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 where Stephenson saw the potential for the development of a colliery.
1837 He formed George Stephenson and Co and built a colliery and coke ovens at Clay Cross which opened in 1840.
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.