Historic photographs dating back to the 1870s have been placed alongside modern views of the same streets in a new book celebrating Ilkeston’s changing townscape.
How much has Ilkeston changed within living memory?
A new book published by Ilkeston and District Local History Society allows readers to see for themselves by comparing historic street scenes with photographs taken this year.
Up Town: Ilkeston’s Main Streets Then and Now was officially launched at the Society’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, 1 September.
Across its 48 pages, the book features old photographs of Ilkeston’s main streets dating from the 1870s through to the 1980s, alongside colour images showing how the same locations look today.
The modern photographs were taken as recently as July and reveal the buildings, shops and street scenes that have disappeared – as well as some familiar landmarks which have survived.
Society chairman Paul Miller said: “It’s amazing the changes which have happened since we first did a book like this nearly 20 years ago now.
“The new book will make a great read for anyone interested in the history of Ilkeston.”
The book was edited by the Society’s vice-chairman, Grant Shaw, with several members contributing the present-day photographs.
Grant said: “Changes happen slowly and you don’t realise how much is different until you see the past and present together.
“This book has been a big collective effort, with several members taking the ‘now’ images, which are right up to date, having been taken in July this year.”
Society celebrates 60 years
The book’s publication comes during an important year for Ilkeston and District Local History Society, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026.
Founded in 1966, the registered charity is dedicated to researching, preserving and sharing the history of Ilkeston and the surrounding district. Its interests cover subjects including the area’s industries, buildings, transport, military history and the everyday lives of local people.
The Society now has more than 100 members, both locally and elsewhere in the country.
As well as producing books and other publications, it organises talks, visits and walks and publishes a members’ magazine called The Herald. Its website also contains a growing collection of articles, photographs and information about Ilkeston’s heritage.
Monthly meetings are normally held at 7.15pm on the first Tuesday of each month at the Cantelupe Centre, next to St Mary’s Church in Ilkeston Market Place. New members are welcome.
How to buy the book
Up Town: Ilkeston’s Main Streets Then and Now costs £10, plus postage and packaging.
Copies can be purchased directly from the Society at one of its monthly meetings. Postal orders can also be arranged by emailing secretary@ilkestonhistory.org.uk.
More information about Ilkeston and District Local History Society, including its publications, membership and forthcoming meetings, can be found at www.ilkestonhistory.org.uk.
Main photo: Members of Ilkeston and District Local History Society’s committee who contributed to the book, pictured at its launch.
