George Stephenson and Co
George Stephenson surveyed the route for the North Midland Railway between Derby and Leeds in the 1830s. The route passed close to Ashover.
1837 While driving a tunnel for the North Midland Railway, George Stephenson discovered both coal and iron, which together with the demand for limestone, caused him to move into Tapton Hall, near Chesterfield, and set up a business as George Stephenson and Co.
1837 He formed George Stephenson and Co and built a colliery and coke ovens at Clay Cross which opened in 1840.
Clay Cross Coal and Iron Works were started by George and Robert Stephenson in connection with Lord Wolverton, George Hudson, Joshua Walmsley, Morton Peto, and others. Gradually all their interests were acquired by William Jackson.
Clay Cross was a small village, but increasing demand for coal and other minerals trebled the population by 1840.
Stephenson's workers' houses were of high quality for their time, having four rooms compared to the normal two, and a school was provided. By 1850 there were three chapels, a church and an institute - but no constable.
1848 The company passed to his son Robert Stephenson on George's death in 1848,
1852 Stephenson sold his shares, the business becoming the Clay Cross Co.