The Derbyshire town of Chesterfield has a long and interesting history. It has been a market town for the surrounding area since receiving its charter in 1204, and still hosts a large open-air market today. During the construction of the railway in the nineteenth century it was discovered that Chesterfield sat within a large coalfield and the history of the town and the surrounding area became associated with mining and manufacturing. The final colliery closed in 1994, and today there are few signs of mining, with many sites having returned to countryside. The town is still overlooked by the famous crooked spire of the Church of St Mary and All Saints. Join author Richard Bradley as he explores the lesser-known episodes and characters in the history of the town and the surrounding area. With tales of remarkable people, unusual events, local folklore and delicacies and tucked away historical buildings, Secret Chesterfield will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this Derbyshire town.

Richard Bradley grew up and lives in Derbyshire, near Chesterfield. He has a particular interest in Derbyshire and Peak District folk-lore and customs and has been researching this subject for a number of years.