William Woolley or Wolley (d. 1719) was born around the middle of the seventeenth century, the son of William Woolley, a London silkman. He became a successful merchant in the Spanish trade in London, and developed interests in the Derby lead trade. Woolley retired to Derbyshire, the native county of his family, and bought Darley Abbey, an estate north of Derby, in 1709. It was during his retirement that he wrote his topographical history of Derby.
Stephen Glover (d. 1869), author and antiquary, wrote The Peak guide (Derby, 1830), and compiled The history and gazetteer of the county of Derby (2 vols; Derby, 1831-1833). He died on 26 December 1869.
From the guide to the William Woolley: History of County of Derby, 1856 (copy of original of early 18th century), (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)
