Description: Later known as the Bishop Lonsdale Teacher Training Centre and now part of Derby University, established by Dr John Lonsdale, Bishop of Lichfield, in 1851, it was a training school for the training of school mistresses to be employed in educating children of the labouring, manufacturing and other poorer classes. The plaques above the entrance read 'Diocesan institution for training school mistresses'. The East wing was added in 1895. In 1907 there were 130 students, rising to 200. By 1958 this was up to 400 and the old buildings were only used for teaching. New buildings were built in Mickleover. Male students attended from 1960 onwards. The architect of the building was H I Stevens.
This image is one of a collection by the famous local antiquarian, Thomas Bateman, of Middleton by Youlgreave. (1821-1861). Bateman organized his collection by inserting them into a 4 volume copy of Lysons Magna Britannia, Derbyshire, creating a fascinating and unique illustrated record of the county. The purchase of the collection for Derbyshire Libraries was made possible by the generous bequest of Miss Frances Webb of Whaley Bridge, well known local historian, who died in December 2006.