The old Clockworks in Derby has seen many historical comings and goings over its history.It was once a residential house and has hosted some great people in its time such as Erasmus Darwin and the inventor Benjamin Franklin.It later became a clock works for the worldwide renowned clockmakers John Smith and Sons in 1856.
John Smith and Sons are still very much in existence,but operating from much more modern premises on a nearby industrial estate.
Unfortunately when Smiths moved out the buildings were left empty and decaying for over a decade and for some unknown reason the large workshops at the rear were demolished,leaving just the main buildings.
In 2001 the place was bought by a developer from London Mr Joseph De Winter for £347,000 and although nothing definite has been announced, apparently applications have been lodged to do something constructive with it.
In more recent times, the place has been occupied by "squatters",I use that term very loosely indeed as they are not your normal squatters.They have done a lot of work to tidy up the buildings and yards.They have also done basic repairs to stop its decay and make it more habitable.They have also turned the rear yards into a productive garden.
Homage has been paid to its former residents by various artworks.One point to note is that they operate totally "off the grid"as they put it and do not draw electricity,gas or water from the mains.
They have held many social functions around the place to raise much needed funds to effect repairs which is commendable.
Anyway,one sunny Sunday recently,Team Johno set out on a general meander armed with all our usual exploring artillery and whilst passing this place we noticed that the garden was occupied and they were building an oven out of reclaimed bricks from the demolished workshops,so we thought that it would be rude not to ask,so we did.
After agreeing not to photograph "people", we were warmly welcomed and given an access all areas pass.
You could not wish to meet a nicer bunch of "squatters"anywhere.
Apologies for quality in some of the pictures due to a combination of light and (unknown at the time)faulty camera, which has now been consigned to history itself
Anyway on with the pics.
The frontage of the main buildings.
The rear showing many old features.
Period window shot from within the boardroom.
Old versus new,I know which I prefer to explore.
The old customer enquiries office,now full of wood and other materials.
Typical old doorlock.
Old ornate detail on the staircase.
Just had to do the cellars,my speciality
row after row of old racks in the cellars.
We found this very interesting old case in the cellars.
Its amazing how many people walked over this.
Frankenstein electrics
One of his lightswitches too.
Off up to the attic,we went.Note the writing on the inside of the door.
Part of the attic.
Original roof timbers in the attic.
Old retired attic workbench.
Equally retired old light/window shot,liking this
Typical decay in the attic,which is being addressed by the "squatters".
A very enjoyable three hour explore.Had quite a chat with the "squatters",very nice bunch of folks.
John Smith and Sons are still very much in existence,but operating from much more modern premises on a nearby industrial estate.
Unfortunately when Smiths moved out the buildings were left empty and decaying for over a decade and for some unknown reason the large workshops at the rear were demolished,leaving just the main buildings.
In 2001 the place was bought by a developer from London Mr Joseph De Winter for £347,000 and although nothing definite has been announced, apparently applications have been lodged to do something constructive with it.
In more recent times, the place has been occupied by "squatters",I use that term very loosely indeed as they are not your normal squatters.They have done a lot of work to tidy up the buildings and yards.They have also done basic repairs to stop its decay and make it more habitable.They have also turned the rear yards into a productive garden.
Homage has been paid to its former residents by various artworks.One point to note is that they operate totally "off the grid"as they put it and do not draw electricity,gas or water from the mains.
They have held many social functions around the place to raise much needed funds to effect repairs which is commendable.
Anyway,one sunny Sunday recently,Team Johno set out on a general meander armed with all our usual exploring artillery and whilst passing this place we noticed that the garden was occupied and they were building an oven out of reclaimed bricks from the demolished workshops,so we thought that it would be rude not to ask,so we did.
After agreeing not to photograph "people", we were warmly welcomed and given an access all areas pass.
You could not wish to meet a nicer bunch of "squatters"anywhere.
Apologies for quality in some of the pictures due to a combination of light and (unknown at the time)faulty camera, which has now been consigned to history itself
Anyway on with the pics.
The frontage of the main buildings.
The rear showing many old features.
Period window shot from within the boardroom.
Old versus new,I know which I prefer to explore.
The old customer enquiries office,now full of wood and other materials.
Typical old doorlock.
Old ornate detail on the staircase.
Just had to do the cellars,my speciality
row after row of old racks in the cellars.
We found this very interesting old case in the cellars.
Its amazing how many people walked over this.
Frankenstein electrics
One of his lightswitches too.
Off up to the attic,we went.Note the writing on the inside of the door.
Part of the attic.
Original roof timbers in the attic.
Old retired attic workbench.
Equally retired old light/window shot,liking this
Typical decay in the attic,which is being addressed by the "squatters".
A very enjoyable three hour explore.Had quite a chat with the "squatters",very nice bunch of folks.
Last edited:
