during the civil war of 1642–1646, derby was garrisoned by parliamentary troops commanded by sir john gell, 1st baronet, who was appointed governor of derby in 1643. these troops took part in the defence of nearby nottingham, the siege of lichfield, the battle of hopton heath and many other engagements in nottinghamshire, staffordshire and cheshire, as well as successfully defending derbyshire against royalist armies.