Assembly Rooms
Assembly rooms were constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries as gathering places. They hosted balls, concerts, recitals and, on occasion, court hearings. Jane Austen used the setting of a ball at an assembly to introduce the character of Mr Darcy in Pride & Prejudice.
The first Assembly Rooms in Derby became too small. In 1763, the Duke of Devonshire gave several properties to create a new Assembly Rooms. Subscriptions were raised from members of the public to pay for the costs. The proceeds were placed in a Trust to manage the premises.
Derby Assembly Rooms (1775/1900) by N ShawDerbyshire Record Office
The Assembly Rooms were duly built on Market Place between 1765-1774. The architect was Joseph Pickford. It was described by the caricaturist George Woodward in 1816 as "very handsome" with "a variety of musical instruments in basso relief".
The Assembly Rooms were well used, hosting balls, auctions, banquets, and private functions. There was a grand ballroom, with space for 200 couples, a card room, sitting-out rooms, and a supper room. Elizabeth Bower recorded recipes she learned while working there in 1837.
Supper Room of the Derby Assembly Rooms (1900/1930) by WW Winter and The New Centurion Publishing and Publicity CompanyDerbyshire Record Office
During the First World War, the building was occupied by the War Department and the Food Control Committee. From the 1910s, HE Ramsden, a catering company, leased part of the premises and catered for its events.
Ballroom of the Derby Assembly Rooms (Early 20th century) by WW WinterDerbyshire Record Office
In the late 1920s, Derby Corporation wished to pass a Bill to compulsorily purchase land in the city centre, including the Assembly Rooms. The trustees opposed this purchase, arguing that "it is about the only decent building in Derby".
Ball Notices: Extract from Assembly Rooms Trust Minute Book (1895/1899) by Derby Assembly Rooms TrustDerbyshire Record Office
Eventually, after negotiations, the building was acquired by the Corporation for £8167. They agreed that the façade would be re-erected elsewhere, and that they would provide an alternative venue. The funds paid were invested by the trustees.
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Yet the building was not demolished as planned. It remained standing, hosting dances through the years until it was damaged in a fire in 1963 and was destroyed. In accordance with the 40-year-old agreement, the façade was dismantled and re-erected at the Tramway Museum, Crich.
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The current Brutalist style Assembly Rooms were built to replace the 18th century building. It was opened in 1977 by the Queen Mother before history repeated itself in 2014 when it too was damaged by fire. Discussions on its future continue.
