Clay Cross: Railways, Industry and Local History

Clay Cross brings together several historic and practical points of interest: the construction of the railway tunnel, the history of coal mining, St Bartholomew’s Church and a walk around Kenning Park. The first documented mention of the town dates from October 1538; other milestones range from the tunnel construction of the 1830s to monuments from the 20th century. When choosing your destination, you can therefore take both railway and local history and a specific walking option into account.

Railway tunnel: construction period and portal architecture

The south portal of Clay Cross Tunnel was built between 1836 and 1840 as part of the North Midland Railway. Clay Cross Tunnel was the longest and most challenging tunnel construction project on the North Midland line. At the north portal, the construction period and railway connection are not the main focus; its architecture is defined by two tapering octagonal towers, crenellated tops and a large elliptical arch.

Comparing the portals reveals a clear difference in emphasis: the south portal represents the construction period and railway connection, while the north portal showcases the architectural design. The shape terms help bring it to mind: octagonal means having eight sides, while elliptical describes an oval-shaped arch. Together with the crenellated tops, these features create a striking image of the portal architecture.

Local history, mill and memorials

The first documented mention of Clay Cross dates from October 1538. Coal mining has been documented in Clay Cross since the mid-16th century; in 1837, Stephenson founded the Clay Cross Company. Its founding took place during the tunnel’s construction phase, from 1836 to 1840, while the first mention and the start of documented mining date back considerably further. The building of a steam-powered grain mill on Mill Row still stands today, adding another industrial-era building to the town’s history.

St Bartholomew’s Church was built in 1851. The Clay Cross War Memorial stands on High Street in front of the church. The Danesmoor War Memorial is a First World War memorial dating from 1922, with additions made later. The two memorials can be distinguished by different features: the Clay Cross War Memorial is identified by its location at the church, while the Danesmoor War Memorial is identified by its connection to the war, the year 1922 and its later additions.

Kenning Park and bus connection

The Kenning Park Forest School has been operating in the park since 2020. Its activities include hammocks, swings and slacklines, among other things; the facilities may change over time. A leisurely walk of over a mile also goes around Kenning Park. The distinction between the two is clear: the Forest School operates in the park, while the walk goes around it. If you would like to plan your visit around a walking event, check the current programme in advance.

There is a bus stop for the “the Comet” bus service directly at the entrance to the St Bartholomew’s Church car park. The service runs between Derby and Chesterfield. Check the current timetable before travelling; the entrance to the church car park is the specific reference point for the bus stop’s location.

Discover more destinations: Froggatt, Long Eaton, Smalley, South Wingfield, Doveridge, Chesterfield, Hartington, Ilkeston.

For the broader travel overview: Derbyshire.