The Great Northern Railway line from Friar Gate Station to Darley ParkThe Great Northern line entered Derby from the West via Mickleover and the station was at Friar Gate. After Friar Gate the line continued East over a series of viaducts that are claimed to be the inspiration for the Flanagan and Alan hit song, “Underneath the arches”.

The viaduct looking back towards Friar Gate Station. - Derek Palmer

The line then ran south of Lodge Lane passing close by the Seven Stars Pub where the iron sheeting of the Duffield Road over-bridge can still be seen. The line then passed under Derby School, (St Helen's House), and ran in a cutting through Strutt's Park to North Parade. Picture – Derek Palmer.

Close to where the above photograph was taken the line seen on the right of the picture branched off and dropped down onto Darley Park which contained the shunt head for the Duke Street sidings. The following picture shows the line and points running next to the flooded River Derwent in May 1932. Picture - Don Farnsworth.

The track running towards the left of the picture leads to the shunt head on Darley Park and the track running right leads past the Rowing Club building, under the bridge and onto the Duke Street sidings complex. The following picture is what you would have seen after passing under the bridge carrying the main line. Picture – Derek Palmer

The sidings were removed in the nineteen-sixties and the following pictures show the sad scenes after the lines were lifted. Firstly, from inside the yard. Picture – Derek Palmer

Looking back towards Darley Park with the Furnace pub on right. Picture – Derek Palmer

In days gone by there stood a Flour Mill within the sidings complex as witnessed by the following picture. Picture – Derek Palmer

Please note that all pictures are copyright of the named persons and must not be copied without permission from the owners.

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