip was originally planned for 2020 at the invitation of the late Queen Elizabeth II as the first of his overseas visits after his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019.

“I’m truly delighted to be able to make a visit to Britain this time,” Naruhito told reporters ahead of the June 22-29 trip. The emperor said he regretted that they could not make the trip while Queen Elizabeth was alive.

“Through our upcoming visit, I would like to reflect on the long history of exchanges fostered between Japan and Britain,” Naruhito said. He hoped to nurture the friendship with King Charles III and Queen Camilla and other members of Britain’s royal family, and boost relations between the two sides through meetings and exchanges.

Naruhito thanked King Charles III for accommodating the visit while he recovers from cancer treatment. He wished both Charles and Catherine, the Princess of Wales , who is also undergoing cancer treatment, a speedy recovery.

Japan’s imperial family has had close relations with Britain’s royal family for three generations starting from his grandfather, late Emperor Hirohito.

Naruhito acknowledged that there had been difficult times when Japan and Britain fought on opposing sides during World War II, but he said Japan has since focused on peace and prosperity on the global stage. Japan and Britain have developed strong ties in areas from the economy to science and technology and culture, he said.

The trip includes a visit to Oxford University, where both he and Masako studied separately before their marriage. Naruhito said he looks forward to returning to Oxford and exploring the city with his wife together for the first time.

Naruhito researched the 18th-century Thames River transport system while at Merton College from 1983 to 1985.

The emperor recalled the late queen serving him tea at Buckingham Palace when he visited London in 1983. He also fondly remembered being invited to a barbecue with the queen and other royals, and going fly fishing in Scotland with then-Prince Charles.

During his upcoming trip, Naruhito will visit the Thames Barrier, pay respects to the grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abby, lay flowers at the tombs of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the King George VI Chapel in Windsor, and visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, among other activities.

The couple has a relatively relaxed schedule in part due to considerations for Masako, who is still recovering from the stress-induced conditions she developed soon after she giving birth to the couple’s only child, Princess Aiko and amid pressure to have a son to continue Japan’s male-only imperial succession.

‘Are you the Queen?’ Camilla asked during visit to primary school

The Queen was asked: “Are you the Queen?” by an excited seven-year-old pupil during a visit to a primary school on Wednesday.

“That’s me!” she cheerily responded as she chatted to the Year Two pupils at Christ Church CofE Primary School in Chelsea, west London.

Her Majesty also met a young Charles and a Kamilla during the visit and expressed mock surprise as she came face-to-face with a mosaic of the King at his Coronation .

“Oh my goodness, that’s my husband!” she laughed as she admired the children’s work.

The Queen, who wore a floral black and white Fiona Clare dress, was visiting the school to hear about a literary festival in which pupils are sponsored to read books. She heard about the various activities the school is using to promote reading for pleasure among its young pupils.

She told the children they “must keep on reading forever and ever” and that if they did so, by the time they were grown up they would be “stars”.

The Queen was met on arrival by two Year 4 pupils, Marina, nine, and Lexi, eight, who had been practising their curtsies.

“So you’re showing me around, are you?” she asked them. “Excellent.”

The Queen, 76, was in the playground chatting to pupils about the book The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch when Yemariam, seven, called out: “Are you the Queen?”

Her Majesty appeared amused as she confirmed that yes, she was indeed.

In the reception classroom, she asked various groups of young children what they were drawing.

“Can I sit on your table?” She asked one group as she perched alongside them. “It might break! If you see me go down, there might be a crash. Will you pick me up again?”

As she waved goodbye to the children, one boy called out: “I’m Charles!”

“Are you? That’s what my husband is called,” she said. “Just the same name.”

There was another reminder of her husband as she stepped outside, where Year 3 pupils were waiting to show her a mosaic they had made depicting the King on the day of his Coronation, wearing a crown and his velvet robes and holding a staff.

The mosaic was titled “King Charles III” with May 6 2023 below.

“It looks pretty good to me,” the Queen said, as two Year 4 pupils, Leo and Hannah, both nine, told her all about it.

“Did you do bits of this?” she asked. “It’s very clever. I think that’s brilliant.”

The two children pointed out which tiles they had stuck on. The mosaic was designed from sketches drawn by the children, which were combined by the school’s visiting mosaic artist.

In the Year 4 classroom, the children were making felt butterflies, which the Queen dutifully admired.

One girl told her that she was called Kamilla. “You are called Kamilla?” the Queen responded. “Hello Kamilla, from another Camilla.

“Have you got a Kamilla butterfly here? How do you do it? Lots of different steps.”

The teacher said she had never heard the children so quiet. “The minute I go out of the door, the noise will escalate,” the Queen laughed.

Outside, she met various groups of children in the playground, some of whom were learning about The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch.

The Queen asked whether they had learnt any new words, one of which was “industrious”.

“Are you made to spell it as well?” she asked. “That is going to be really hard.”

Another word was “devour”, which the Queen said: “That explains a lot of eating, doesn’t it.”

Sponsored to read

The school’s literary festival, which began on June 10 and runs until July 5, encourages children to be sponsored by family and friends to read as many books as possible.

Marina, one of the girls who was showing the Queen around, told her that her father was sponsoring her £4 a book.

“Is he? That’s pretty good,” she replied. “So how many books have you read?”

Told it was ten, she exclaimed: “That’s a lot of money!”

The Queen watched some children recite passages from their favourite books before being offered a slice of cake, which was decorated with the names of books.

“I was wondering who had made that delicious cake,” she said. “I’ll take some and eat it later.”

The Queen then watched the school choir perform two songs, The Secret Owl Society and Hallelujah, in the hall before presenting the school with a selection of books, including The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Hairy Maclary, Swallows and Amazons and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

‘Brilliant idea’

Delivering a brief, off-the-cuff address to the school, she said: “I’d just like to say to you all that I think it’s a brilliant idea to have a literary festival. I’m so impressed by your reading and just remember you must keep on reading forever and ever.

“It’s going to take you off on millions of adventures all over the world and the more you read as you grow up, it will be bigger and better for all of you. So keep on reading and by the time you are grown up, you are all going to be stars. So well done and thank you very much for having me.”

The Queen was presented with a posy of flowers from the school garden and posed for photographs with the whole school before leaving.

Play The Telegraph’s brilliant range of Puzzles - and feel brighter every day. Train your brain and boost your mood with PlusWord, the Mini Crossword, the fearsome Killer Sudoku and even the classic Cryptic Crossword.

King Charles to Welcome Japanese Emperor and Empress for First State Visit Since His Cancer Diagnosis

E mperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan are in the U.K. for a state visit hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the first for the British monarch since he announced his cancer diagnosis in February and stepped back from public duties.

The state visit—rescheduled from 2020 after it was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic—begins on Tuesday and takes place across several days . 

The trip aims to bolster ties between the two nations, whose royal families have enjoyed close relations for three generations, from the late Emperor Hirohito, Emperor Naruhito’s grandfather.

The trip also marks a sentimental return to Britain for the 64-year-old Anglophile Emperor, who attended the University of Oxford as a fellow researching the history of transportation on the Thames. Before his departure, the Emperor spoke well of his time in the U.K. "I have fond memories of the heartwarming hospitality I received from Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family, making me feel like I was part of their family," he said during a news conference in Tokyo.

Emperor Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in May 2019, after his father Akihito abdicated from the world’s oldest monarchy. His trip to the U.K. was originally intended to be his first state visit, which would have marked the third Japanese state visit that Queen Elizabeth would have hosted in her lifetime. In her 70-year reign, the Queen hosted Emperor Hirohito in 1971 and his eldest son Emperor Akihito in 1998.

The Emperor and Empress arrived in London over the weekend and spent two days attending private engagements ahead of festivities with the British royal family. Monday saw the couple v isit the Thames Barrier , the retractable flood control gates embedded in London’s largest river, as a nod to his long standing fascination with the waterway.

Here’s what’s in store for the state visit:

Tuesday, June 25

On Tuesday, William, the Prince of Wales, will greet the Emperor and Empress at their hotel, before traveling with them to Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial welcome.

The King and Queen will then host lunch as well as a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, with many royal observers keen to see if Kate, the Princess of Wales, will also be in attendance after months away from the spotlight while she receives cancer treatment. The Princess surprised fans on June 15 , when she attended the annual Trooping the Colour parade and posed on the Buckingham Palace balcony for photographs.

Wednesday, June 26

The Emperor and Empress’ subsequent days will be filled with a number of activities, including Wednesday’s trip to the Francis Crick Institute, the U.K.’s flagship biomedical research center. Japan is a world leader in cancer clinical research and the institute is home to a U.K.-Japan research partnership across a number of public health concerns, including cancer and vaccinations. 

Thursday, June 27

On Thursday, the couple will travel to Windsor Castle to lay a wreath on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Sept. 8, 2022 . The couple were among global leaders and royals who attended the historic funeral service at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 19 that year.

They will also stop by the Japan: Myths to Manga exhibition at the Young V&A museum, before heading to the tourist hotspot Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. Across its 330 acres, Kew Gardens contain a number of nods to Japanese culture, from towering bonsai trees to the Japanese Gateway, a replica of a Kyoto temple.

Friday, June 28

The couple will end their trip with their first mutual visit to their shared alma mater in Oxford, before heading home. Before they depart, they will be greeted by the Lord Chamberlain who will formally bid them farewell. 

More Must-Reads from TIME

• Melinda French Gates Is Going It Alone
• How to Buy Groceries Without Breaking the Bank
• Lai Ching-te Is Standing His Ground
• What’s the Best Pillow Setup for Sleep?
• How Improv Comedy Can Help Resolve Conflicts
• 4 Signs Your Body Needs a Break
• The 15 Best Movies to Watch on a Plane
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Write to Armani Syed at [email protected]

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Chesterfield (Derbyshire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Chesterfield (Derbyshire, England)

A mining town until the 1980s, Chesterfield’s industrial sites have been regenerated and the town is almost unrecognisable from just a generation ago.

The Medieval alleys and courtyards in the old centre are commanded by the postcard landmark, the crooked spire of the Parish Church.

At Chesterfield you’re on the east flank of the Peak District National Park, while Hardwick Hall, one of the England’s finest Elizabethan estates, is tantalisingly close.

The town’s most distinguished resident was the 19th-century civil engineer, George Stephenson, described as the “Father of Railways” and remembered with an inspiring exhibition at the Chesterfield Museum.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Chesterfield :

1. Chesterfield Parish Church

The Church of St Mary and All Saints, also the Crooked Spire Church, is Chesterfield’s big landmark, famed for its twisting and leaning spire.

Even the local football team, Chesterfield FC, is nicknamed the Spirites.

That spire dates to 1362, and while the twist is intentional, and was common in Europe at the time, its tilt was caused by centuries and expansion and contraction in the lead tiles coating the structure.

Of course, there are local legends explaining the twist and the lean, one being that a local virgin married in the church, and the building was so surprised that it span around to see the bride.

On Fridays and Saturdays you can take a 45-minute tour of the tower, taking you part way up to take in the townscape and Derbyshire countryside.

2. Chesterfield Canal

When it was completed in 1777, this waterway connected Chesterfield with the River Trent at Stockwith, 46 miles away.

With the 2.6-kilometre Norwood Tunnel and some of the first staircase locks in the UK, Chesterfield Canal was a groundbreaking piece of engineering, exporting coal, limestone and lead, and bringing in timber, corn and fresh produce.

A partnership between Derbyshire County Council and the Chesterfield Canal Trust has fully restored the waterway between Chesterfield and Staveley Town Basin.

The green, peaceful towpath is named the Cuckoo Way can be cycled or walked.

There’s also visitor centre at Tapton Lock, and you can take narrowboat trips from Hollingwoodhub, both in striking distance of the town.

3. Hardwick Hall

The definition of an Elizabethan Prodigy House, Hardwick Hall pushed the boundaries of stately architecture in the late 16th century.

What will strike you right away is the size of the windows, giving rise to the saying “Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall”. As a Prodigy House, Hardwick Hall was a statement of power and wealth for Bess of Hardwick, an irrepressible businesswoman who also increased her wealth with help of four shrewd marriages.

On the facade you can see Bess’s initials “ES” in openwork above six banqueting house pavilions that shape the hall’s silhouette.

On the inside there’s furniture and stunning tapestries which have been in the house’s inventory since Bess was here.

4. Hardwick Old Hall

In the grounds you’ll come across the vestiges of Hardwick Old Hall, looked after by English Heritage.

Like Bess’s new hall, this is a Grade I-listed monument and predates its neighbour by a few years, later becoming guest accommodation.

There’s an exhibition in the adjoining West Lodge, going into depth on Bess of Hardwick and the evolving architecture of Elizabethan England.

The ruins of the Old Hall are thrilling too, for the craftsmanship of the plasterwork over the fireplaces in the main rooms.

You can make your way up four floors of this roofless building for an all-encompassing panorama of the estate.

5. Stainsby Mill

Something else to see on the grounds of Hardwick Hall is this 19th-century flour mill, managed by the National Trust and in perfect working condition.

A mill has stood on this spot sine the 1200, but the present building composed of dressed sandstone dates from 1846. Go in to find how all the wheels, cogs and gears function, and follow the course of wheat from the field to the flour bag.

You can grind your own flour to take home, and the mill even hands out traditional recipes for bread.

Outside you can negotiate the Miller’s Shoe Walk next to the mill race and pond that feed the waterwheel.

6. Bolsover Castle

A day out not to turn down, Bolsover Castle is 15 minutes in the car from Chesterfield and is a resplendent Stuart mansion.

Designed as a statement of luxury rather than for defence, it was built at the start of the 17th-century by the Cavendish family, on top of an earlier castle dating back to the 1100s.

Most lavish is the Little Castle, ordered by the courtier and playboy Sir William Cavendish, and playing host to King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria in 1634, when Cavendish spent an incredible £15,000 to entertain them.

The Little Castle has been restored and has marble fireplaces and colourful frescoes on its walls and ceilings.

Don’t miss the wall walk on the faux battlements and the Terrace Range facing the Vale of Scarsdale.

7. Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery

This compelling, multifaceted museum is in the grand Stephenson Memorial Hall, built as a mechanics school in a neo-Gothic style in 1879 and occupied by the museum since 1994. No aspect of Chesterfield’s history is overlooked, whether it’s the Romans or the Industrial Revolution.

An attention-grabbing exhibit is the rare builder’s windlass, a Medieval wooden wheel used to lift stone material during the construction of the Parish Church.

One man who features repeatedly in the art gallery is Joseph Syddall (1864-1942), considered one of the most accomplished draughtsmen of the time and commissioned for the illustrations of Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles in Graphic Magazine.

8. Queen’s Park

Chesterfield’s main park is best known as the home of Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

The ground has seating for 7,000 fans, and if you’re a cricket fan or curious about the sport you can watch first-class, one-day and T20 matches here throughout the summer.

T20 and one-day have more batting action if you’re new to the sport.

Queen’s Park is also a graceful Victorian urban park, inaugurated in 1893 and boasting an exquisite conservatory, bandstand and miniature railway.

Check the council website as there’s a calendar of brass band concerts at the bandstand, while the beautifully maintained miniature train runs all through the spring and summer.

9. Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre

There’s a charming piece of railway history at this former maintenance building for steam locomotives, dating to 1870. The Barrow Hill Roundhouse was where these engines were turned, restocked with coal and cleaned, and is a rare survivor as most roundhouses were pulled down when the steam age came to a close.

A museum since the 1990s, Barrow Hill Roundhouse has a functioning turntable and lifting gear, with steam, diesel and electric locomotives, as well as displays explaining a working day at the roundhouse.

Here you can browse black and white photos, signs and an array of hands-on stations related to engineering and science.

10. Revolution House

This modest-looking thatched house three miles north of the centre of Chesterfield has a big story to tell.

In the 17th century it was the Cock and Pynot alehouse, where in 1688 the Earl of Devonshire, Earl of Danby and a Mr John D’Arcy met to plan the Glorious Revolution, in which the English crown would be taken from King James II and given to his daughter Mary and her Dutch husband, William of Orange.

The house is now a free museum, with 17th-century furniture and a short film about the background to the Glorious Revolution.

A host of events take place here year-round, including carols singers at Christmas.

11. Poolsbrook Country Park

Like a couple of the public spaces around Chesterfield, Poolsbrook Country Park is on what used to be a colliery.

There’s a hint of what came before at the main entrance, which has a preserved pulley wheel.

The pits were filled in to become fishing lakes, and on their shores are woodland and meadows, woven with trails for walkers, cyclists and people on horseback.

If you’re up for a real hike, the park is on the long-distance Trans Pennine Trail.

On an easy ramble through the park you may catch sight of cormorants, yellow wagtails and great crested grebes and there’s a cafe next to the main lake.

12. Sutton Scarsdale Hall

In the village of the same name are the ruins of a Georgian late-Baroque country house, built from sandstone.

Sutton Scarsdale Hall went up in the 1720s and at the time had a splendour and scale that can be compared to the more famous Chatsworth House.

Its fireplaces, staircases, plasterwork and oak panelling were produced by some of the period’s most famous craftsmen, but after decades of neglect the house was asset stripped in 1919 when even the roof was removed.

The remaining skeleton, with pediment relief and Corinthian pilasters and columns was saved from demolition in the 1970s, and English Heritage has preserved fragments of the masterful stuccowork inside.

13. Holmebrook Valley Country Park

In Chesterfield’s western suburbs, the Holmebrook Valley Country Park is on what used to be an opencast coalmine.

These 130 acres of ponds, meadows, woodland and sports fields were reclaimed over several years and opened to the public in 1995. There’s a mountain bike course, a sculpture trail, a cafe, angling lake, outdoor gym, playground, sports pitches and a visitor centre explaining the park’s nature and the history of the site.

On walks keep your eyes peeled for woodpeckers and yellowhammers, while flowers like bluebells, red campions and orchids grow in the meadows and woodland.

In summer there’s also a programme of children’s activities organised by the park’s rangers.

14. Chesterfield Open Air Market

Off the High Street in the shadow of the 1857 Market Hall, Chesterfield’s Open Air Market is one of the largest in the country, with around 250 stalls.

Chesterfield received its market charter in 1204 and the general market trades on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 09:00 to 16:00. There you can go shopping for seasonal fresh produce, homewares, fashion, jewellery and handicrafts.

There’s also a flea market on Thursdays, as well as less frequent farmers’ and artisan markets.

The market hall was refurbished in 2013 and has more stalls selling clothing, food and fabrics, and is home to the sociable Market Plaza Cafe.

15. The Yards and The Shambles

Mixing historic houses with newer constructions, the Yards is a series of snug interconnecting alleys off Chesterfield’s main shopping area at South Street and Central Pavement.

Signs above the passageways read “Theatre Yard” and “Falcon Yard” beckoning you past former workshops and stables, now featuring a range of independent shops, confectioners, cafes and a gallery.

Across Central Pavement from the Yards there’s another picturesque grid of alleys dating back to Medieval times, at the Shambles.

At no. 1 you’ll find the 16th-century Royal Oak pub, the oldest pub in Chesterfield and one of the oldest in England.

15 Best Things to Do in Chesterfield (Derbyshire, England):

• Chesterfield Parish Church
• Chesterfield Canal
• Hardwick Hall
• Hardwick Old Hall
• Stainsby Mill
• Bolsover Castle
• Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery
• Queen's Park
• Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre
• Revolution House
• Poolsbrook Country Park
• Sutton Scarsdale Hall
• Holmebrook Valley Country Park
• Chesterfield Open Air Market
• The Yards and The Shambles

Destination Chesterfield

• Visit Chesterfield
• Places to Visit

Places to visit in Chesterfield

Chesterfield is a town full of gems to discover. From beautiful outdoor spaces to explore to a wealth of history to absorb. There is always something new to enjoy. And plenty of favourite places to visit in Chesterfield. They will definitely keep you coming back for more.

When you’re out and about, please do share your photographs with us on social media using #lovechesterfield. We love you to help spread the word about the town’s fantastic places to visit. And do let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram if you have a new idea to share.

(Note: Please check ahead with any places you intend to visit for restrictions and opening times.)

Family friendly places to visit in Chesterfield

Are you looking for somewhere to take the kids during the school holidays? Something for the little ones during term time? Or something to do at the weekend? From town centre fun to animal adventures, our ideas will keep everyone in the family entertained.

You can play at Queen’s Park in the town centre. Or learn to ride your bike there. And remember to listen out for the iconic, minature train. Just one of the many beautiful outdoor spots to enjoy. If it’s raining there are interactive museums to visit. As well as plenty of activities to try – from bowling to a family friendly escape game.

Find out more

Chesterfield by night

What kind of night out do you fancy? Music and dancing…or perhaps a relaxed gathering with friends, chatting over a drink or two ? You could watch or play sport. Or if you’re in need of a laugh, there are big comedy acts on offer. Another idea might be to treat the other half to a romantic date night.

At the end of a busy day, all you want to do is enjoy yourself. So take a look at our guide and get stuck into your perfect night out, whatever your mood.

More information

For further information about about places to visit in Chesterfield contact:

Chesterfield Visitor Information Service Tel: 01246 345777 [email protected] www.visitchesterfield.info

Find out the latest Chesterfield events news from major festivals to gigs and exhibitions to business networking and Destination Chesterfield's events.

There's plenty of choice when deciding where to eat out in Chesterfield.

Shopping in Chesterfield is an enjoyable experience both in the town centre and on Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor.

• Competitions
• Father's Day in Chesterfield
• Getting Here

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Privacy Overview

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Undefined cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

Preference cookies are used to store user preferences to provide content that is customized and convenient for the users, like the language of the website or the location of the visitor.

• Explore Chesterfield
• Parks and green spaces
• Parks and play areas
• Queen's Park

History of Queen's Park

The following has been adapted from the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.  

Historic development

Alderman T P Wood, Mayor of Chesterfield in 1886, proposed that land should be acquired by the Local Board for the creation of a public park to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887, and to ameliorate the overcrowded conditions in the centre of the town (Wright 1992). Alderman Wood donated £500, and some £3500 was raised to purchase some 17 acres (about 7 hectares) known as Maynard's Meadows to the south of the town from E A J Maynard of West House, Chesterfield. The site was dedicated at a ceremony on 21 September 1887 which comprised a procession of industrial tableaux and the planting of a tree on the site of the park. Alderman Wood was created a Freeman of the Borough in November 1887, at which time money raised for a presentation silver casket was instead applied, at the Alderman's request, to the provision of a bandstand in Queen's Park. An additional 5 acres (about 2 hectares) were purchased for incorporation into the park in October 1889, the necessary funds being raised by a Ladies' Bazaar Committee. This acquisition completed the site of the original park, and in the same year the site was enclosed by a stone wall. Money subscribed for the purchase of the park did not provide for the laying out of the site for public use.

The Local Government Board expressed reservations about the original estimate of £3500 submitted in 1888, and agreement on a modified scheme costing £2500 was only reached in 1892. Implementation of this scheme, which had been drawn up by William Barron and Sons of Borrowash, Derbyshire, was funded by a mortgage raised with the Yorkshire Penny Bank. Queen's Park with its curvilinear walks which describe areas containing a lake, cricket pitch, and lawns or football pitch closely resembles the plan produced by William Barron and Sons for Victoria Park, Tipton, West Midlands in 1898-1901.

Official opening to World War I

Queen's Park was officially opened to the public on 2 August 1893 with the first Chesterfield Floral and Horticultural Society Show being held in the park. A cricket pitch constructed in 1893-18944 was inaugurated in May 1894, while the associated pavilion was constructed in 1898. Late 19th century park facilities included a bandstand, boating lake, cycle track and gymnasium; plans for public baths were not implemented. In 1901 a further 13 acres (about 5.5 hectares), separated from the original park by Boythorpe Avenue to the south, was acquired by the town as a memorial to Queen Victoria (d 1901). This land (outside the site here registered) was laid out as a recreation ground known as Queen's Park Annex. A statue of 'The Girl with the Stolen Rose' by a local sculptor, Herbert Lee, was presented to the park in 1909 and, in the years before the First World War, the park was used for regular fetes and events such as the Coronation parade in 1910.

Post-World War I

Following the First World War a tank was presented to the town and placed in the park in July 1919. A programme of renovations and improvements was undertaken in the early 1920s which included the construction of a new bandstand and the erection of a conservatory acquired from Chatsworth House, Derbyshire. Plans for a refreshment pavilion were submitted by Clifford Bond and the Borough Surveyor in 1939.

World War II to modern day

During the Second World War the park was used by the local authority for events associated with the 'Holidays at Home' scheme, while in 1943 metal railings round the cricket pitch were removed for the war effort; the conservatory was converted to food production. A further programme of renovation was undertaken in the early 1950s, while the London, Midland and Scottish railway line which formed the northern boundary of the site closed in the mid 20th century. In the mid- and late-20th century, a sports centre was constructed within the park adjacent to its western boundary.

Search for the name, locality, period or a feature of a locality. You'll then be taken to a map showing results.

Queen's Park, Chesterfield

Derbyshire england, derbyshire, introduction.

Queen's Park, Chesterfield is a public park and sports ground opened in 1893. The site, which covers about 8 hectares, includes a cricket ground, tennis courts and a boating lake.

www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list

A late 19th century public park designed by William Barron and Sons. Details

LOCATION, AREA, BOUNDARIES, LANDFORM, SETTING

Queen's Park is situated c 300m south of the centre of Chesterfield, to the south of the A619 road. The c 8ha site is bounded to the west by the A632 Boythorpe Road, to the south by Boythorpe Avenue, and to the east by Park Road. The park is enclosed to the south and east by brick and rustic stone-coped walls c 2.5m high; these were constructed in 1889. A further, contemporary brick and stone-coped wall forms the south-west boundary, while the late C20 sports centre and late C19 metal railings and gates form the west boundary on Boythorpe Road. To the north the site is bounded by the site of the LMS railway, which became used as a footpath and cycle track and is now a service road to North Lodge; this is separated from the park by late C20 metal fences. The River Hipper flows immediately to the north of the late C20 path, separating the site from the A619 road. The site slopes up gently towards the south boundary, and there are glimpsed views north-east towards the spire of Chesterfield parish church and buildings in the town centre.

ENTRANCES AND APPROACHES

Queen's Park is approached from the centre of Chesterfield by a late C20 pedestrian walkway which leads c 190m south from the civic buildings on Rose Hill. This path is carried across the A619 road, the River Hipper, and the site of the LMS railway on a mid C20 concrete footbridge with metal-railed balustrades. A concrete support of the footbridge has a picture of the girl with the stolen rose added on 2009. The bridge descends into the park adjacent to and immediately to the south-west of the late C19 park lodge, a picturesque half-timbered, two-storey structure under a tiled roof, prior to 2000 became used as offices with a late C20 extension to the east.

There are further entrances to the park from the east (Park Road), south (Boythorpe Avenue), and west (Boythorpe Road). The eastern entrance comprises a pair of late C19 wrought-iron carriage gates supported by a pair of stone piers with ogee-shaped caps, flanked to the north by a single late C19 wrought-iron pedestrian gate supported by a similar pier. Immediately within the eastern entrance the tarmac walk divides to enclose a triangular lawn with inset beds for seasonal planting, before joining the principal circuit walk.

The southern entrance is situated on Boythorpe Avenue, some 80m east of its junction with Boythorpe Road, and comprises a pair of tall late C19 cast-iron carriage gates supported by tall cast-iron piers surmounted by ball finials; the gates are ornamented with the coat of arms of Chesterfield in painted cast-iron. The carriage gates are adjoined to the east by a similar single pedestrian gate which is also supported on a tall cast-iron pier with a ball finial. The entrance is flanked to east and west by tall cast-iron quadrant railings set on a low stone wall (listed collectively at Grade II). A second vehicular access was opened to the south of the pavilion in 2004. It comprises a pair of wrought-iron gates supported by brick pillars.

The western entrance is situated on Boythorpe Road c 250m north of its junction with Boythorpe Avenue, and c 20m north of the Queen's Park Sports Centre. This entrance comprises a pair of late C19 ornamental cast-iron carriage gates supported on a pair of square-section piers with flat caps and recessed rusticated panels. A similar single pedestrian gate adjoins the carriage gates to the north and is supported on a similar stone pier which lacks the rusticated panels. Late C19 spear-headed quadrant railings set on a low stone wall flank the gates to the north, while to the south there is a quadrant hedge. To the south of this entrance a late C20 vehicular entrance has been formed from Boythorpe Road giving access to an area of late C20 tarmac car park which extends north, beyond the late C19 park boundary, to the sidings associated with the late C19 branch railway. The car park is separated from the park by late C20 railings.

GARDENS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS

The park comprises three areas linked by a curvilinear perimeter walk and subsidiary curvilinear walks: to the north-west the lake and miniature railway, to the south-east the cricket pitch and pavilion, and to the south-west lawns, the bandstand, conservatory and tennis courts. The mid and late C20 Queen's Park Sports Centre stands parallel to the boundary on the site of the original children's playground; the sports centre has been partly re-modelled to resemble a C19 curvilinear glasshouse with a central glazed pool atrium.

The northern entrance from the centre of Chesterfield leads directly to the curvilinear perimeter walk. Immediately south of the footbridge leading into the park, a circular bed is used for seasonal planting. To the south of the park lodge there is an area of car parking, to the south-east of which is a lawn planted with specimen trees and bordered by box-edged flower beds for seasonal bedding displays. To the east of the small lawn is a toddlers' play area. The perimeter walk sweeps south-east and east adjoining a rockery border to the north and an additional flowerbed; this is backed by mixed boundary planting with mature specimen trees and conifers. The walk encloses the late C19 cricket ground to the north, east and south. The pitch is partly enclosed by mid C20 metal railings which replace those removed in 1943 for the war effort, while mature specimen trees are planted along the perimeter of the field to the north, east and south-east. There is new planting to the south west. A concrete track around the outer edge of the field corresponds to the late C19 cycle track which was renovated c 1920 and again c 1947 (Sadler 1989). Some 190m south of the north lodge, a late C19 pavilion stands on the southern edge of the cricket ground. The pavilion comprises a central single-storey block flanked by a pair of half-timbered, two-storey gabled cross-wings. The recess between the wings is filled by a single-storey painted timber verandah, while the roof line is broken by a spire-roofed cupola and two gables facing to the rear. The pavilion was constructed in 1898, and the clock in the western gable installed in 1946 (ibid). The pavilion underwent restoration in 2004 and the construction of a single-storey score-box was added to the west. Tiered seating descends from the pavilion to the pitch, and is partly enclosed by late C19 brick walls surmounted by ornamental cast-iron railings. Further banks of tiered seating flank the pavilion to the north-east and north-west, that to the north-east being of later construction (1900). The seating terraces are backed by mature lime trees.

The perimeter walk continues parallel to the southern boundary to the rear of the pavilion before sweeping north-west to pass to the north of the late C19 conservatory (listed Grade II) which stands c 210m south-south-west of the north lodge. The conservatory is of painted timber construction on a brick base with a central gabled entrance to the north and an ogee cupola. The structure comprises a single compartment with raised beds retained by C20 stone dwarf walls; today (2013) the conservatory is not cultivated. Within the conservatory stands the statue of the Girl with a Stolen Rose by Herbert Lee, a local stone-mason, presented in the park in 1909. To the north of the conservatory lawns are ornamented with circular beds for seasonal planting; the lawns extend south-west in front of the park-keeper's house (1897) which stands c 210m south-south-west of the north lodge. Opposite the entrance to the conservatory there is a rockery. The park-keeper's house is of half-timber and brick construction and comprises two storeys under a tiled roof; there is a mid C20 extension to the west which partly occupies the site of a late C19 service yard, and a further service yard to the east of the house. To the north of the perimeter walk adjacent to the conservatory and keeper's house a serpentine herbaceous border is backed by a mid or late C20 conifer hedge, behind which stands the refreshment pavilion of 1939. To the west of the pavilion is a small tea garden enclosed by further conifer hedges; this connects with the recreation lawn to the north-west. The conifer hedges disrupt the visual relationship between the north lodge and conservatory which are aligned across the cricket pitch. A straight walk aligned on the conservatory leads north for c 100m to reach a curvilinear east/west walk which follows the south sides of the lake and cricket ground. The north/south walk separates the cricket ground to the east from the lawns to the west.

A greenhouse was obtained from Chatsworth House, Derbyshire (qv) c 1920, perhaps through the agency of Charles Paxton Markham (mayor of Chesterfield, 1910), grandson of Sir Joseph Paxton, the sixth Duke of Devonshire's gardener at Chatsworth, now demolished.

Some 240m south-west of the north lodge, the early C20 bandstand (listed Grade II) is aligned on the south entrance from Boythorpe Avenue. The bandstand comprises a rusticated stone octagonal drum surmounted by a two-tier ogee pavilion roof supported on slender painted cast-iron pillars. The pillars are linked by cast-iron balustrades, while the interior is approached by steps to the north. The bandstand (restored early C21) is surrounded by rose beds which are set behind lavender and box hedges, which in turn are protected by low cast-iron kerb rails. It was constructed in 1920-3 to replace the timber bandstand donated to the park by Alderman Wood in 1894 which stood to the south of the lake before being demolished in 1919. To the north of the bandstand an open lawn, designed for recreational use, slopes gently down to the lake, while to the north-west the perimeter walk sweeps north, passing early C21 children's play equipment and a late C20 all-weather pitch in the south-west corner of the site c 290m south-west of the north lodge. The walk continues below the east facade of the sports centre to reach a small rose garden at the north-west corner of the recreation lawn, from which it is partly screened by a low conifer hedge. The rose garden is approximately triangular on plan and is enclosed by stone-edged walks to the west, north and south-east. It comprises geometric beds set in geometric panels of lawn and was created in 1959 as a memorial to Alderman Edgar Styler (inscription plaque). At the north-west corner of the rose garden a mid C20 drinking fountain in the form of a low stone obelisk (disused, 2000) stands on an octagonal stone base; this was constructed in 1935. The drinking fountain acts as an eye-catcher when seen from the western entrance to the park.

The lake situated towards the north-west corner of the park is of irregular outline with four small islands planted with trees. The water and the trees and shrubs on the shore are separated from surrounding walks by a post and wire fence, while a mid or late C20 miniature railway runs round the lake. A late C20 pyramid-roofed pavilion (restored 2004) stands on a knoll of high ground above the south side of lake c 100m south-west of the north lodge. This stands on the site of the late C19 timber bandstand donated by Alderman Wood in 1894. The perimeter walk runs along the north side of the lake passing a small landing stage for rowing boats c 100m north-west of the north lodge; the walk is flanked to the north by mixed shrubbery and ornamental trees. At the north-west end of the lake a secondary walk is carried across a narrow channel separating an ornamental pool and bog garden from the main body of the lake on a footbridge with a timber-railed parapet. The lake formed part of the late C19 layout for the park designed by William Barron and Sons.

Selected Sources

Book Reference - Author: A R Kaye - Title: The Changing Face of Chesterfield II and III - Date: 1986

Book Reference - Author: R Thompson and J Lilley - Title: Chesterfield in Old Picture Postcards - Date: 1989 - Page References: pls 39, 94

Book Reference - Author: G Sadler (Derbyshire County Council) - Title: Queen's Park The First Sixty Years 1887-1947 - Date: 1989

Book Reference - Author: T F Wright - Title: History of Chesterfield - Date: 1992 - Page References: pp 53-5, 75-8, 253, 344-5

Article Reference - Title: Garden History 21, no 1 - Date: 1994 - Journal Title: Garden History 21 - Page References: p 104

Other Reference - Description: Archival items Chesterfield Borough Council records, late C19-C20 (D1504), (Derbyshire Record Office)

Reasons for Designation

Queen's Park, Chesterfield, opened in 1887, is designated at Grade II* for the following principal reasons:

* Date: the park is a good example of a late Victorian municipal park;

* Design: although enhanced, the park's design is essentially unchanged from its original layout of the 1887;

* Designer: the park was designed by the leading designers William Barron and Sons;

* Structures: the park retains various C19 structures, some listed;

* Planting: good planting, with mature specimen trees.

Date first registered: 08-Nov-2000

Date of most recent amendment: 20-Aug-2013

Access contact details

This is a municipal site, open daily from dawn till dusk. Please see: http://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/parks-and-green-spaces/parks/a-z-of-parks/queens-park.aspx 01 246 345092

Leave M1 at junction 29 and take A617 to Chesterfield. At the roundabout, select middle lane and take 2nd exit. At next roundabout select left lane and take 1st exit. At traffic lights select middle lane and go straight on. At traffic light controlled roundabout (B&Q) stay in left lane and take 1st exit (Boythorpe Road).

Chesterfield Borough Council

Other Websites

• http://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/parks-and-green-spaces/parks/a-z-of-parks/queens-park/history-of-queens-park.aspx
• https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001482

Alderman T P Wood, Mayor of Chesterfield in 1886, proposed that land should be acquired by the Local Board for the creation of a public park to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887, and to ameliorate the overcrowded conditions in the centre of the town (Wright 1992). Alderman Wood donated £500, and some £3500 was raised to purchase some 17 acres (c 7ha) known as Maynard's Meadows to the south of the town from E A J Maynard of West House, Chesterfield. The site was dedicated at a ceremony on 21 September 1887 which comprised a procession of industrial tableaux and the planting of a tree on the site of the park. Alderman Wood was created a Freeman of the Borough in November 1887, at which time money raised for a presentation silver casket was instead applied, at the Alderman's request, to the provision of a bandstand in Queen's Park. An additional 5 acres (c 2ha) were purchased for incorporation into the park in October 1889, the necessary funds being raised by a Ladies' Bazaar Committee. This acquisition completed the site of the original park, and in the same year the site was enclosed by a stone wall. Money subscribed for the purchase of the park did not provide for the laying out of the site for public use. The Local Government Board expressed reservations about the original estimate of £3500 submitted in 1888, and agreement on a modified scheme costing £2500 was only reached in 1892. Implementation of this scheme, which had been drawn up by William Barron and Sons of Borrowash, Derbyshire, was funded by a mortgage raised with the Yorkshire Penny Bank (ibid). Queen's Park with its curvilinear walks which describe areas containing a lake, cricket pitch, and lawns or football pitch closely resembles the plan produced by William Barron and Sons for Victoria Park, Tipton, West Midlands (qv) in 1898-1901.

Queen's Park was officially opened to the public on 2nd August 1893 with the first Chesterfield Floral and Horticultural Society Show being held in the park. A cricket pitch constructed in 1893-4 was inaugurated in May 1894, while the associated pavilion was constructed in 1898. Late C19 park facilities included a bandstand, boating lake, cycle track and gymnasium; plans for public baths were not implemented. In 1901 a further 13 acres (c 5.5ha), separated from the original park by Boythorpe Avenue to the south, was acquired by the town as a memorial to Queen Victoria (d 1901). This land (outside the site here Registered) was laid out as a recreation ground known as Queen's Park Annex. A statue of The Girl with the Stolen Rose by a local sculptor, Herbert Lee was presented to the park in 1909, and in the years before the First World War the park was used for regular fetes and events such as the Coronation parade in 1910.

Following the First World War a tank was presented to the town and placed in the park in July 1919. A programme of renovations and improvements was undertaken in the early 1920s which included the construction of a new bandstand, the original having been demolished in 1919, and the erection of a conservatory. Plans for a refreshment pavilion were submitted by Clifford Bond and the Borough Surveyor in 1939. During the Second World War the park was used by the local authority for events associated with the 'Holidays at Home' scheme, while in 1943 metal railings round the cricket pitch were removed for the war effort; the conservatory was converted to food production. A further programme of renovation was undertaken in the early 1950s, while the London, Midland and Scottish railway line which formed the northern boundary of the site closed in the mid C20 and the removal of the embankment once more allowed pedestrian access from West Bars. In the mid-and -late C20 a sports centre was constructed within the park adjacent to its western boundary. The footbridge was opened in 1963.

The park was re-opened on the 13th September 2005 by HRH the Earl of Wessex, marking the completion of a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) restoration scheme.

The site remains (2013) in public ownership.

• William Barron

Designations

The national heritage list for england: register of parks and gardens.

• Reference: 4576
• Boating Lake
• Conservatory
• Description: Lalla - The Girl With The Stolen Rose.
• Cricket Pavilion
• Sports Pavilion

Recreational/sport

Principal Building

Parks, Gardens And Urban Spaces

Open to the public

• {English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest} (Swindon: English Heritage 2008) [on CD-ROM] Historic England Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest
• Ashmead Price {Queens Park Survey and restoration plan} (1999) Queens Park Survey and restoration plan