Melbourne
Melbourne is a pleasant small town in Derbyshire, 7 miles from Derby.
The splendid St. Michael`s Church dates from the Norman period, with mighty arcades, and has three towers, two of them with pyramid tops. It was restored by Gilbert Scott.
Melbourne Hall, partly 16th century, is set in attractive gardens, created by Henry Wise, and has a fine wrought iron summerhouse, known as the Birdcage, by Robert Bakewell. It was the home of two Victorian Prime Ministers, Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, as well as Lady Caroline Lamb.
Melbourne Castle is now represented by just one surviving length of wall.
The travel pioneer Thomas Cook, whose first trip was from Leicester to Loughborough in 1841, was born in Melbourne. He gave his native town almshouses and a Baptist chapel.
There is an attractive open sided market hall in the centre of the town.
The famous Australian city of Melbourne was named after Prime Minister Lord Melbourne.
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Melbourne for groups.