This is a brief history of the Jews of Derby, and how Nottingham came to hold the Derby Scroll at the Synagogue.

1257	The Burgesses of Derby obtain charter, at a cost of 10 marks, allowing them to expel every Jew who resided in Derby.
1281	Existence of Jewish ghetto recorded. Perhaps location later identified by Jury Street – a corruption of Jewry Street.
1837	Letter in Derby Reporter stating “I am a Jew living in Derby …”
1850	5 Jews recorded as living in Derby A number of Jews settle in Derby after the abortive 1848/9 revolution in Germany.
1874	Jewish population in Derby has increased to 24.
5th Nov 1886	Jewish Chronicle reports “There are at present six Jewish families in Derby and steps are being taken …. towards the ultimate formation of a congregation”.
4th Mar 1887	Derby and Burton Jews decide to form a joint congregation.
5th May 1889	Jewish Chronicle reports “The Jewish inhabitants assembled at the Temperance Hall on Sunday evening, 30th April for the purpose of meeting Mr Henry Davis to whom a cordial and unanimous invitation has been sent to become the President of the newly-formed congregation”.
1895	Groups separated and Derby Jews now holding own services in the Corn Exchange, Derby.
5th April 1899	Derby Hebrew Congregation established. Synagogue in a loft over a butcher’s yard in Harriett Street, Derby.
20th Nov 1899	Mr Harris Levy presents a Sefer Torah to the congregation, now known as the “Derby Scroll”.
1901	Mr & Mrs Berman arrive in Derby and join the synagogue. The Berman family remain major figures throughout their lives. (Only family considered kosher enough to feed the Chief Rabbi during one of his visits).
21st Feb 1922	Visit of Chief Rabbi H Adler CVO to Derby.
1922	Purchase of 270 Burton Road, Derby for the sum of £650. Agreement made with Derby County Borough Council for the establishment of a Jewish cemetery in Derby.
1924	The congregation takes up residence in the Burton Road synagogue.
1940 - 1944	Jewish community swells to approximately 300 as a result of refugees, evacuees and Jewish members of the American armed forces based in and around Derby. Size of congregation reflected in this increase and Youth Club and Theatrical Group established.
1945	Beginning of decline in size of congregation with cessation of 2nd World War.
22nd Jun 1949	Golden Jubilee Celebration and visit by Chief Rabbi I Brodie.
3rd Nov 1954	Consecration of synagogue and visit by Chief Rabbi I Brodie.
1958	Mr Hyman Levy retires after 37 years as President.
1959	Due to lack of demand the sale of kosher meat is halted.
1960	Decline in congregation continues, Jewish community now circa 110. Mr Hyman Levy tries to kick-start increased attendance at services by suggesting that synagogue should close down! Cheder classes had been discontinued with resignation of Rabbi H J Levy and now attempts to replace him with a permanent rabbi cease.
Sep 1967	Wedding of Miss Sandra Lesser to Mr David Hasleton. Last wedding to be held at the Derby synagogue.
1980	Jewish community now less than 70 and membership is so low at it is difficult to achieve a minyan.
1984/85	Final decision made to cease services in Derby and to pursue the absorption of the Derby members into the Nottingham congregation
Aug 1986	Last service held in the Derby Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and building sold for the sum of £15,750.
Late 1986	Synagogue dismantled. Sefer Torahs passed on to Nottingham Hebrew Congregation for their safe keeping. Synagogue furniture, bimah and ark donated to the new Margate Independent Orthodox Synagogue.
7th Nov 1992	NPJC hold service in Derby in the hope of attracting new members - Invitation letters sent out to 39 families. (Ray and Kath Sylvester invite all 26 Derby Jews who attend service for a get-together at their house).
Dec 1992	Remaining members of Derby Hebrew Congregation agree to transfer one of their scrolls to the NPJC.
11th Mar 1993	Derby Scroll rededication service held at NPJC.
2001	Census reveals that 141 people in Derby and 151 in Derbyshire claim to be members of the Jewish faith! Derby Jews become involved in the Holocaust Memorial Days.
28th Apr 2001	Presentation of new mantle for the Derby Scroll to mark the wedding of Nick and Suzan Rubins.
9th - 29th Jun 2003	Derby(shire) and Nottingham Jews assist in guiding and stewarding the Anne Frank Exhibition at the Assembly Rooms, Derby.
22nd Dec 2003	Emma Shipsides and Emma Dolby help lay the foundation stones for the first purpose-built Multi-Faith Centre, located at Derby University.