Derbyshire is a county located in the East Midlands region of England. It is bordered by several counties, including Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, and Cheshire.
Derbyshire | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Period | 1st – 5th centuries
Derbyshire, situated within the larger Roman province of Britannia, experienced Roman influence. Roman roads and settlements were established, connecting the region to other parts of Roman Britain. The town of Buxton, known for its thermal springs, attracted Roman attention. Romans built a bathhouse in Buxton, and the site continued to be recognized for its spa qualities in later centuries.
Post-Roman Period | 5th – 7th centuries
With the decline and withdrawal of Roman authority from Britannia in the early fifth century, the region entered a period of transition. The Roman infrastructure gradually fell into disuse.
Anglo-Saxon Settlement and Kingdoms | 7th – 9th centuries
Like much of England, Derbyshire saw the arrival of Anglo-Saxons during this time. The establishment of Anglo-Saxon communities and settlements began shaping the local landscape. Derbyshire became part of the Kingdom of Mercia, one of the major Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Mercia played a central role in the political and cultural developments of the region.
Christianization
The spread of Christianity during the Anglo-Saxon period included the establishment of churches and religious communities. Christianization of the population gradually took place.
Viking Raids | 8th – 9th centuries
In the late eighth and early ninth centuries, the region faced Viking raids. The Vikings targeted monasteries and settlements, contributing to a period of insecurity and disruption.
Danelaw and Alfred the Great | 9th century
The Danelaw, an area of Viking influence and settlement, extended into parts of Mercia, including Derbyshire. The Vikings established a presence in the region, affecting local governance and society. King Alfred the Great of Wessex, a prominent Anglo-Saxon ruler, played a key role in resisting Viking invasions. The Treaty of Wedmore in the late ninth century established an agreement between Alfred and the Viking leader Guthrum, leading to relative stability in the region.