Alvaston

Alvaston is a suburb of Derby.

The village of Alvaston has been in existence since at least the eleventh century. It became part of Derby in the late twentieth century.

The smaller, neighbouring village of Boulton has been swallowed up by Alvaston, and Boulton is rarely referred to by name.

Alvaston's population is around 25,000.

Housing

The village expanded rapidly with the coming of improved public transport to Derby, and the arrival of the railways and associated employment in the mid nineteenth century.

Few of the buildings in Alvaston date from before this era. There are several parallel streets of terraced Victorian housing in the Crewton district, large Edwardian detatched villas stringing out away from the village centre, 1930s semi-detatched homes, and a large expanse of post-Second World War council housing.

Perched on the edge of the settlement, on Stocker Flat and overlooking Boulton Moor may be found a maze of 1970s-1980s built culs-de-sac and footpaths, leading to council and privately-built homes.

Location

Alvaston is situated on the A6, three miles south-east of Derby city centre.

The River Derwent flows north of Alvaston, and runs alongside Alvaston Park, which features a playground, lake and skate park.

Two miles to the west lies the site of the Derby Canal, the nineteenth century township of Allenton, and the Osmaston Park Industrial Estate.

To the north-west on the A6 towards Derby can be found Wilmorton, a small settlement of Victorian terraced homes. The Pride Park development, which includes the Derby County FC football/soccer stadium, is a short walk away.

To the north, the River Derwent flows from Derby towards its confluece with the River Trent. The long established textile works of Acordis are the northern bank, towards Spondon.

To the east lies the open countryside of South Derbyshire, the popular stately home Elvaston Castle and its Country Park, a favourite place for picnics and lakeside walks.

To the south, Boulton Moor stretches towards Chellaston and Aston-on-Trent.

Schools, Churches and Shops

Schools

Alvaston has one secondary school, called Noel Baker Community School. The suburb has several primary schools.

Churches

There are several churches, of Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, United Reformed and Roman Catholic denominations.

There are two main Anglican churches.

St Michael and All Angels is at the heart of the old village of Alvaston. The current building dates from 1857.

The church of St Mary the Virgin in Boulton, colloquially known as Boulton St Mary's, is thought to be of Norman origin.

Shops

The main shopping centre of Alvaston may be found at the junction of the A6 London Road and the A5111 Derby Ring Road.