England
Derbyshire

Derbyshire Gazetteer of Towns and Villages

Bakewell - called "Badequella", or "Bath well" in the Domesday Book, a reference to the mineral springs that rise in the area. There are still two springs in existence, one in Bath Street, and Holywell, in the recreation grounds. Each August the wells are "dressed" in a ceremony which may date back to pagan times.

Bradwell - a pretty mining village nestled in the Hope Valley

Buxton - centrally located for exploring the Peak District National Park, though it is not actually within the park boundaries. The town is most well known for its spa waters, which were known to the Romans and the Elizabethans. Mary Queen of Scots took the waters here while she was a prisoner at nearby Chatsworth, but it was left to the 5th Duke of Devonshire to finally develop St. Ann's mineral springs in the 1780s. It was the Duke who built the stables, Assembly Rooms, and Crescent, and made Buxton a popular gathering place for high society.

Derby - The county town of Derbyshire does not receive much attention as a tourist destination, but the city is not without its appeal. The Industrial Revolution transformed Derby into a centre for the silk industry and then a major railway terminus, before Rolls Royce chose Derby for its aircraft engine works.

Eyam - The fascinating history of Eyam is what initially draws people to this 17th century plague village. But its location in the High Peaks above the limestone cliffs of Middleton Dale is stunning, and the village, in its own right, is a place to visit.

Matlock - There are actually three Matlocks stretching along the Derwent River; Matlock Bank and Matlock Bath join with Matlock itself to provide a popular centre for hill climbing and cavern exploring in the limestone hills nearby. The Matlocks were once thriving inland spa towns, famous for the mineral springs that burble to the surface here. Most of the "hydros" or spa hotels that catered to visitors were located in Matlock Bank; at the height of the towns popularity in the late Victorian period at least 20 hydros vied for attention.

Derbyshire Travel

Derbyshire Overview - Derbyshire Travel Links - Tourist Information Centres Activities Steam Railways Attractions - categories Ancient Sites - Castles - Caves - Countryside - Gardens - Historic Houses - Towns & Villages Gazetteer Features Arbor Low Stone Circle - Bakewell - Bolsover Castle - Buxton - Calke Abbey - Chatsworth - Derby - Dovedale - Eyam - Haddon Hall - Hardwick Hall - Hardwick Old Hall - Kedleston Hall - Matlock - Peak District National Park - Pennine Way - Peveril Castle - Renishaw Hall - Sudbury Hall - Wingfield Manor Folk Customs Well Dressing Accommodation Derbyshire Hotels - Self Catering Cottages

© David Ross and Britain Express