St Mary's Catholic Church built in the Victorian Gothic style in the 19th century by A.W.Pugin, who drew the plans for the Houses of Parliament.  Work began on the £7000 project in July 1838, and the dedication tool place in October 1839.

Catholics in Derby were allowed to worship only in the Catholic Chapel in Chapel Street, but with the large influx of Irish immigrants to Derby with the building of the railways, and the expansion of the Mills, land was purchased on Bridge Gate for a new Catholic church. It was, Pugin's first Catholic church and although he designed over 100 churches altogether, St Mary's has always been considered his masterpiece.

Two views of St Mary's the left picture is taken from Kings Street, looking over the former Bridgegate BMW garage whereas the picture on the right is from the inner ring road

The foundation stone of St Mary's church was laid on 4th July 1838, Queen Victoria’s Coronation Day. The building was completed by 9th October 1839. During the Pontifical High Mass to mark the dedication of the church, Doctor (later Cardinal) Wiseman began his sermon with the words: “St Mary’s, without exception the most magnificent thing that Catholics have yet done in modern times in this country.” 

St Mary's convent next to the Church, if you look up you'll see the crosses around the building, and on the front wall (left picture) you can just make out a very large cross in the brickwork

A statue of the  Blessed Virgin once stood, floodlit on top of the 117 foot tower, it was removed in the late 1980's as it was found to be unsafe, these pictures were taken in 1980

Above left and right are old buildings on Arthur Street that look like they need a little TLC, a few doors down at Millers Court you'll find an interesting observatory shown opposite on the left

On the left is North Parade a fine example of  Georgian Street houses. On the right is the three storey Kingston Terrace on Edward Street, another fine period building, note all the chimney pots!

The old nursery on Handyside Street, wonder what awaits it's fate?