Why the Derby Ram Symbol Defines Derby’s Identity

For centuries, the Derby Ram has been deeply associated with the city of Derby in ways that connect folklore, civic pride, football culture, and public art. In this article, we explore why the ram is synonymous with Derby by tracing its roots in folk tradition, its presence in public spaces through sculptures, its central role in Derby County Football Club, and the legendary folk poem that helped make it famous.

We will look at how many ram statues there are in Derby, uncover the history behind the poem that immortalised the Derby Ram in song, and examine how this quirky yet powerful symbol still shapes the city’s culture and identity today. Whether you are a local resident, a football fan, or someone interested in English folklore, this guide will help you understand why the ram matters so much to Derby.

The Legendary Poem “The Derby Ram”

The origin of Derby’s association with the ram starts with a folk poem called “The Derby Ram.” Also known as “As I Was Going to Darby,” the poem is a tall tale that describes a ram so impossibly large and powerful that it becomes a mythical creature. According to the lyrics, this monstrous ram stood ten yards tall. Its horns could wrap around a hill. Its hide could cover acres of land. When it was butchered, the blood ran down the street and its tail was so long it reached all the way to London.

The poem dates back to at least the eighteenth century and was sung widely across the region. Some accounts even claim that George Washington sang it, which shows how far the story travelled. While the narrative is clearly exaggerated and humorous, it captured the imagination of local people and outsiders alike. It gave Derby a unique symbol that was larger than life and impossible to ignore.

The poem is still known in folk music circles and sometimes even played on the carillon at Derby Cathedral. It is one of the earliest and most powerful examples of the ram being used to represent the city and its character.

Folk Traditions and the Old Tup Custom

The Derby Ram’s roots go even deeper when you consider the local customs tied to the ram or sheep during seasonal celebrations. One such tradition is the Old Tup, a type of hooded animal performance once popular in Derbyshire and the surrounding areas during the winter holidays.

In this custom, people would carry around a decorated ram’s head, often made from wood or even a real sheep skull. The group would go door to door singing songs, performing short plays, and asking for money or beer. The Old Tup usually involved costumed characters such as a butcher and a man dressed as a woman. These performances were playful, a bit chaotic, and a form of street entertainment that connected communities.

This tradition further embedded the ram into local identity. It was not just a creature in a song. It became a figure in real life, celebrated through ritual and performance. Over time, this helped reinforce the Derby Ram as a cultural symbol, not just a myth.

The Ram as a Civic Symbol in Derby

If you walk through Derby today, you will notice that rams appear in many public places. One of the most recognisable is the large stone sculpture located on East Street, near the junction with St Peter’s Street. This sculpture, created by artist Michael Pegler in 1995, is carved from millstone grit and is a popular meeting point and photo opportunity for visitors.

But that is just one example. There are several other ram statues across the city. During the 2021 Derby Ram Trail, there were more than thirty colourful ram sculptures displayed around the city centre. Many of these have since found permanent or semi-permanent homes in public buildings, parks, or business premises.

The ram is also used in logos, plaques, street art, and architectural decoration. In total, there are more than a dozen permanent and temporary representations of rams across Derby. This makes the ram one of the most visible and recognisable civic symbols in the city.

Derby County Football Club and “The Rams”

Perhaps the most famous use of the ram symbol today is in sport. Derby County Football Club, one of the oldest football clubs in England, is widely known as “The Rams.” This nickname has been used for over a century and is now an essential part of the club’s identity.

The club’s logo features a stylised image of a ram’s head. This emblem appears on team kits, merchandise, and marketing materials. Fans chant “Come on you Rams” from the stands at Pride Park Stadium. The ram is a symbol of strength and local pride, making it the perfect mascot for a football team.

Speaking of mascots, the club’s official mascot is called Rammie. He is a full-time character who appears at matches, community events, and schools. Rammie was actually the first full-time football mascot in the UK, which shows just how important the ram is to the culture of the club and its supporters.

Ram Imagery in Military and Civic Life

The Derby Ram is not just a sporting symbol. It has also been used in military traditions. The 95th Derbyshire Regiment of Foot adopted a live ram mascot named Private Derby in 1858 while on campaign in India. This ram became part of the regiment’s identity and its successors have continued the tradition to this day.

Private Derby is usually selected from the Duke of Devonshire’s flock at Chatsworth and serves as a ceremonial figure, complete with his own uniform and handler. He attends parades, military ceremonies, and public events. This connection shows how deeply the ram is woven into Derby’s broader identity, from folklore to formal service.

Even Derby City Council uses the ram in its branding and public materials. This consistent use across different areas of civic life helps maintain the ram as a central image in Derby’s identity.

The Derby Ram Trail of 2021

One of the most exciting modern celebrations of the ram came in 2021 when Derby Museums partnered with Wild in Art to launch the Derby Ram Trail. This event featured thirty-five large, artist-designed ram sculptures placed around the city. Each sculpture had a unique design and theme, showcasing the creativity and diversity of the community.

People were encouraged to find all the rams using maps and mobile apps. Families, school groups, and tourists took part. The trail became a huge success, drawing tens of thousands of people into the city centre and boosting the local economy. After the event, many of the sculptures were auctioned off, raising more than £170,000 for Derby Museums.

Even after the event ended, many of the rams remain visible in Derby. The trail showed how a centuries-old symbol could be reimagined in a modern context to bring people together, celebrate local talent, and raise money for cultural projects.

Why the Ram Resonates with Derby People

So why does the ram still matter in Derby today? The answer lies in its versatility. The ram can represent many things. It can be a humorous figure from a folk tale, a proud mascot for a football team, a military symbol of loyalty and courage, or a colourful piece of public art.

Historically, the wool industry was important to Derby and the surrounding areas. The ram naturally fits into that economic and cultural background. Over time, as traditions evolved and new stories were told, the ram stayed relevant because it could be adapted to fit different roles.

The Derby Ram symbol brings people together. It appears in celebrations, in schools, on football scarves, and in city landmarks. It helps Derby stand out and gives people a shared story to rally around. Whether you are talking about a giant mythical ram from a song or a stone statue in the shopping district, the meaning is the same. The ram is Derby.

Conclusion

From a tall tale passed down in song to statues, mascots, and military pageantry, the Derby Ram is more than just a symbol. It is a living part of the city’s character. It connects history with the present. It brings together folklore, sport, civic pride, and community spirit.

There are many reasons why the ram is associated with Derby. The poem gave it legendary status. Folk traditions like the Old Tup kept it alive in the streets. Football fans made it their chant. Sculptors carved it into stone and artists painted it with colour and imagination. And the people of Derby, generation after generation, kept it close as part of who they are.

The next time you visit Derby and spot a ram statue, or hear fans chanting for the Rams, remember that you are witnessing the legacy of a mythical creature that refused to be forgotten. The Derby Ram is not just part of the city’s past. It is very much alive in its present and future.

If you love Derby’s history then you’ll love these walks from Derby Uncovered!

Featured Image from: “Derby Ram Statue (River Gardens)” by Ashley Nadin, licensed under CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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