Historical Account of the Navigable Rivers, Canals, and Railways, of Great Britain/Derwent River, Derbyshire
DERWENT RIVER.
- 6 George I. Cap. 27, Royal Assent 7th April, 1720.
THIS river has its source on the western side of that well known mountainous tract, in the northern part of Derbyshire, called the High Peak; whence, it pursues a south-eastwardly course, forming, for some miles, the division between the counties of Derby and York; thence, to Dinbank, where its stream is considerably augmented by its junction with the mountain stream, called the Ashop. From this place its course is southerly, by Mytham Bridge, through a romantic country, by Baslow, and through the princely grounds of Chatsworth, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire; thence, to Rowsley, where the Wye falls into it. Its Course hence is by Matlock, Cromford, and Belper, to Derby. From the last-mentioned place, its course is more eastwardly and very circuitous, until it falls into the Trent, at Wilden Ferry, below Shardlow, and at the place where the Trent and Mersey or Grand Trunk Canal forms a junction with that river.
This river, from the Trent to the town of Derby, was made navigable under powers granted by an act of 6th George I. entitled 'An Act for making the River Derwent, in the county of Derby, navigable;' but, as by the making of the Derby Canal and branches, its use would be nearly superseded, all interest in it, as a navigation, was disposed of to the Derby Canal Company, for the sum of £3,996. The navigable part is thirteen miles in length, and it was used chiefly for the supply of Derby and its vicinity with coal.