Derby, British Columbia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Derby
Derby, British Columbia Location in British Columbia
Country	Canada
Province	BC/BCE

Derby is a historic place located along the lower Fraser River in northwestern Langley, Canada. It was once a very important spot! In 1827, the Hudson's Bay Company built the very first Fort Langley here. This was the first trading post established in the lands of the Coast Salish peoples.

However, the fort didn't stay in Derby for long. It was moved about 4 kilometers away in 1839 to where it stands today. Later, in 1858, a group called the Royal Engineers arrived and built barracks in Derby.

Today, you won't find any signs of the old town or fort. Derby is now just an intersection surrounded by farmland. Even its church, the Church of St. John the Divine, was moved across the river to what is now Maple Ridge. It's still there today! The only thing left on the map that reminds us of Derby is the "Derby Reach" of the Fraser River. This part of the river makes a northward curve. You can also visit the associated Derby Reach Regional Park.

Why is it called Derby?

The name "Derby" is believed to come from a British Prime Minister. In 1858, when the Royal Engineers arrived, the Prime Minister was Edward Geoffrey Smith-Stanley. He was the 14th Earl of Derby and lived from 1799 to 1869.