History of Ilkeston

The South Derbyshire town of Ilkeston is situated approximately 10 miles east of the City of Derby and 8 miles west of the City of Nottingham. The town stands at a height of around 100 metres above sea level and occupies the same sandstone levels upon which stand the town of Heanor to the north and the villages of Sandiacre and Stanton by Dale to the south. Ilkeston is also bordered to the east by the River Erewash and the Erewash Canal and to the west by the Nutbrook.

Though a small number of prehistoric and Roman archaeological finds have been made in the area, no evidence of any permanent settlement dating from a time prior to the Conquest has yet been found. Ilkeston itself probably began as an Anglo-Saxon settlement and became part of the Danelaw in the 9th century. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the name of the village as Tilchestune - the 'T' being mistakenly added by a Norman scribe. Domesday tells us that before the Conquest of 1066 the principal landowners were named Ulf Fenisc, Osmund Benz and Toli.

After the Conquest, the manor was handed to Gilbert of Ghent, who in turn sublet the land to Malgar. During the Medieval period, the manor passed through a succession of families, all of whom held other manors either within or without the county. These families included the Muskhams, the Gresleys, the Cantelupes, the Zouches, the Savages and the Manners (see Lords of the Manor). - More

Erewash Museum

Erewash Museum is the Borough Council's very own local and social history museum located at High Street, Ilkeston. Home for the Museum is a late Georgian house with Victorian extensions. It was both a family home and school accommodation before becoming a Museum in the 1980's. Many original features survive and visitors can enjoy the garden with unrivalled views across the Erewash Valley. 

An Edwardian kitchen and wash-house and an exhibition of children's tiys are on show. Other displays help to tell the story of the unique history of the Erewash area, including the important local industries of coal mining, textile and iron manufacture. The exhibitions in the gallery change regualrly and include local artists, crafts and history. A lively events programme runs throughout the Summer on Saturdays and Bank Holidays. Most events include displays, demonstrations and the chance to have a go!