On the banks of the river Derwent lies Derby, inhabited since before the Roman conquest of 55BC.
This county town, as it is now, was then a small rural settlement adjacent to the Roman fort of 'Derventio' - obviously the source of the river's name. Whilst parts of the country were being decimated by Viking invaders during the 10th century, the town of 'Deoraby', as it was known, saw Vikings and Anglo-Saxons living side by side.
Derby only really put itself on the map during the 18th century when some of the Industrial Revolution's first important innovations came abut there: the first water-mill for the spinning of silk, as well as the first cotton spinning machine.
Pioneering industrialists such as Richard Arkwright and Jebediah Strutt were based in Derby at this time.The town was paid a visit by Bonnie Prince Charlie on his journey south to wrest the crown from the English monarchy in 1745, although his quest was to come to nothing fairly soon after.
In more recent times the city has built a reputation for engineering excellence, being home to Rolls Royce and Toyota works, as well as finance in the form of internet bank Egg, which is based in Derby.
For visitors to Derby there are several landmarks to recommend it, from Derby Cathedral, which boasts Britain's second highest steeple, to the Derby Industrial Museum, which showcases the city's working past.
Those looking for the beautiful game need look no further than Pride Park, home of Derby County FC, who were the best team in the country in their heyday, winning the league title in 1972 and 75 - although these days they hold a rather more lowly league position, a full two divisions below the likes of Chelsea.