The Poplars
THE POPLARS Advertised for sale by auction in August 1882 and described as a modern well built detached residence comprising of dining and drawing rooms, entrance hall (paved with Minton tiles), staircase, good kitchens & pantries, servants’ offices, excellent cellaring, seven bedrooms, bathroom and water closet. Adjoining is a vinery, stabling, coach-house and other outbuildings. The house stands some distance from the highway (Derby Road) and is approached by a good carriage drive. Advertised for rent in Aug 1896 and again in 1912 when Mr Thomas Neal (chairman of the Spondon firm of colour manufacturers Leech, Neal & Co.) took up residence. The property was sold by auction in Oct 1945 for £3500 with vacant possession by Innes & Sons of Beckett Street, Derby. The house was demolished at some unknown date but probably connected with the building of the Asda superstore in 1982 which now occupies the site.
At the 1901 census Thomas…
At the 1901 census Thomas Peter OSBORNE (b.1849 Shifnal, Staffs.), occupation Mechanical Engineer with the Midland Railway company was living here with his wife Katherine and three servants. He and his wife were still in residence at the time of the 1911 census with two servants but he his shown as Mechanical Engineer (Retired). Also present on census day was their son, Alec Osborne age 25 with occupation as Civil Engineer, Midland Railway. By Feb 1912 the house was being advertised as available for rent.