5 Books Based in Derbyshire
Ahh, Derbyshire. One of the most stunning counties in England if we do say so ourselves.
So beautiful, in fact, you’ll find many books set against the backdrop of the rugged landscape and amidst the howling winds.
Five books and poems set in the heart of Derbyshire
1. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Perhaps one of the most famous novels set in Derbyshire, this novel, published in 1813, has become one of the most well-known books to emerge from 19th-century literature. A romantic drama set in Hertfordshire and Derbyshire, it is presumed that Jane Austen wrote parts of her novel while visiting Bakewell and that the idea of Pemberley is based upon Chatsworth House. A noticeable mention in the novel was Bakewell, one of the many estates that Elizabeth Bennet visited. The film adaptation of the book was shot at Chatsworth House to create the correct image of Pemberley from the novel.
2. Tour Thro’ the Whole Island of Great Britain – Daniel Defoe
Daniel Defoe, the author of Robinson Crusoe visited Derbyshire and wrote letter 8, part 2: Peak District which is dedicated to his travels around Derbyshire. His travel writing was soon placed into the genre of ‘travel guide’ which became extremely popular. Defoe started to write Tour thro’ the whole Island of Great Britain, which was first published in three volumes spanning from 1724-1727. Each volume contained 13 letters as he travelled through, describing what he saw on his tour. Volume 3 (published in 1926) contains the letters 8-13, describing Northern England and Scotland. The entirety of Defoe’s tour guide was to report how Great Britain was like just before the industrial and agricultural revolutions. In letter 8, you’ll notice lots of well-loved Derbyshire towns mention, image what they might have looked like all those years ago?
3. Cooper and Fry – Stephen Booth
If you’re into crime and detective novels, then this book series is right for you! Stephen Booth, an award-winning UK-based crime writer, wrote an eighteen-book series following the Derbyshire detectives of DC Ben Cooper and DS Diane Fry. The novels tell the story of various murders as the Peak District-based crime detectives try to solve the murders together. His first novel of the series Black Dog was awarded for the ‘best detective created by a British author’. Presumably, a murder happens in every book, so, if you’re up for a thriller, or crime series, then these novels are just for you!
4. DC Connie Childs Series – Sarah Ward
If you’re looking for another mystery/thriller book series, then you can’t go wrong with Sarah Ward’s DC Connie Childs series. The series includes In Bitter Chill, A Deadly Thaw, A Patient Fury and The Shrouded Path. The entire series is based in Derbyshire, so you’ll be familiar with the setting! In Bitter Chill, is a tale of loss and personal trauma. Ward creates a mix of suspense, mystery and detective work that’s sure to put you on the edge of your seat, so if that’s what you are looking for, buy this series and enjoy!
5. De Mirabilibus Pecci: Being the Wonders of the Peak in Derbyshire-Thomas Hobbes
De Mirabilibus Pecci: Being the Wonders of the Peak in Derbyshire, was written by Thomas Hobbes, a philosopher who was a tutor for William Cavendish and later on, the Earl of Devonshire. At the age of 20, he travelled around the Peak District with the Second Earl. While taking the tour, he wrote a poem about the beautiful places he’d come across. The poem was written in Latin in 1636 when it was first published. It’s said that the poem was a gift to a friend. There is now a version in both Latin and English. One of the Wonders of Peak mentioned is Chatsworth House. In the poem, you will recognise the wonders; Chatsworth, Poole’s Cavern, St Annes Well, Mam Tor, Peak Cavern, and Eldon Hole.
If you like the sound of these books, you never know, you may even find some pre-loved copies hidden in one of Derbyshire’s incredible independent bookshops!
So many wonderful authors call Derbyshire their home, and there are even more stories set in the stunning hills of Derbyshire. It’s not just about book settings, it is also about bookshops. We’ve listed some amazing Indie bookshops based in Derbyshire, please get in touch and let us know which one is your favourite.
