The first part of this chronicle is sourced from Ford’s History of Chesterfield, published in 1839 (pages 283-294).

The second part – from and including 1839 until 1938 – is contributed by Janet Murphy.

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SUMMARY OF FACTS AND EVENTS

The following chronological table, though necessarily imperfect, contains a brief summary of the facts and events recorded in the preceding pages [in Ford’s history], together with various memoranda, extracted at the expense of much time and labour from the church register, newspapers, private manuscripts, and public documents. Many of the incidents, to which we are here about to assign a place, could not have been incorporated into the body of our history; but it is hoped, that they will not prove unacceptable to the reader, in their present form.

HADRIAN

138 – Chesterfield a Roman station.

CANUTE

1037 – Chesterfield church supposed to have been erected.

WILLIAM I

1086 Chesterfield a bailiwick, or hamlet, belonging to the manor of Newbold.

WILLIAM II

1087-1100 Chesterfield church, together with its chapels, given to the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln.

1100 Chesterfield church, together with its chapels, appropriated to the Dean of Lincoln, and his successors.

STEPHEN

1142 William Peverel, natural son of William the Conqueror, and Lord of the manor of Chesterfield, died.

HENRY II

1154 Henry II. seized upon the manor of Chesterfield.

RICHARD I

1189 Richard, Coeur de Lion, gave the manor of Chesterfield to John, Earl of Mortaigne.

1195 A rent-charge out of the manor of Chesterfield assigned to the brethren of the Hospital of St. Leonard.

JOHN

1204 King John gave the manor of Chesterfield to William Briwere, and granted a charter of incorporation, with two weekly markets, and a fair for eight days, at the festival of the Holy-Rood.

HENRY III

1227 William Briwere, Lord of the manor of Chesterfield, died.

1232 William, his only surviving son, died.

1233 (December 28) Henry III confirmed the charter granted by John.

1234 Dedication of the church of Chesterfield.

1266 Battle of Chesterfield, in the time of Simon de Montfort.

1266 The inhabitants of Brampton claimed a part of the burial-ground of Chesterfield church as their own, and were accustomed to repair the walls of that part at their own expense.

EDWARD I

1294 Edward I. granted a guild of merchants to the town of Chesterfield.

1330 The Quo Warranto Roll mentions the Holy-Rood fair, and another on the eve of Palm Sunday.

EDWARD III

1351 John, second son of Edmund of Woodstock, Lord of the manor of Chesterfield.

1353 John, Earl of Kent, held the Hospital of St. Leonard in capite.

1357 Chantry of St. Michael founded by Roger de Chesterfield.

RICHARD II

1386 Hospital of St. Leonard seized by Joan, Princess of Wales.

1386 Sir Thomas Holland held the manor of Chesterfield.

1392 Guild of aldermen, brethren and sisters of the Virgin Mary, and the Holy Cross, founded by Richard II, and endowed by Thomas Dur and others.

HENRY VI

1430 Thomas Beresford, of Fenny Bentley, mustered a troop of horse at Chesterfield, for the service of Henry VI.

1442 Richard Neville, Earl of Salisbury, Lord of the manor of Chesterfield, in right of Alice, his wife, one of the co-heiresses of Earl Edmund.

EDWARD IV

1472 Scarborough castle, with lands in Yorkshire, given by Act of Parliament to Ann, Duchess of Gloucester, one of the co-heiresses of Richard, Earl of Salisbury, in exchange for the manor of Chesterfield.

HENRY VII

1500 Chantry of the Holy Cross founded prior to this time, by Hugh Draper.

1501 The Rev. James Brailsford vicar of Chesterfield.

1507 Hospital of St. Leonard granted by Henry VII., to John Blythe; but seized by Margaret, Countess of Salisbury, as an appendage to the manor of Chesterfield.

HENRY VIII

1509-1547 West end of Chesterfield church rebuilt during this period.

1547 Chesterfield parish contained about 2000 persons of sixteen years of age.

1547 The Hospital of St. Leonard claimed by Francis, Earl of Shrewsbury, as an appendage to the manor of Chesterfield

ELIZABETH I

1558 (November 17) Commencement of the earliest existing register at the church of Chesterfield.

1558 The Rev. Martin Lane vicar of Chesterfield.

1572 The Rev. John Wood inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1586 Commencement of the first great plague in Chesterfield.

1592 George, Earl of Shrewsbury, died, seised of Chesterfield, with the wapentake, or Hundred of Scarsdale.

1594 (April 24) Charters of incorporation granted to Chesterfield by preceding monarchs, confirmed by Elizabeth.

1594 Ralph Clarke nominated first mayor of Chesterfield, under the charter of Elizabeth.

1594 Free Grammar School endowed by Godfrey Foljambe, Esq; and chapel of St. Helen appropriated to its use.

1595 Lectureship at Chesterfield endowed by Godfrey Foljambe, Esq.;and patronage of it vested in the Archbishop of York.

1600 The Rev. Cuthbert Hutchinson inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1603 (January 3) John, son of Peter Boler, baptized at Tapton bridge.

CHARLES I

1628 Title of Earl of Chesterfield given to the Stanhope family.

At July 21 1618, in the church register, the following memorandum occurs. ” This day and year the Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the High Peak and Scarsdale was kept at Chesterfield, by virtue of his Majesty’s Commission and writ out of Kings Bench to the Sheriff for that purpose, and a Jury was then sworn and impannelled, but delivered no verdict for want of some presentments brought unto them. There was upon the bench then the Lord Darcy, Sir Francis Leeke, Bart., Sir William Kniveton, Knt. and Bart., Sir Peter Fletchervile, Sir John Rodes, and Sir Roger Manners, Knights, George Blount, Esq. before whom divers alehouse keepers entered into recognizances for brewing according to the statute, which was the chiefest state of their business.”

1631 (July 21) Charles I. confirmed the charters of preceding monarchs, and granted four fairs to Chesterfield: February 28, May 4, for two days, July 4, and September 14, for eight days.

1632 (November 11,) Star Chamber decree, in the cause of Leech, Knt.versus Foljambe, Bart., and Waddington, Vicar.

1632 Brampton and Wingerworth chapelries of Chesterfield.

1632 The inhabitants of Brampton and Whittington bound to make certain offerings to the church at Chesterfield, and to contribute their portion of sacramental bread.

1632 The inhabitants of Wingerworth subject only to a nominal dependence upon the church at Chesterfield, and their attendance there voluntary.

1634 Chesterfield ordered to provide 50l, as its portion of ship-money.

1637 (March 15 and 16) Assizes held at Chesterfield; and five men, and one woman executed, at Tapton bridge.

1638 The Rev. William Edwards inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1642 (October 17) Sir John Gell marched into Chesterfield with his regiment, and raised 240 men by beat of drum.

1643 (May and December) The Earl of Newcastle’s forces came to Chesterfield.

1643 General Sir Thomas Fairfax, marched from Derby to Chesterfield, with four or five hundred men.

COMMONWEALTH

1653 The Rev. John Billingsley inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

CHARLES II

1661 Meetings of the Society of Friends held in Chesterfield.

1662 (August 24) The Rev. John Billingsley ejected from the living of Chesterfield, by the passing of the Bartholomew Act.

1664 The Rev. John Coope inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1666-7 Brass money coined in Chesterfield.

1678 Taylor’s Alms’ Houses erected.

1683 The Rev. John Lobley inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

JAMES II

1688 ‘Glorious Revolution’

WILLIAM III

1694 Dissenting Chapel in Elder Yard erected.

1695 The Rev. William Blakeman inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1698 Sir Charles Skrymsher, of Chesterfield, knight, High Sheriff of the county of Derby.

ANNE

1703 The Rev. Henry Audsley inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1703 Large’s Alms Houses erected.

1704 Dr. Samuel Pegge, antiquary, born at Chesterfield.

1705 The Rev. John Peck inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1707 Thomas Seeker, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury, a pupil at the Grammar School of Chesterfield, under Mr. Robert Browne.
“In the Review of the Life and Character of Archbishop Seeker, prefixed to his Sermons, it is said, that ‘he received his education at several private schools and academies in the country.’ One of those places was at Chesterfield, in Derbyshire, (where he had a sister married to Richard Milnes), under Mr. Robert Browne, a good grammarian and schoolmaster there. Mr. Browne used to tap his head sometimes and say ‘Tom, if thou wouldst but be one of us, (meaning a Conformist,) thou wouldst be a Bishop.’

1707 The Rev. William Higgs inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1710 Free Grammar School rebuilt.

GEORGE I

1715 The Rev. Thomas Hincksman inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1715 Salt works established in Chesterfield; rock salt brought from Northwich. These works soon abandoned as unprofitable.

1718 Chancel of the church enlarged, and newly seated.

1722 John Bright, of Chesterfield, Esq., High Sheriff of the county of Derby.

GEORGE II

1733 Two flagons presented to the church of Chesterfield; one by Mr. Thomas Dowker, of Gainsborough, merchant, and the other by his sister Mrs. Margaret Wilson, of London. Inscription on Mr. Dowker’s Flagon. To the Glory of God, and for the use of the Church of Chesterfield, the gift of Mr. Thomas Dowker, of Gainsborough, East-land Merchant, and Son of Mr. Thomas Dowker, Alderman of Chesterfield. Given A. D. 1733.Inscription on Mrs. Wilson’s Flagon. To the glory of God, and for the use of the Church of Chesterfield, the gift of Mrs. Margaret Wilson, of London, Widow, Sister of Mr. Thomas Dowker, who gave the other Flagon, Given A.D.1733.

1733 Bishop Halifax born at Chesterfield.

1739 The Rev. William Wheeler inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1750 January, April and November fairs established.

1751 Rose’s Alms’ Houses erected.

1756 (October 21) Organ opened at the church.

1760 Brass chandeliers in the church given by Godfrey Heathcote, Esq.

GEORGE III

1764 Mrs. Radcliffe, the celebrated novelist, whose maiden name was Ward, said to have been born at Chesterfield.

1765 The Rev. John Wood inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1769 North part of the cross aisle of Chesterfield church rebuilt.

1770 Quakers’ Meeting-house erected.

1770 Act obtained for making a canal from the town of Chesterfield to the River Trent.

1774 Bells of the church hung anew, and sixth bell recast.

1774 West part of the roof of the church taken down, newly timbered, and fresh leaded.

1776 (August 17) The Rev. John Wesley visited Chesterfield for the first time.

1777 A Roman pig of lead, bearing the inscription, “Imp. Gees. Hadrian! Aug. Met. Lut.,” found on Cromford Nether Moor.

1777 (June 4) Canal completed, and first vessel brought to the town of Chesterfield.

1778 Blue Meeting House erected.

1778-9 Not one day’s rain or snow from the day of St. Thomas, (December 21 1778,) to that of St. Mark (April 25) 1779.

1779 (March 25) Cherry, plum and pear trees in full blossom.

1781 The Rev. George Bossley inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1783 Another Roman pig of lead found near Matlock, bearing the inscription,” L. Aruconi Verecund. Metal. Lutud.”

1783 77 houses 3335 inhabitants

1787 A third Roman pig of lead found on Matlock Moor, bearing the inscription, “Ti. Cl. Tr. Lut. Br. Ex. Arg.”

1787 South side of the church-yard enlarged.

1787-8 Present Town Hall built, at the expense of the Duke of Portland, by Mr. Carr of York.

1788 (November 5,) Centenary of the Revolution commemorated on a very large scale at Chesterfield: tables erected which almost covered the market-place: a procession which extended nearly half way to Whittington: an old man, named Crich, who was born before the Revolution, carried through the streets on a chair.

1788 (December) Chesterfield contained 815 houses, and 3626 inhabitants.

1790 The body of the church and chancel whitewashed, the pillars in the body of the church painted for the first time, by assessment, (as is expressly stated in the register,) and the cross aisle and chancel newly painted for the first time by subscription of the inhabitants of the town. The new sun-dial painted in the same year. Mr. Joseph Bower and Mr. Anthony Johnson Churchwardens Rev. Mr. Bossley, Vicar. Jethro Turner, Parish-Clerk.”

1790 (December 23) Chesterfield visited by a terrible storm, which was felt also in London.

1790-1 The most severe winter that could ever be remembered by any person then living, for storms of wind, hail, rain, thunder and lightning.

1791 (June 12 Whitsunday,) A heavy fall of snow early in the morning.
1791 (November) Town Library established.

1792 Manor of Chesterfield transferred by the Duke of Portland to the Duke of Devonshire, in exchange for estates in Nottinghamshire

1792 Workhouse let by the corporation to the overseers of the poor on a lease of 99 years.

1792 (October 23) Michael Solomon, (called Mahone,) died.

1794 (July,) A troop of cavalry raised by subscription at Chesterfield.

1795 New altar-piece in the church completed.

1795 Grain of all kinds so scarce, in the summer that it could with difficulty be obtained at any price. In the beginning of August wheat sold at a guinea a strike, and oats at 2l. 4s. per quarter.

1795 Methodist Chapel erected.

1796-7 (November, December, January) Constant high winds, which did great injury to trees and buildings.

1797 Midsummer sessions removed from Bakewell to Chesterfield, and Michaelmas sessions from Chesterfield to Derby.

1797 Wheat sold at seventeen shillings the load: three strikes to the load.

1799 (March,) Ancient seal found at the Broad Oaks.

1799 From the month of July to August 11 so wet, that corn and grain of every kind were as backward as ever was known.

1800 Quakers’ Meeting-house enlarged.

1800 Dispensary established.

1800 Literary and Philosophical Society established.

1801 Chesterfield contained 895 houses, and 4267 inhabitants; viz. 1929 males, and 2338 females.

1803 (December) Chesterfield became a depot for French prisoners and continued so till the peace in 1814.

1808 (August 31,) The first [horse racing] race day at night, some thieves picked the lock of the door opposite the clerk’s house, went down the north aisle, picked that lock at the bottom, tried the chancel door opposite, which was bolted inside; they then picked the other chancel door lock, and the vestry, four double locks on the chest padlocks, wrenched two clasp locks open, (which they could not pick) with the sexton’s pick-axe, drank one bottle of wine, and took four with them; took the two silver cups, the large salver dish, and the small plate, and got clear off the same way; but left the two large flagons in the chest.

1811 Chesterfield contained 976 houses, and 4 591 inhabitants; viz. 2140 males, and 2451 females.

1814 National school erected. Opened May 1815

1814 Vaccine institution established.

1816 (April) Savings’ bank established.

1817 Church spire supposed to be in danger of falling.

1817 (August 3) Baptist church established.

1818 (January) Vestry meeting called for the purpose of considering whether the spire of the church should be taken down.

1819 Agricultural Society established.

1819 School of Industry erected. – Lancasterian School for Girls

1819 938 children in education

GEORGE IV

1820 New peal of ten bells put up in the tower of the church.

1821 Chesterfield contained 1048 houses, and 5077 inhabitants; viz 2345 males, and 2732 females.

1822 The Rev. Thomas Hill inducted to the living of Chesterfield.

1822 Methodist chapel enlarged.

1822 Independent chapel erected.

1823 Unitarian chapel enlarged, and organ erected.

1824 North-east side of the church-yard enlarged.

1825 (May 25) Act obtained for lighting Chesterfield with gas, and supplying it with water.

1825 Chesterfield Gas and Water Company formed

1825-6 Corporation baths erected (Derby Lane)

1826 Gas works erected.

1826 Benevolent Society instituted.

1826 A survey of the borough of Chesterfield made by Mr. Glossop, of Whittington, with a view to the formation of a new rate.

1828 Market Place enlarged, by taking down a range of buildings, which separated it from the New Square, formerly called the Swine’s-Green.

1828 (January,) Chesterfield Gazette established.

1828 Derbyshire Courier established

1828 (April 6) Chancel of the church first lighted with gas.

1829 Infant School erected.

1829 Suit instituted in chancery against the corporation, as trustees of the Free Grammar School.

1829 Chesterfield troop of yeomanry cavalry disbanded.

1829 Ringing of the church bells at the races discontinued, by order of the vicar.

1830 (June 25) Chesterfield visited by the most tremendous storm ever remembered.

1831 Midsummer sessions transferred from Chesterfield to Derby, and Easter sessions removed to Chesterfield.

WILLIAM IV

1830 (July) Decree of court obtained against the corporation, in the suit above mentioned.

1830 New race-stand erected.

1831 School rooms for Sunday scholars erected on the ground adjoining the Unitarian chapel.1831 Mr. Roberts’s news room established. There had been coffee rooms at the principal inns in the town, for more than half a century before this time; but no general news room.

1831 Chesterfield contained 1208 houses, and 5775 inhabitants; viz 2665 males, and 3110 females.

1831 (August) Mr. R. R. Hurwood and Mr. Josiah Brown, inhabitants of Chesterfield, lost in the wreck of the Rothsay Castle steam packet, off Puffin Island.

1832 Board of Health established, in consequence of the alarming ravages made by cholera in the neighbouring towns. Not a single case occurred at Chesterfield.

1832 Tapton and Spital bridges rebuilt, the old ones having been partially washed away by a flood.

1832 (October) Their royal highnesses, the Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria, passed through Chesterfield, on the way from Chatsworth to Hardwick.

1832 (December) First contested election for North Derbyshire. Candidates, Lord Cavendish; Thomas Gisborne, Esq.; and Sir George Sitwell.

1833 (December) E. Rushton, Esq., commenced his examination at the Town Hall, into the charters, management, &c., of the corporation, under the commission of inquiry issued by his Majesty, William IV., for that purpose.

1834 (January 1) Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Banking Company commenced business.

1834 (August 17) Galleries in Soresby Street Chapel opened.

1835 Actual value of the vicarage of Chesterfield £204: previously valued in the King’s books at £15. 0s. 2½d, and yearly tenths at £1. 10s. 0½d

1835 Horticultural Society established, which lived only for two years.

1835 (November 9) Municipal Reform Act passed, which effected an entire change in the corporate body of Chesterfield. Area 322 acres

1835 Gilbert Crompton, Esq., the first mayor under the above Act.

1836 (January) North Derbyshire Chronicle established.

1836 (February 9) First meeting of the new town-council held.

1836 Chesterfield Borough Police Force established

1836 (July 4) Act passed for making the North Midland Railway.

1836 (October 25) New church clock completed, and west dial lighted for the first time with gas.

1837 (March 16) Appointment of trustees for general and church charities confirmed by the Lord Chancellor.

1837 (May 17) First stone of Trinity Church laid.

VICTORIA

Page last revised 22 March 2022.