Description: Ashbourne Road looking north-west from the crossroads with Moor Lane (left) and Flagshaw Lane (right). A heavy horse provides a contrast with the photographer's Douglas motorcycle, while the absence of other road traffic on what would later become the A52 is notable. The line of tall telegraph poles provide a means of communication between Derby and Ashbourne and, judging by the number of wires, places beyond.
The signpost in the foreground goes into great detail, directing travellers to the smallest of locations, and is carefully executed with cast iron 'pointing hands', lettering and small plates indicating 'Miles'. It indicates that via Moor Lane it is possible to reach Langley Common, Radbourne, Mickleover and Burton; via Flagshaw Lane Kedleston, Mercaston, Mugginton, Duffield and Belper can be reached; while to the rear of the photographer is Mackworth and Derby. No doubt the other (obscured) side would point the way to Brailsford, Ashbourne and perhaps Buxton and Leek.
A century after this view was taken the scene had changed very little, except that the road was much busier, the telegraph poles had disappeared, a bus layby had been created behind where the horse is standing, and the substitute standardised Department of Transport signage was considerably less informative.
This photo was taken by Derby-based postcard producer F W Scarratt and was number 480 in his series.