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Ilkeston has fine wide views from the hillside above the valley of the Erewash which here bounds the county, and its church-crowned hilltop is a landmark from afar.
A market and textile-manufacturing town, in a one time colliery district, it has nothing finer than its church, whose story is one of many changes since its building late in the 12th century. Although much restored about 100 years ago, parts of the original Norman building can still be seen and there is an unusual 14th century stone-screen and a Crusader’s tomb.
Ilkeston is the third largest town in the county and is only just inside the county boundary. There was an Anglo-Saxon settlement here before the Danes came in the 9th century, but not until the 19th century did the small village begin to develop into today’s industrial town. Ilkeston appears to have begun as the hill-top settlement of an Anglo-Saxon chief, possibly called Ealac (or The Elk) as part of the great colonising movement which spread up the River Trent around the 6th century AD.
In 1252 the Lord of the Manor was awarded a charter, permitting a weekly market and an annual fair.
From the mid 19th century however it was the annual fair which predominated, and which in turn led to the popular annual event which still continues to this day. This Charter Fair is unique in that it is Derbyshires greatest street fair, and is held today where it has been for generations - in the town centre.
It is a week long affair.
For many it is the Erewash Museum that attracts them to Ilkeston. This is a late 18th century house which in the past has been known as Dalby House and St George’s House, with the building serving initially as a family home and latterly as school accommodation. An Edwardian period kitchen and wash-house along with an exhibition of children’s toys are among the permanent attractions on show, with other displays helping to tell the story of the local and social history of the Erewash area, including the principal industries of coal mining, textiles and iron manufacture.
Signs abound leading everyone to The American Adventure Theme Park located here. The organisers advertise it as Britain’s one and only star-spangled day out, with an exhilarating mixture of great rides, lives shows and themed attractions.
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