20 famous names you'll find etched into stars on Derby's very own Walk of Fame

Did you know Derby is home to its very own version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Sure it might be smaller with fewer Oscar winners - but it's still impressive.

The walking trail, called Made in Derby, consisting of mosaic and cast iron plaques has been in the city since 2019 - and yet few people sing about it.

The amazing starry walk boasts 20 celeb-centric tiles - just like the ones across the pond in California.

People new to Made in Derby stars are in for a delightful trip down memory lane, as many names on the list take a starring role in the history of the UK, from Florence Nightingale to Rolls Royce. The trail celebrates local legends and champions who have impacted the city and made it an even more fabulous place to be. 

People had to be nominated by the public to get a Made in Derby star, which is a similar procedure to getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Derby's tourist board Visit Derby say over 80 names were put forward for a Made in Derby star.

Those who made the enviable list made stellar contributions in putting Derby on the map.

What is Made in Derby?

The Made in Derby plaques feature a design celebrating aspects of the city’s heritage that have had an impact around the world. 

Top Derby creations include Lara Croft, Smith’s Clocks iconic time-pieces, trains, plus planes and automobiles that form the backbone of Derby’s manufacturing industry.

The plaques were cast at Manor Foundry in keeping with tradition dating back to the industrial revolution. 

Derby is a city steeped in history and the Made in Derby trail celebrates this.

Did you know Derby is thought to be the site of the world’s first factory?

You can search for the stars on Albion Street and Exchange Street in Derby.

Here is the full list of stars that feature on Made in Derby trail

1. Alice Wheeldon 

Derby’s most famous suffragist was also a campaigner against the First World War.

2. Bess of Hardwick 

One of England’s richest women after Queen Elizabeth I, used her riches to help those in poverty.

3. Brian Clough

One of the architects who took the Derby footballing team from obscurity to national fame. 

4. Peter Taylor

The second half of the top management duo who helped cement Derby football team’s stellar status.

5. Sir John Hurt

Described as ‘simply the greatest actor in the world’ by director David Lynch, Sir John Hurt’s accolades include his acting in Alien and the Harry Potter films.

6. Joseph Wright

His groundbreaking artwork immortalised scenes from the Industrial Revolution. 

7. Louis Martin

The Jamaican-born athlete who moved to the UK in the 1950s won four world titles, four European titles and set four world records, leading him to be known as one of Britain’s greatest-ever Olympic weightlifters. He died in Derbyshire in 2015.

8. Philip Noel-Baker

The athlete and British diplomat was a member for the Labour party in 1950 to 1970 from Derby South, won a silver medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1959.

9. Charles Rolls

This aviation pioneer was also a young motoring enthusiast who is said to have travelled to Paris at the age of 18, in 1896 to buy his first car. 

10. Henry Royce 

The Peterborough-born engineering genius went on to form - along with Charles Rolls and Claude Johnson - Rolls Royce, one of the world’s best known names in the aviation, motoring and defence industries.

11. Adam Peaty

This Uttoxeter-born athlete who was once scared of water, won Olympic gold at the 2016 championships and currently holds the world record in 50 metre and 100 metre breaststroke events.

12. Jack O'Connell

The Derby-born actor who has a BAFTA rising star award under his belt has also starred with Hollywood giants Julia Roberts and George Clooney, and been directed by Angelina Jolie.

13. Karam Singh

The breakdancer from Normanton who is said to be one of the world’s best ‘breakers’ started dancing at just eight years old as part of his local Trinity Warriors dance crew.

14. Birds Brothers 

Frank, Thomas and Reginald founded the ‘fresh as a daisy’ bakery in 1919 and their star is just outside the current shop on Iron Gate.

15. Lara Croft

She may be fictional, however the English archaeologist loved by millions the world over was created by Core Design in Derby.

16. Liam Sharp

One of the UK’s most talented artists has worked on tales, drawing legendary characters including Batman, Hulk, Spider-Man, Superman and X-Men. 

17. Steve Bloomer

Born in Derby, this England and Derby county footballer went on to be one of the Rams' most capped players with 525 outings. He also appears in Football League 100 Legends and English Football Hall of Fame.

18. Florence Nightingale

This Italy-born, British modern nursing pioneer spent her formative years in one of her family’s houses in Derbyshire. Her advice was held in such high regard, a doctor at Derby Royal Infirmary led a complete hospital rebuild which reopened in 1869 with a new wing dedicated in her name.

19. John Flamsteed

The first Royal Astronomer was born in Derbyshire, whose work is thought to have led to the establishment of the Greenwich meridian, assisting navigation.

20. Marion Adnams

This surrealist painter was born in Derby and her acclaimed work is showcased in collections around the country.