Book Review - The Illustrated History of Derby’s Pubs by Maxwell Craven

DErby PubsThe Illustrated History of Derby’s Pubs by Maxwell Craven

This is a revised version of this comprehensive guide to Derby’s pubs, first published in 1992. It successfully records, and in the majority of cases describes every public house known to have traded in the city since the 18th century. The book also includes details on pubs in the suburbs of Derby and at the back there is a detailed street index of city centre pubs. Descriptions also include possible sources of the pub’s name in many instances. Access to high quality research material, including information supplied by the widow of the late Ivor Clissold and other members of Derby CAMRA, has meant that the author is able to trace the history of even the most complex name and location changes. For example the Thorn Tree (as an aside a name that appears to be peculiar to Derbyshire although I’ve never been able to explain why) was known to have been located at Gaol Bridge (now St Peter’s Street) by 1710. In 1787 it was rebuilt on Thorntree Lane nearby. However in 1845 the landlord at that time moved to another pub on Tenant Street, and renamed this as the Thorn Tree! This final incarnation of the pub closed in 1932. Pub entries appear in alphabetical order making this book more useful for looking up references rather than a cover to cover read. However it is a good buy for anyone interested in Derbyshire pub history. £16.99, available in local bookshops or Amazon website.

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