Although originating in and deriving their name from the village of Borrowash, near Derby, Derbyshire, since 1983 the club has been based just across the boundary in the adjacent Derby suburb of Spondon.
In 1080, William de Ferrers, 3rd Earl of Derby granted the church of Spondon to the Leper Hospital and Brethren of St. Lazarus, at Burton Lazars in Leicestershire; This grant was later confirmed by both King Henry II and by King John.