The market town of Chesterfield is the largest town in Derbyshire and is located between Derby and Sheffield.  The borough is home to around 100,000 people.

Chesterfield grew up around a Roman fort in the first century AD, and became a market town in 1204.  Today, the town still holds a market three days a week.

Until the 1980s, the main industry in the area was coal mining.  Today, you can follow the “Five Pits Trail” between the sites of former collieries, though there’s very little evidence of the industry now visible.

Manufacturing in the area has declined significantly, though employment in the sector remains above the national average thanks to many small manufacturing and engineering firms located on various industrial estates.  The largest single employer in the town is now the Royal Mail.

Chesterfield has one of the largest open air markets in Britain.  Visitors should also explore “The Shambles” and make sure to find the Royal Oak pub which is one of the oldest in Britain.

The Pavements shopping centre, and the pedestrianised Vicar Lane are the main shopping areas in the town.

For an unforgettable view of the town, you can climb the spire of St Mary’s Church.