Bloomer, Steve - R.I.P. in Nottingham Road Cemetery

The current headstone at Steve Bloomer's grave in Nottingham Road Cemetery

Steve Bloomer's original grave, which fell into disrepair and was replaced in the 1990s by a brand new headstone

Amidst the huge number of graves in Derby's main cemetery at Nottingham Road, it is easy to overlook one with particular local interest.

It is the final resting place of the Derby County and England footballer Steve Bloomer, who is buried there with his wife Sarah and two of his four daughters. His two other daughters are remembered by an inscription on the headstone.

The keen-eyed visitor would quickly spot that the headstone seems rather new, yet Bloomer died in 1938.

That is because the current headstone - in splendid polished black marble - is a replacement for the original. It was provided by his grandson Steve Richards in the 1990s, after the original stone grave and surround had fallen into a state of disrepair.

Both the original and replacement are pictured here.

It is not uncommon for Derby County fans visiting the cemetery to seek out Steve Bloomer's grave. It is quite easy to locate with a little judicious browsing. It is situated a short walk from the main entrance, not far from a wooden bench inscribed in Bloomer's memory.

The cemetery at Nottingham Road lies on a rise overlooking Derby. Bloomer's grave therefore commands an effective 'lookout' point over both Pride Park Stadium and the former Baseball Ground beyond. It is also close to Derby County's original home - the County Cricket Ground on Nottingham Road - where Bloomer made both his home debut for the Rams and his England debut against Ireland.

Perhaps it adds a certain resonance to the Pride Park anthem - 'Steve Bloomer's Watching'.

R. I. P. Steve Bloomer - Born 20 January 1874 - Died 16 April 1938 - Aged 64

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