Who knew - apart from the thousands of visitors from all corners of the world - that Lara Croft was “born” in Derby?
As the fictional archaeologist, loved by millions, in games and films, gets ready to celebrate her 30th birthday in 2026, there are more reasons than ever for wanting to find-out more about one of Derby’s favourite daughters…
With rumours spreading like wildfire that Phoebe Waller Bridge’s long-awaited new Lara Croft TV series might finally hit the screens, and Amazon currently advertising the release of the next game, and all six of the original games being remastered and released, it’s time to acknowledge that the game character is a product of Derby.
Watching developments more closely than most is Luke Earle, who not only works in the games industry, but is also the creator and organiser of the annual Tomb Raider Day that’s staged in the city. (Not to mention, an avid collector of Lara Croft memorabilia).
The 5th annual #TR29 event at Derby QUAD on Saturday 11 October will more than likely be yet another sell-out occasion, as visitors from near and (very) far flock to Lara’s home town.
As well as enjoying a full programme of events on the day, they will be making their pilgrimage to the Lara Croft star-in-the-pavement - one of many which form a trail across the city centre to the great and good of Derby.
The collection of mosaic and cast-iron plaques that celebrate the real lives of real people who have had a huge impact on the city - along with Lara Croft!
The trail is currently undergoing improvements, and the augmented reality app is expected to reappear in time for next year’s 30th birthday celebrations. In the meantime, full details of all those honoured can be found at the Made in Derby page of the VisitDerby website, where fans will find the following details about Lara Croft:
“No-one could be more homespun than video game character Lara Croft, who already has a road named after her in the city. She may be fictional but the highly intelligent and athletic English archaeologist - beloved by millions in games and films - was "born" at Core Design in Derby. Lara first appeared in the video game Tomb Raider in 1996 and after a couple more games, Crystal Dynamics took over the series in 2003. Critics say that Lara is ‘a significant game character in popular culture’. She holds six Guinness World Records and was the first video game to make the transition to film.
Many people were surprised not to see her on the first Walk of Fame but she now has her place in Iron Gate and a part of Derby's history”.
Now also featured in one of the remastered games, the star is a good starting point for a short Lara Croft Trail that leads up Ashbourne Road, to the house where she was born (next door to ‘Croft House’). Cross over the road to Mr Grundy’s Tavern, and it’s possible to enjoy a meal and a drink where the game’s designers took a break from their pioneering work.
In another interesting little ‘quirk’, Derby has also created a star for actor Jack O’Connell who had worked with actress Angelina Jolie who, in turn, not only played Croft in the 2001 Tomb Raider movie, but also mimicked O’Connell’s Derby accent at an awards ceremony when she greeted everyone with the phrase, “Ay up me duck”.
Now, all eyes are on Phoebe Waller Bridge’s new TV series which is rumoured to star Sophie Turner - best known for appearing in HBO fantasy drama Game of Thrones: on Lara Croft’s 30th birthday on 14 February 2026; on a very special #TR30 in 2026, in Derby, next October which happens to be exactly 30 years since the game was first launched on the Sega Saturn; and on the possibility of a small Lara Croft exhibition in her home town, next year.
Stay tuned for more updates…