Chesterfield

Chesterfield is a market town and borough in Derbyshire, England, located in the north of the county along the River Rother, near the edge of the Peak District. It serves as the administrative center of the borough of Chesterfield and is known for its historic town centre, including timber-framed buildings and St Mary and All Saints Church, whose Crooked Spire is a distinctive landmark.

The town has ancient origins, with its name deriving from the Old English words for a Roman fort and field. A market charter was granted in the medieval period, helping Chesterfield develop as a regional hub for trade, tanning, and, later, coal and textiles. The Chesterfield Canal, opened in the 18th century, linked the town to the wider canal system and supported commerce. Modern Chesterfield retains a mix of commercial, retail, and light manufacturing activity, with transport links via the M1, A61, and Chesterfield railway station serving routes to Sheffield, Derby, and Nottingham. Local culture centers on venues such as the Pomegranate Theatre and several museums, galleries, and markets.

In addition to its urban history, the term Chesterfield is widely used for a style of furniture known as the Chesterfield sofa. Dating to the 18th century and associated with the Earl of Chesterfield, the design features deep button tufting, rolled arms, and a low back.