Joseph Strutt (philanthropist)

Three brothers worked in the family business: William in technical aspects, Joseph marketing and George management.

He served as a Deputy Lieutenant of the local militia during the Napoleonic Wars, as England faced the threat of a French invasion.

His collection of artifacts also included a fine example of an Egyptian Mummy, believed to be the one that now resides at Derby's Central Museum.

Amongst many other things, Strutt was president of the Mechanics Institution which he founded in 1824,[3] and gave an annual subscription to support its work.

[2] Strutt is probably best known for his gift to the people of Derby of the Arboretum, which was designed to give instruction and be a place for exercise and entertainment; it is also recorded as the first public park in England.

[2] Strutt died on 13 January 1844 at his home in St. Peters Street, after attending a meeting to cast his vote in favour of improving Derby's sanitary conditions.