Tales from the riverside

THE STORY OF MARKEATON PARK’S LAKE

Our surroundings are constantly changing, buildings come and go, even our parks change over the years as paths are installed and landscaping undertaken. Here in this series of photos from the Derby Telegraph archives and pictures that people have sent in to us we can show you how much things have changed in various parts of the city and the county. The pictures may bring back memories for some of our readers. And for others, they can give a glimpse into the past.

This is a view from of the Derwent from Exeter Bridge with the Silk Mill dominating the view. The two churches are St Alkmund’s and St Mary’s. In the modern day Google Street View, we look along the Derwent from Exeter Bridge. The Silk Mill is no longer dominating the skyline with the Jurys Inn towering above and one of the churches has gone

This is the old Derby Playhouse in Sacheverel Street in 1977. The Google Street View, right, looking at the same junction of Sacheverel Street, taken in 2019. There is no sign of the old theatre and the only thing that has remained is the road layout

The long bridge that was once over the River Derwent but was demolished in 1959 On this picture from Google Earth, right, the whole area is unrecognizable from the previous picture, with all the buildings long gone. If you look closely, you might be able to see telltale signs of where the bridge was

Above, the old Silk Mill yard in Derby around 1870. In the Google Street View of the old Silk Mill and goods yard, taken in 2019, you can see the Silk Mill still and the road is pretty much in the same place. All the other buildings that once surrounded it have now long gone and as you can see the by the construction work, the Silk Mill itself is to have a facelift.

Postcard view of Markeaton Park lake Boats on Markeaton Park lake in the 1920s Lakeside view in the 1960s

In the picture, right, submitted by Sylvia Riley, we can see her father, Walter, in the River Gardens and the old power station and the cathedral in the background. Above, this is a view of the River Gardens in 2018 and those familiar with the area will know it has changed again since this picture was taken, with the updates to flood defences.

Long Eaton stadium when itwas it was a greyhound racing track track. Above Above, a Google Earth map showing the area where it once stood. As you can see, nothing remains from the stadium, as the last bit of greenery on the left hand side of the picture has started to be built on.

Babington Lane from a postcard showing the Grand Theatre, circa 1928. In the modern picture, the building still stands but pretty much all of the surrounding buildings in the original picture have gone.