Lunchtime Walks Unearth Hidden Cathedral Quarter Treasures

Lunchtime Walks Unearth Hidden Cathedral Quarter Treasures

Derby Cathedral Quarter’s Lunchtime Walks hosted by renowned local historian Richard Felix return for another year providing  visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the history, landmarks,key characters and events that shaped the area.

The first of the weekly walks will be held on Thursday July 16 starting 12 noon and then every Thursday throughout the summer until September 17.

Meeting at the Cathedral, the 45 minute tour will visit key landmarks in the Cathedral Quarter including buildings where such famous names as Florence Nightingale, John Flamsteed and Joseph Wright lived and stayed and the Silk Mill which was the UK’s first industrial museum.

Richard will talk about the key events which shaped local, national and international history from the 917AD battle of Derby between the Vikings and Saxons; Bonnie Prince Charlie’s decision to turn back when he reached the then town and more little known facts such as Cadman the Rope Flyer who made his final dare devil rope flight riding a donkey from the Cathedral tower in the 1720s.

Richard said: “The Cathedral Quarter is the historic heart of the city and we do not have to walk far to be able to see and talk about literally centuries of momentous events and people who changed history.

“This is therefore a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the area that many take for granted and don’t appreciate just what an important part Derby has played in the world.”

Martin Langsdale, chair of the Cathedral Quarter Board, which drives forward activities under the area’s Business Improvement District status, said: “Richard’s personal style and passion for the Cathedral Quarter both past and present never fails to capture the imagination and we hope it will bring more people into the area who will then stay and enjoy everything else that we have to offer.

“The tours are also popular with local businesses who want find out more about the area where they work both for personal interest and to be able to talk with more knowledge of the Cathedral Quarter to their customers.

“We have so many beautiful buildings and landmarks in the Cathedral Quarter but, in our busy lives, we often do not take the time to look more closely or find out about the people behind the names and places.

“This is therefore the chance to look at the Cathedral Quarter in a new light and find out more about our city’s history in an easy and accessible way.”

Tickets for the Cathedral Quarter lunchtime walks cost £6 which includes a voucher for the Cathedral Coffee Shop in Iron Gate and are available on the day from the Cathedral Quarter Rangers on duty in the area.

For more information visit www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk; like the facebook page CathedralQuarterDerby or follow on twitter @DerbyCQ

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