Derbyshire Historic Towns and Villages

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 that may date back to pagan times.
Bakewell, Peak District, Derbyshire, England

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The pretty village of Bradwell is located in the lovely Hope Valley, in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District, at the point where the White Peak and Dark Peak areas meet. Bradwell is said to be the place where a King of Mercia died in the Saxon period.
Bradwell, Peak District, Derbyshire, England

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Buxton is known for its spa waters, and the natural quality of the water was appreciated by the Romans and Elizabethans in turn. One of the most famous people to be drawn to Buxton to 'take the waters' was Mary, Queen of Scots, who came here while she was a prisoner at nearby Chatsworth House. It was the 5th Duke of Devonshire who developed St Ann's mineral springs in the 1780s to make Buxton a popular watering place for fashionable society. Buxton is very well located for exploring the Peak District National Park, though it is actually just outside the park's western boundaries.
Buxton, Peak District, Derbyshire, England

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Derby generally receives short shrift when historic English towns are mentioned. Despite that, the county town of Derbyshire is not without its appeal. The most interesting historic building is Derby Cathedral, a 16th-century church that was raised to cathedral status in 1927. Derby was transformed by the Industrial Revolution into a centre of the silk industry, and then again as a railway terminus. Later still, the Rolls Royce company chose Derby as a base for its aircraft engine works.
Derby, Derbyshire, England

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Edensor is an idyllic estate village built for the Dukes of Devonshire, owners of nearby Chatsworth House. The 6th Duke had the village moved away from the River Derwent as it spoiled his view. The new village was designed by Joseph Paxton, architect and former Head Gardener of Chatsworth, with cottages in lovely Victorian Gothic style.
B6012, Edensor, Derbyshire, England

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Heritage Highlight: Cavendish family graves in St Peter's churchyard

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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.
Eyam, Peak District, Derbyshire, England

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There is not one Matlock, but three; Matlock itself, and the adjoining villages of Matlock Bank and Matlock Bath. Matlock was a very popular spa town during the Victorian period. Nowadays people come for the excellent hill walking and caving opportunities. The Heights of Abraham soar above Matlock. These high cliffs were named for their resemblance to the cliffs at Quebec, which General Wolfe and his troops climbed in secret to defeat the French. You can take a cable car ride to the top, where you will find Victoria Prospect Tower, offering superb views over the surrounding dales. There are two caverns on the Heights, both worked by the Romans.
Matlock, Peak District, Derbyshire, England

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Melbourne is a historic town in southern Derbyshire, the home of Melbourne Hall, a stately home with its roots in the 12th century. Near the Hall is the parish church of St Michael and St Mary, a superb Norman building that has been described as a cathedral in miniature.
B587, Melbourne, Derbyshire, England

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Heritage Highlight: Historic Melbourne Hall and its superb gardens

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Winster is a pretty Peak District village with a rich history in the lead mining industry. Historic highlights include the picturesque 17th-century Market House, a traditional market hall. The village is famous for its annual Shrove Tuesday pancake race and its traditional Morris dancers.
B5057, Winster, Derbyshire, England

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Heritage Highlight: 17th-century Market House

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