Clay Cross: Tunnel History, Memorials and Kenning Park

Clay Cross brings together railway and industrial history, places of remembrance and time outdoors. The North Midland Railway tunnel project, St Bartholomew’s Church and two war memorials offer different historical perspectives; Kenning Park adds another view of the town. When planning your stay, you can focus on construction history, traces of local history or time outdoors.

The North Midland Railway Tunnel

The south portal of the Clay Cross Tunnel was built between 1836 and 1840 as part of the North Midland Railway. The tunnel was the longest and most challenging tunnel-building project on the North Midland line. At the north portal of the Clay Cross Railway Tunnel, two tapering octagonal towers, crenellated tops and a large elliptical arch define the architecture. Octagonal towers have eight sides; their taper makes them narrower towards the top. The crenellations give the upper sections a notched outline, while the elliptical arch differs from a simple round arch. Together, the portals show two aspects of the same structure: the tunnel’s construction period and technical significance, and its distinctive architectural design.

Industrial History Across Several Centuries

The first documentary mention of Clay Cross dates from October 1538. Coal mining in Clay Cross is documented from the mid-16th century. Stephenson founded the Clay Cross Company in 1837. This founding falls within the period when the south portal was built, from 1836 to 1840; the early traces from the 16th century thus contrast with a later phase of industry. The building of the steam-powered corn mill also survives at Mill Row. Alongside coal mining and the railway tunnel, it points to another trade in the town’s history.

Church and War Memorials

St Bartholomew’s Church was built in 1851. The Clay Cross War Memorial stands directly in front of the church on High Street. The church and memorial are therefore linked at a clearly identified location. The Danesmoor War Memorial is a First World War memorial dating from 1922; later additions are also part of its history. These sites of remembrance offer different points of reference: on High Street, the direct relationship between the church and the Clay Cross War Memorial; at Danesmoor, the date and later additions.

Kenning Park and Walks

The Kenning Park Forest School has been operating in the park since 2020. Its facilities include hammocks, swings and slacklines, among other things; these features offer both quieter and more active ways to spend time outdoors. As the facilities may change, check the current details before visiting. There is also a gentle one-mile walk around Kenning Park. If you would like to take part, check the current schedule for the walking activity before your trip.

Getting There by Bus

Bus travel is also easy to pinpoint. A stop for the “the Comet” service between Derby and Chesterfield is located directly at the entrance to the St Bartholomew’s Church car park. Check the latest timetable details for the service before you travel.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: South Wingfield, Ault Hucknall, Froggatt, Cromford, Duffield, Hognaston, Tansley, Hartington.

For the main travel overview: Derbyshire.