The inland county of Derbyshire is located in the
Midlands. On the north it is bounded by
Yorkshire, on the east by
Nottinghamshire, on the south by
Leicestershire and
Staffordshire, and on the west by
Cheshire. The area is 1013 square miles.
The highest peaks are in the north, including Kingerscout, Bleaklow, and Shelf Moss above 2000 feet. To the northwest toward Yorkshire, stretch high moorlands where five rivers rise--the Wye, Goyt, Dane, Manifold, and Dove. These, with the Mersey, Don, Trent, Erewash, and Derwent, comprise the county's chief streams.
The central part of the shire is noted for its beautiful, scenic dales, the largest of which is "Dovedale." The eastern part of the county lies in the great Midland coal fields.
Derbyshire is rich in abbey ruins, feudal castles, manor houses, and antiquities such as stone circles and Roman remains. Derby is the county town. Buxton, Matlock, and Bakewell are resorts having mineral springs.
