St Helen's House

St Helen's House is a Grade I listed Georgian building located on King Street with symmetrical design and large windows reflecting classical proportions of the period. The structure retains period features throughout its interior spaces and is currently operated as a hotel.

Joseph Pickford designed this house in 1767 for John Gisborne as a private residence and it remained in private hands until William Strutt purchased it in 1801. The building then became Derby Grammar School, transforming its purpose from domestic to educational use.

The house displays classical Georgian features with symmetrical facades and generous proportions that reflect 18th-century ideals of order and refinement. It represents how affluent townspeople in the provinces expressed their wealth through architecture during this period.

The building sits on King Street in central Derby with easy access from the city center and nearby transportation links. Since it operates as a hotel, visitors can view the exterior architecture from the street or arrange accommodation to experience the interior.

During World War II, the Ordnance Survey organization used the building to create military maps before the school returned in 1945. This wartime role demonstrates how important buildings were repurposed to support the national effort during the conflict.

Location: City of Derby

Inception: 1767

Architects: Joseph Pickford

GPS coordinates: 52.92740,-1.48065

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:40