University of Derby Centre (now renamed ‘University Library’) was officially opened, having been built on a former car park. The University of Derby was fully invested, and in 1998 welcomed a synthesis of efforts with the High Peak College of Further Education, Buxton on Harpur Hill – a synthesis to eventually be amalgamated as the Devonshire Campus of the University of Derby Buxton, Derby's second campus, based at the Devonshire Dome. In October 2008, Peregrine Cavendish, 12th Duke of Devonshire was appointed as the third Chancellor of the University. In August 2012 the university merged with Leek College. The merger has created Buxton
William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire instrumental in the creation of the Derby Museum and Art Gallery in 1836. He also travelled extensively. Devonshire was a close friend of the Prince Regent. Other friends included Antonio Canova and Charles Dickens. Much of Devonshire's private correspondence, including letters to his mistresses (one of whom he installed nearby), was destroyed by his Victorian relatives. He intended to marry Lady Caroline Ponsonby, his cousin, but she married William Lamb, which he found devastating. Devonshire died at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, in January 1858, aged 67, and left an estate valued at £500,000 in his will. As he was unmarried the