Dronfield is situated between Sheffield and Chesterfield in North East Derbyshire, England, and 3 miles away from the Peak District National Park. Its name is thought to mean "open land where there are drones" (male bees).
Dronfield grew around various industries, the most widespread of which was coal mining with pits at Stubley being mentioned in the 16th century and a map of Hill Top in the 17th century shows some workings. Further mines were opened at Coal Aston in 1785 and Carr Lane in Dronfield Woodhouse in 1795.
Industrialisation in Dronfield reached its zenith its 1873 with the arrival of the Wilson Cammell steel rail making plant on Callywhite Lane and for ten years the town enjoyed boom conditions. The population rapidly increased, new areas of housing were built and many shops were opened.
The coal and the steel industries both suffered a decline in the 1880s and by 1883 the making plant had been removed to Workington Cumberland in an operation which astonished the commercial world.
Dronfield
Historic Dronfield
The Peel Centre is situated on the High Street by the monument to Sir Robert Peel whose prominent role in the repeal of the corn laws contributed so much to the prosperity of Dronfield.
The Forge shopping centre, Dronfield -details of opening times here
Dronfield Parish Church of St. John the Baptist
The Red House - Church Street, Dronfield