PARWICH, a village and parish situated at the foot of a hill, 6½ miles N.N. E. from Ashbourn, contains 3081A. 1R. of land, principally on limestone, and in 1851 had 107 houses and 493 inhabitants, of whom 247 were males and 246 females; rateable value £3536 19s. Thos. Wm. Evans, Esq., is lord of the manor and principal owner; but J. G. Johnson, Esq., Misses Brownson, Francis Roe, Esq., Andrew Brittlebank, Esq., Mr. G. Dakeyne, and Mr. James Swindell, have estates here. This manor, Pevrewie, at Domesday survey, was parcel of the ancient demesne of the crown, and passed with Ashbourn to the Earls of Derby and to Edmund, Earl of Lancaster. The paramount manor belonging to the Duchy of Lancaster, having been granted by King Charles I. to Dichfield and others, was sold to Thomas Levinge, Esq., whose ancestor Sir Richard Levinge, Bart., sold it in 1814 to the late William Evans, Esq., but suit and service is still paid to the duchy courts of Wirksworth, at which constables, &c., are sworn into their offices. The Church dedicated to St. Peter, is a small ancient structure, with low tower, overgrown with ivy, and in the churchyard are some venerable yew trees. The living is a perpetual curacy, certified at £14, now £140, has been augmented with £400 benefactions, £400 Queen Anne’s bounty, and £600 parliamentary grant. Thos. Wm. Evans, Esq., is patron and impropriator, and the Rev. Wm. Fisher, B.A., incumbent. Tithes were commuted in 1844, the large tithe for £135, and small for £10. It was formerly a chapelry to Ashbourn. In 1827, two school rooms were erected by the late Mr. Evans; they are conducted on Dr. Bell’s system, towards the support of which Thos. Wm. Evans, Esq., contributes £40 annually. There is also £8 from Beresford’s charity, for which 8 children are taught free. Feast nearest Sunday to St. Peter. There is an Odd Fellows’ Lodge and a Friendly Society in the village. At Lombard’s Green, about half a mile N. of the village are the supposed remains of a Roman encampment. About 80 years ago, a labourer who was searching for lead ore, found at the depth of two feet and a half, a military weapon, a considerable number of Roman coins, (denarű) and an urn of great thickness.

PARWICH LEES, a large farm with commodious residence, 1 mile west from the village, is the property of G. G. Brittlebank, Esq., of Ashbourn, and the residence of Mr. Thomas Millward. Sitterlow, 1 mile S.E., with several other scattered farms named in the direc­tory. Huge masses of rock are scattered on the various farms, and particularly on tho lofty hills above the village. The village is sheltered by these lofty ridges from the piercing winds which often sweep over these mountainous districts.

CHARITIES.—By indentures, dated 1695, William Beresford settled on trust for good and charitable purposes, the lands called the Copleys, Pingle, Nether Bletch, Long Rakes and 12 beast gates in a pasture called the Hakeslow; and directed the rents to be disposed of for the performing of Divine service in the Church of Parwich, the education of 8 children taken out of the poorest families, and the residue to be distributed amongst the poor of the town at Christmas. There is also belonging to this charity a sum of £405 7s. 7d. consolidated 3 per cents., which appears to have arisen from arrears of rent to the charity

 

                                                                                PARWICH PARISH.                                                           445

 

lands. The last appointment of trustees was as follows:—Anthony Beresford, Nathaniel B.Twigge, John Goodwin Johnson, James Swindell, George Dakeyne, and John Swindell. The rents of this charity amount to upwards of £55 per annum, besides a dividend of £12 3s. 2d. from the consolidated fund. The sum of £27 6s. is paid to the perpetual curate of Parwich; £8 is paid to a schoolmaster; and the residue is distributed to the poor, in sums varying from 3s. to 8s. each.

Thurstan Dale, in 1653 left 10s. a-year to be annually given to the most deserving poor of the parish.

Robert Dale, in 1744, gave 1 beast gate on Hakeslow to the poor, in consideration of which the trustees of Beresford’s charity distribute 11s. per annum.

George Dakeyne, in 1757 gave 20s. yearly out of land called Dakeyne’s Betch, the possessor of which distributes 20s. per annum amongst the most necessitous of the parish.

Thomas Allsop, in 1728 left £40 to be invested in land, for the benefit of the minister of Parwich. This sum was not invested till 1778, when John Allsop, in lieu of the £40, and in consideration of £100, paid to him by John Jackson, granted 3 acres of land called the Sitterlow, and a close called the Wings, now let for £9 10s. per annum, of which £4 10s. is paid to the perpetual curate of Parwich, and the remainder is given to the poor.

Margaret Bincliff, in 1788 left £100, and directed the interest to be given to the poor.

Thomas Roe, in 1794 left £100 to be laid out in the purchase of land for the use of the poor. The two last legacies, by being made payable out of the real estate, are void; however, two annual sums of £5 each, as interest of the two last legacies, are paid by Mr. Robert Johnson, of Bakewell, as owner of one moiety of the estate, by right of his wife.

Francis Johnson, in 1800, left £150 for the benefit of the poor, the interest of which is distributed by the trustees of Beresford’s charity.

Post Office at Mr. Edw. Lees’, Letters arrive from Ashbourn, at 10 a.m., and desptch­ed at 4 p.m.

 

Beresford Mrs. Ann Brownson Mrs. Sarah Brownson Geo., auctioneer & surveyor Ellis Ann, milliner and dress maker Fisher Rev. Wm., BA., incumbent Greatorex Ann, dress maker Ironmonger Benjamin, confectioner Johnson James, shoemaker Keeling Joseph, butcher Kirkham Mr. Thomas Mather John, shoemaker Mather Robert, shoemaker Smith John, relieving officer

Sutton Mrs. Mary Twigge Nathaniel Bosworth, surgeon Wayne Mrs. Elizabeth Webster Charity, milliner and dressmaker Webster George, cattle dealer Webster James, cattle dealer Wright Wm,, saddler and shoemaker Inns and Taverns.   Crown, Joseph Webster Sycamore, Elizabcth Kirkham Wheat Sheaf, James Greaves

 

Academies. Fisher Rev. William,   (boarding) Mather Elizabeth Wright Sarah   Blacksmiths. Wayne William Wright Thomas             Farmers. Alsop Francis Alsop Henry Alsop John Alsop Thomas Brindley Thomas

Brownson Thomas Brownlee Edward Caladine, Dd., Gottom Dakeyne George Dale Wm., Dale end Edge John, White   Cliff Ellis William Fernehough John            Frith George, (and   stone mason) Frith Rupert Gerrard William,   Pike Hall Gould Ths. Hawkslow Greatorex John, Sitt-   low

Greatorex William  Holmes John Kirkham Elizabeth,   Low Moor Kirkham Joseph Kirkham Robt., Dam Lees William Millward Thomas,         Leys Ryley John Shaw Thomas Saint Edward Saint Isaac Slater Thomas Smith William Swindell James Swindell Thomas Wayne George

Watson John   Shopkeepers. Lees Edward Webster John   Tailors. Etherington Thomas Lees William Hopkins Samuel   Carriers to Ashbourn. Ironmonger Benjamin   Sat., and Harting­-   ton Wed. Johnson James, Sat.

 

446                                                                          WIRKSWORTH HUNDRED.

 

THORPE, a township, parish, and picturesque village, pleasantly situated on the banks of the river Dove, 3¼ miles N.N. by W. from Ashbourn, and 10 miles S.W. from Wirksworth, contains 1710A. 1R. 20P. of mostly a rich pasture land, and in 1851 had 40 houses, and 188 inhabitants, of whom 93 were males, and 95 females; rateable value, £2362 l9s. 3d. The principal owner and lord of the manor is T. R. Adderley, Esq., but Henry Thornton, Esq., Thos. Gould, Esq., Mrs. J. S. Robinson, Lord Denman, John C. B. Borough, Esq., and Mr. Richard Finney, are also owners. The Church, dedi­cated to St. Leonard, situated on the brow of a hill, surrounded with trees, is an ancient Norman structure, with a square tower containing three bells. It is supposed to have been built in the 9th or 10th century. In 1841, it was repaired, repewed, and a gallery erected for the children. The living is a rectory, valued in the King’s book at £6 1s. 6d., now £144, in the patronage of the Bishop of Lichfield, and incum­bency of of the Rev. Chas. Miller, MA., who resides at the Rectory, a neat mansion, on a bold elevation near the church, it was rebuilt in 1842. The tithes were com­muted in 1845, for £95. There are 16 acres of glebe, and 6 cowgates or pastures, and 6 sheepgates on Thorpe Cloud. Here is a mixed school, which is attended by about 30 children. This manor, Torp, at the Norman survey, was a royal possession, and it appears afterwards to have belonged to the Ferrers family, for they granted five parts of the tithe to the priory of Tutbury. Ralph de Hormanwell was seized of it in 1245; afterwards, the Wythin and the Cokayne families had it; the latter sold it in the reign of Elizabeth, to John Milward, Esq., from whom it descended to Ralph Adderley, Esq.

Hanson Grange, a substantial farm house, pleasantly situated 3 miles N. from the village, and 5 miles N. from Ashbourn, is the property and residence of Mr. Thos. Gould. Broadlow Ash, an estate and manor a little W. of the Church, was, at Domes­day survey, a royal demense. It was afterwards held by the Cokaynes and Beresfords. In 1608, it was granted to the Earl of Salisbury, who, in 1613, sold it to Dame Judith Corbet, by whose bequest it passed to her grandson, Sir William Boothby, who was created a Baronet in 1660, and who had here a large park and good mansion, which was for several generations their chief residence. The ancient mansion was taken down in 1795. Mr. Richard Finney is now the owner and occupier of an ancient farm house bearing that name.

The river Dove from this parish is crossed by three stone bridges, which here forms one of the most romantic dales in the kingdom. The Manyfold, from Staffordshire has its confluence with the Dove at this point, a deep and narrow part, which extends between the lofty hills of Bunster and Thorpe Cloud. For the convenience of tourists who come to view the wonders of nature, Mr. Wm. Waterfall, about twenty five years ago established the Izack Walton Hotel, at the junction of the vales of Manyfold and Dove, and near the hills of Bunster and Thorpe Cloud. It is a commodious inn, on elevated ground, and has its name from the celebrated angler, Izack Walton, who frequently visited his friend Cotton, the poet, at Beresford Hall, where the ruins of their fishing residence may still be seen, The tourist, approaching Thorpe from the south, will mark an extraordinary and almost instantaneous change in the aspect of the country; leaving behind him the “brown heath and the richly cultivated meadows,” he enters upon new and very different scenes. From the rising grounds, which have grown, as it were, insensibly beneath him, starts in bold abruptness, Thorpe Cloud, a detached coney shaped hill of steep ascent, its altitude being 300 feet above the bed of the river Dove, which flows at its base, round which winds the most frequented road to that secluded and wildly beautiful glen DOVEDALE, undoubtedly one of the finest in the peak. Romantic beauty amidst unbroken wildness, is the great charm of this far famed dale. Its detached perpendicular rocks stamp it with an image entirely its own, and possesses an union of grandeur and beauty not to be equalled, and which can scarcely be overdrawn. The gifted and imaginative Wm. Howitt, in describing it says, “Its rocks do not, perhaps, equal in altitude and individual magnitude some of those at Matlock, but the scenes

THORPE PARISH.                                                               447

 

of Matlock wear a monotony or at least a strong resemblance to each other, which soon deprives them of much of their effect by familiarizing the eye, after seeing a part, to the character of the whole. But here, besides the singular character of the scenery, its novelty is perpetuated to the very last. You are at once transported into a land of enchantment; every object that surrounds you, though you have but just left the other most striking parts of the peak, is strange and wild, and wonderously unlike all other features of creation.      *      *      *      If the man who enters it possesses the least latent admiration of nature,—if he have a soul capable of being moved in any degree by an assemblage of the most wild, awful, and sublime images, he will not see it without emotion. But to warm the heart and the vivid, imagination—it is a world in itself.” The first part of Dovedale is an open dell, nearly half a mile in length; the hills on both sides are steep, but not precipitous; on the left is Bunster Hill, a fine eminence, and on the right, which is more diversified, dwarf ash, and aged thorn trees cover the slopes down to the very margin of the stream. Proceeding onwards, the forms become more romantic, the foliage thickens, and the fanciful and grotesque appear­ance of the rocks assume a greater degree of grandeur, till they seem nearly to meet overhead and shut up the glen. In some places they shoot up in detached masses like spires or conical pyramids, and are ornamented with festoons or net work of ivy; in others, their scattered and fantastic forms hang over the river in terriffic masses, up­held by fragments apparently unequal to the tremendous weight they sustain. “A little farther on,” says Rhodes, “a mighty pillar of insulated rock, which has its base in the stream, rises from the left bank of the river; a bold mass of rock, whose conical summit penetrates the clouds, occupies the right; between those huge portals flows the river Dove. Through this contracted space some flat meadows, clothed with ver­dure, appear, and still farther in the distance, bold swelling hills close in the pros­pect. The effect of this scene is truly magical; it is an interesting transition from one description of landscape to another that excites surprise by its suddenness and charms with its beauty. Through this magnificent portal we pass into the lovely meadows beyond, where we stood awhile to gaze upon the gloomy ravine we had just left. We then sat down amongst a grove of hazels in a sweet little vale, as dis­similar in character to the scenery of Dovedale, as if they had been hundreds of miles apart. The river flowed gently and beautifully before us; the cattle were grazing in the meadows, apparently unconscious of the presence of any human being; the red-breast poured his requiem from amongst the bushes that were scattered over the rising ground where we sat; and the rush of the waters through the narrow part of the dale came softly upon the ear, which was soothed with its murmurs. The scene was delightfully tranquil; and the mind, that only a few minutes before had been excited to emotions of sublimity and terror, sunk into a state of pleasing repose and luxurious langour. Dovedale was one of the favourite resorts of the enthusiastic and sensitive Rousseau during his residence in its immediate vicinity, and he is said to have planted many rare and curious seeds in this sequestered spot.” The length of the dale is rather more than two miles, but the views are limited, from the irregularity of its course and its projecting pecipices, which, in some places, seem to preclude all further access. While passing along the first and least picturesque division of the dale, the river, which is said to be “one of the most beautiful streams that ever gave charm to a landscape,” soothes the ear with its murmurings, and delights the eye with the brilliancy of its waters. In some places, “it flows smoothly and solemnly along but never slowly; in others, its motion is rapid, impetous, and even turbulent. The ash the hazel, the slender osier, and the graceful birch, hung with honey-suckles and wild roses, dip their pensile branches in the stream, and break its surface into beauteous ripples. Huge fragments of stone toppled from the rocks above, and partly covered with moss and plants that haunt and love the water, divide the stream into many currents; round these it bubbles in limpid rills that circle into innumerable eddies, which,

448                                                                          WIRKSWORTH HUNDRED.

 

by their activity, give life and motion to a numerous variety of acquatic plants and flowers that grow in the bed of the river; these wave their slender stems under the surface of the water, which, flowing over them, like the transparent varnish of a picture, brings forth the most vivid colouring. Occasionally large stones are thrown accross the stream and interrupt its progress; over and amongst these it rushes rapidly into the pool below, forming in its frequent falls a series of fairy cascades, about which it foams and sparkles with a beauty and brilliancy peculiar to this lively and romantic river, On a slope, near the summit of one of the largest and most elevated rocks, is a large detached piece of stone, of oblong-square form, apparently suspended by so frail a thread, that a blast of wind might precipitate it into the bed of the river, or over the head of the spectator below. This rock has been frequently described, and its parasite portion has received the fanciful designation of the “watch box.” A little further on, are two stupendous cliffs, that rise abruptly on each side the river. The chasm here is so very narrow that it is not inappropriately styled, “Dovedale Straits,” and the river, when swollen by heavy rains, renders the passage through it almost impracticable, when, as if impatient at being restrained within the limits of this contracted chasm, rushes with great impetuosity to a more open part of the dale, when its turbulence subsides and it becomes again a placid but a rapid stream. A grand solitary pointed rock on the Staffordshire side, by way of eminence, is known by the name of “Dovedale Church.” Its appearance is peculiarly pleasing and sublime, and cannot fail to strike the eye of  every one who passes by it. A little further are several curious caverns, and a magnifi­cent Gothic arch of the most gigantic proportions. On passing through this arch by a very steep ascent, over loose sand and shale, it brings you to “Reynard’s Hall,” a large cavern about thirty feet in height, and fifteen in breadth. For the space of about 40 feet this cave may be explored, but beyond it contracts to a narrow opening, sup­posed by some persons to communicate with other caverns, and to terminate near Parwich. It is supposed that it was, in attempting to scale an acclivity near “Rey­nard’s Hall,” that Dean Langton met with the accident that occasioned his death. In July, 1761, some friends were proceeding along the bottom of the dale on horse­back, when the Rev. Mr. Langton, (then Dean of Clogher), proposed to ascend a very steep precipice, which is apparently between three and four hundred feet high; a Miss la Roache, a young lady of the party, with great spirit, begged that she might get up behind him, and accompany him in his bold adventure. Her request was imme­diately complied with, and the head of the horse directed up the precipice. When they had climbed the steep ascent to a considerable height, the feet of the horse slipped, and they all tumbled down—the clergyman and horse to the bottom of thc dale, but the lady, not quite so far, being stopped in her descent by a thorn bush which caught hold of her hair. When the Dean was taken up he was found to be bruised in a most terrible manner; however, he was conveyed to Ashbourn, where he languished a few days and then expired. The young lady was found in an insensible state, and after disentangling her from the perilous situation, she was taken to Ashbourn by her friends, and soon afterwards recovered. The horse was more fortunate than either of its riders; though it rolled to the bottom of the precipice it only received a few bruises on its sides, occasioned by the stirrups of the saddle, It is supposed that not less than 60,000 people visit this lovely dale every year. In August, 1856, the Wesleyans of Ashbourn, held a Bazaar in Dovedale, for the purpose of raising funds to liquidate the debt upon their chapel at Ashbourn, which proved eminently successful, having been visited by a larger number of persons than had ever entered the dale on one day for some time past.

CHARITIES.—The Rev. James Winder, in 1766, gave to the poor £25, and an un­known donor left £7. These two sums were lent on private security till 1819, when they were deposited in the Ashbourn Savings’ bank, in the names of the churchwardens

TISSINGTON PARISH.                                                       449

 

and overseers. The interest is received in January, and distributed by the minister amongst the most necessitous of the parish

Jesse Watts Russell, Esq., of Ilam Hall, gives a small sum annually, as “wool-money,” which is distributed amongst the poor.

 

Beardsley Jph., beerhouse & shoemaker Beardsley Samuel, shoemaker Blore John, vict,, Dog & Partridge Greensmith Mr. Thomas Herrick James, joiner and wheelwright Miller Rev. Charles, M.A., Rectory

Miller Miss — Rowland John, shoemaker Rowland William, shoemaker Wardle Anthony, corn miller, Thorpe mill Wheelden Hannah, schoolmistress

 

Farmers. Appleby James, Hol-   lington End Finney Richd. Broad-   low Ash

Foster William Gould Thos. Hanson,   Grange Greensmith Francis   Richard, The Green

Hayward Ann, Mary,   and Fanny Hodgkinson Joseph,   (and miller)

Roe Anthony, New   Inns Twigge John, Spen   Lane

 

TISSINGTON, a township, parish, and picturesque village, 4 miles N. from Ashbourn, contains 2,258A. 0R. 38P. of fertile land, and in 1851 had 76 houses, and 344 inhabitants, of whom 169 were males, and 175 females; rateable value £3,820. Sir Henry Fitz-Herbert, Bart., is lord of the manor and principal owner; J. G. Johnson, Esq., Thomas Phillips, Esq., Mr. Wm. Fletcher, and Mr. John Swindell, are also owners. The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient Norman structure, pleasantly situated on the brow of a gentle eminence, nearly opposite the hall. It consists of a nave and small chancel, without supporting pillars or side aisles, and a square tower at the west end with three bells. In 1853, the church was re-pewed with open oak seats, and a north aisle added, at the sole expense of Miss Fitz-Herbert. It contains several highly wrought monuments to the Fitz­-Herbert Family, conspicuous among which is an extremely lofty one reaching to the roof, it is divided into two compartments, in the lower of which are three figures kneeling, in the attitude of prayer, over a tablet bearing the following inscription, “Francis Fitz-Herbert, Esq., departed this life the 4th of January, Ætatis Suae 80, Anne Domini 1619.” In the upper compartment are two figures, kneeling over a similar tablet to Sir John Fitz-Herbert, Bart., who died August 2nd, aged 43. The living is a perpetual curacy, which was appropriated to Dunstaple priory, of the certified value of £97; has been augmented with £200 Queen Anne’s bounty. Sir Henry Fitz-Herbert, Bart., is patron and impropriator. Rev. Alleyne Fitz-Herbert, M.A., incumbent. The tithes were commuted in 1846, for £229 viz., the hay tithe £134, and the corn tithe £95. Here is an endowed school, it was rebuilt in 1837, by Miss Fitz-Herbert, sister to the present baronet. At Domesday survey, the manor, Tizinctum, belonged to Henry de Ferrers. In the reign of Henry I, it was given by one of the Ferrers to the Savage family. The co-heiresses of Savage married Meynell and Edensor, whose heiress married Audley. The manor was in moieties. Meynell’s moiety passed by marriage to the Fitz-Herberts, The other moiety came to the Herthulls, and passed by marriage to the Cokaines. It was sold by the latter to Francis Fitz-Herbert, Esq., about the end of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. William Fitz-Herbert, Esq., of Tissington, barrister-at-law, author of a tract called Maxims,” and a dialogue on the Revenue Laws, was created a baronet in 1783. Tissington Hall, is a large handsome Elizabethan mansion in the centre of the village, the entrance gate to which opens to a very fine avenue, more than half-a-mile in length. It was garrisoned for the king, by its owner Col. Fitz-Herbert, in the month of December, 1643. On the event of the unsuccessful action near Ashbourn, in the month of February following, it was evacuated. The Rev. Richard Greaves, author of the “Spiritual Quixote,” and, other works, resided three years in the Fitz-Herbert family, and laid some of the scenes of that amusing romance in this neighbourhood.

450                                                                          WIRKSWORTH HUNDRED.

 

This village is noted for its five springs of the purest water, each of them paved round and walled in various forms, each having its particular name, from the most contiguous residence. The ancient custom termed “Floralia,” or the “Well Dressing,” takes place on Holy Thursday, when these fountains are decorated with the choicest flowers, so arranged amongst the foilage as to form various sentences, mostly from the scriptures; each Well being under the care of its respective guardian, assisted by those who most generally partake of its pelucid and necessary fluid; the whole so admirably executed, that it is difficult to give to any that praise of superiority which all are desirous to receive. There is a service at the church, where a sermon is preached, after which the springs are visited by the minister, choristers, and people, in procession, where the psalms, the epistle and gospel are read, and a hymn is sung. The remainder of the day is spent in rural festivity. At Wood Eaves, near the Bentley Brook, is a cotton mill, worked by a steam engine of 16 horses power.

CHARITIES.—Catherine Port, of Ilam, by will, in 1722, left a rent charge of £5 per annum, for the instruction of 8 poor children, within the parish of Tissington.

Frances Fitz-Herbert, by indenture, in 1738, gave a rent charge of £25 per annum, out of lands called the Shaws, and the Town Meadow, £6 to be appropriated to putting out an apprentice, £8 a year for teaching poor children, £5 a year to a surgeon, and the surplus is laid out in warm clothing, and given to the poor. This charity is very usefully administered for the benefit of the poor, although not in a very accurate conformity with the directions of the deed of 1735. A yearly sum of £2 was paid to the poor for a consid­erable time, out of a field called the Piper’s Pingle, now in the possession of Sir Henry Fitz-Herbert. This payment has been discontinued for upwards of 30 years, on the ground that there was no document to show that the field was subject to the charge. We have not been able to meet with any evidence in support of the claim of the poor, except the long continued payment and distribution thereof.

William Ensor, in 1777, left £300 on trust, to be applied in apprenticing poor children of Tissington, and Alstonfield in Staffordshire, in equal moieties. It appears these payments ceased in 1803, when the devises is stated to have died without leaving sufficient personal property to discharge his debts, and that the gift had for some time been paid out of the rents of the real estate, but that the sons of the devisee has been advised that the real property could not be charged with the payment of this legacy, and therefore discontinued it. We apprehend it was not a valid charge on the real property of the testator.

 

Fitz-Herbert Sir Henry, Bart., The Hall Allsop Joseph, parish clerk Bullock Job, carrier to Ashbourn, Sat, Harding John, cotton spinner, Woodeaves Hardy John, cowkeeper, Priest roads Hardy John, stone mason & engraver Hodgkinson Thomas, schoolmaster Johnson Mrs. Anne Goodwin

Marsh Richard, gardener Smith Charles, cooper & shopkeeper Smith Francis. shoemaker Smith Wm., joiner, builder, contractor, &   wheelwright Smith Wm,, cowkeeper Wright Wm., blacksmith

 

Farmers. Buxton Hanh., Wood Fletcher William             Gibbs Rd., Woodeaves Gibbs Jph, Lees farm Goodwin Wm. Sharp-   low dale

Hand Ann Hand Henry, Gorsey     lands Johnson Wm., Brook-   wood Lowndes Thomas,   Shaws

Smith John Smith Mary & Son,   (Wm,.) Bent Smith Francis, (&   cattle dealer) Smith John, Rushey-   cliff

Spencer John Swindell John, Crake   low Tomlinson Joseph, (&   butcher) Wright Thos., Basset-   wood

                                                                     

WIRKSWORTH, an extensive parish, which contains 11 townships, viz., the Market town and township of Wirksworth, the townships of Callow, Cromford, (also a market town) Hopton, Ible, and Middleton by Wirkaworth, in the Hundred of Wirksworth, the

WIRKSWORTH PARISH.                                                  451

 

township of Alderwasley, Ashley Hay, Biggin, Idridge Hay, and Alton in the Appletree hundred, with the township of Ironbrook grange, in the hundred of High Peak. The entire parish contains 13,571A. 0R. 27½P. of land, of which 7,097A. lR. 1½P. are in Wirks­worth hundred, 6,057A. 0R. 34P. in Appletree hundred, and 4l6A. 2R. 32P, in the High Peak hundred, and in 1851, had 1,773 houses, and 7,480 inhabitants, of whom 3,677 were males and 3,803 females; rateable value £22,051 14s. 7d. The Cromford canal, and the Cromford and High Peak railway commence in this parish; the former about 1½ mile N. of the town, near where, it crosses the river Derwent, by means of an aqueduct, the span of whose arch is eighty feet, and the latter is about half-a-mile N., through which it com­municates with the Midland railway.

WIRKSWORTH, a township and ancient market town, situated in a pleasant valley, much frequented by antiquarians and visitors during the summer months, for its beautiful scenery: it contains many good modern mansions, and is distant 13 miles N.N.W. from Derby, 10 miles W. by S. from Alfreton, 6 miles N.W. by N. from Belper, 2¼ miles S. by W. from Cromford station, and 140 miles N.W. from London, by road; contains 2959A. 3R, 32P. of land, of which 50A. are roads and waste, and 49A. 2R. 27P. houses and gardens, and in 1851 had 1,019 houses, and 3,923 inhabitants, of whom l;911 were males and 2,012 females; rateable value £8,977. 18s. 5d. Peter Arkwright, Esq., is lord of the manor, and the principal land owners are F. G. Goodwin, Esq., George Greaves, Esq., Peter Arkwright, Esq., James Toplis, Esq., Rev. John Toplis, Phillip A. Hurt, Esq., Wm. Leacroft, Esq. Mr. Jno. Smith, Mr. Wm. Hunt, Mr. W. Williamson, Mr. Fras. Page, and Mr. Joseph Wheatcroft, with several smaller freeholders. The principal employment of the inhabit­ants arises from the lead mines, but a considerable number are employed at the three factories for the manufacture of small-wares, &c. Malting is also carried onto a small extent, about 2,500 quarters being made annually. A market on Wednesday, and an annual fair for three days, were granted by Edward I., in 1305, to Thomas, Earl of Lan­caster, The Market is now held on Tuesday, and Fairs for horned cattle on Shrove Tuesday, Easter Tuesday May 12th, September 8th, and third Tuesday in November. The Feast is on the first Sunday after September 8th. There were formerly some mineral springs within the parish, but they have been destroyed by the draining of the mines. Many Roman antiquities have been found at various times in the immediate neighbour­hood; and in 1822, Jacob Buckley found the bones of a Rhinoceros in the Dream lead mine, about ten fathoms below the surface; they are now in the Museum at Oxford.

The Petty Sessions for the Wapentake are held every fortnight, at the Red Lion Inn, by the county magistrates.

Special Sessions are also held here on the first Wednesday in every month, for hearing appeals, transferring and granting licenses, for the return of jury lists, and for the general transaction of highway business. Messrs. G. Hodgkinson, and J. C. Newbold, are clerks to the Justices.

The Lock Up, North End, was erected in l842; it is a substantial building, with a residence for the superintendent constable, and contains four cells. Henry Tomlinson is the superintendent.

The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a spacious and venerable structure, exhibiting various styles of architecture, the oldest portions being in the Early English, or style of the 13th century. It is built in the Cathedral manner, comprising nave with side aisles, choir with side aisles, chancel, transepts and tower with six bells, (re-cast in 1702) and is capable of seating 2000 persons, of which number, 250 are free and unappropriated In 1820-21, the church was repaired and re-pewed at a cost of upwards of £2,000; it was also enlarged by additions to the east of the transepts. In 1826, an organ was procured at a cost of above £400, raised by subscriptions, and placed in the tower of the church, but the situation being found objectionable, it was removed in 1853, to a more convenient one in the nave; at the same time, new stalls, were erected for the choir, and, also seats on each side for the Sunday school children, the total cost of which was about £150. The

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organ is endowed with £1000., three per cent consols, for defraying the salary of the organist, Mr. Thos. Reeves. In 1854-5, further improvements were made, A memorial to the late Francis Hurt, Esq., of Alderwasley, having been determined upon by the county at large, the restoration of the chancel, with the addition of the memorial windows, was the result; the old chancel roof was replaced by one of stained oak, the floor laid with encaustic tiles, and a handsome chancel arch erected, A beautiful stained glass window, in the perpendicular style, was placed in the east end, and four other windows; two on each side of the chancel were filled with stained glass, the gift of Francis Hurt, Esq., and his sisters. The east (or memorial) window, contains the armorial bearings of the family, interspersed with which are angels bearing obituary insciptions; the five chief lights below contain as many subjects, and over each of these subjects are lofty canopies, with angels holding sacred symbols; beneath them are pedestals bearing scrolls, inscribed with scripture texts, referring to the several subjects. Along the bottom runs the following dedication :—“Memorial to Francis Edward Hurt, Esq., of Alderwasley, died March 22nd, 1854, aged 73, by public subscription, 1855.” About the same time, a new reading desk and pulpit, also stalls for the chancel were put up by private subscription, including the cost of the chancel arch above referred to. Thc interior is heated by stoves, and lighted with gas, the latter being introduced in 1851, and the tower has a good clock, put up in 1848, at a cost of about £180. It contains some ancient monuments: one to Ralph Gell, Esq., with effigies of the deceased and his two wives, dated 1534; another to Anthony Gell, Esq., founder of the grammar school and almshouses, with his effigy in a gown and ruff, dated 1583. In the chancel is a beautiful altar tomb to Anthony Lowe, Esq., servant to Henry VII., Henry VIII., Edward VI., and Mary I., was buried December, 1555, has representatives of the deceased in armour, Other monuments to the Lowe, Gell, Blackwall, and Wigley families, are worthy of inspection. In the churchyard is a headstone to the memory of Matthew Peat, of Alderwasley, who died December 11th, 1751, aged 109 years and 10 months. In the north aisle of the nave, and fixed in the wall, is a specimen of rude and ancient sculpture in bas-relief, representing various events in the life of our Saviour, as related in the gospels, the material is sandstone, and the dimensions are 5 feet in length, by 2ft. l0in. in width, This relic of primeval piety was found during the repairs in 1820, on removing the pavement in front of the altar railing, it was laid with the sculpture downwards, about two feet from the surface, over a stone built vault or grave, which contained a perfect human skeleton of large size; it must not be understood to have formed the cover of this vault, as it had another suitable covering quite unconnected with the sculpture; there is every probability that it has formed an altar piece in a church erected soon after the conversion of the Saxons to christianity. A. description of this sculpture is given in the “Gentleman’s Magazine,” of November, 1821. The living is a vicarage, valued in the King’s book at £42. 7s. 8¼d., now £340. The vicarial tithes (mineral tithe excepted) have been commuted at £91. The vicar is also by custom and endowment entitled to the tithe of lead ore. The Bishop of Lichfield is patron; the Rev. Thos, Tunstall Smith, M.A, vicar, and the Revs. D. R. Norman, B.A., and Chas. Henry Owen, M.A., curates. The Vicarage is a neat residence on the north side of the church-yard, rebuilt near the site of a dilapidated structure, in the year 1831, at a cost of £1,200, and since enlarged by the present vicar. The rectorial property is vested in the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and Geo. Henry Errington, Esq., is the lessee. The Independent Chapel, Coldwell street, built in 1700, was formerly in possession of the Presbyterians, but was re-opened in 1703, by the Independents. The Wesleyans have a chapel in Bailey croft, built in 1810, it is a plain stone building, and will seat about 250 persons. The Baptist Chapel, Coldwell street, was opened in 1816. It is a neat brick building, and will seat about 300 persons. The Rev. Thos. Yates, is the pastor. Wesleyan Reformers Chapel, Warmbrook, was originally in possession of the old body, but was claimed by the Reformers, when they seceded from them; it is a small stone building. The Free Gospellers Chapel, in the Dale, originally an old building, was converted into a chapel about two years ago, at a cost of £100. The

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Primitive Methodists have a neat stone chapel, in the Dale, erected in 1828, will seat about 300 hearers, besides a smaller one at Gorsey Banks, erected in 1846, at a cost of about £90. A General Cemetery, under the management of a Burial Board, situated at the North End, was formed in 1854, and consecrated in 1856. It occupies about three acres of ground, and has two neat chapels, one for the Church and the other for the Dissenters, with a residence for the sexton. The want of such a place of interment has long been felt, owing to the overcrowded state of the church-yard. The cost was upwards of £1,500., borrowed from Government, to be repaid by 20 instalments in 20 years. The Free Frammar School, on the N.E. side of the church-yard, is a handsome Gothic building, rebuilt in 1828, at a cost of £1664. The present rental of the charity estates is £295, (see Charities) out of which £170 is paid in salaries to the masters. It is managed by six governors or trustees, who meet in the school half-yearly, to elect as many boys as there may be vacancies for and to transact other business The average number of boys attending the school is 50, of these 20 are admitted on the foundation, and the rest are subject to moderate quarterly charges for education. The course of instruction embraces Greek, Latin, English Grammar, Mathe­matics, Arithmetic, History, Geography, &c. The Rev. Fras. Hy. Brett, M.A., head master. Mr. Marcellus Peal, second master. The National Schools, North End, erected in 1851, at a cost of £1,457. 3s. 4d. which was defrayed by private subscriptions, with grants from the National society, of £80., the Committee of Council on Education, £234., and the Duchy of Lancaster, £30., besides other sources. It is a handsome stone building in the Elizabethan style, with residence for the master and mistress attached; the present number of scholars is 210, viz., 70 boys, 50 girls. and 90 infants. A Parochial Library was established in 1846, and contains about 800 volumes; it is kept at the Grammar school, and books are exchanged every Tuesday. There are four Lodges of Odd-Fellows, and three sick societies in the town, besides a Clothing Club, a Dispensary, and other charitable and religious associations. The Mechanics’ Institute, Market place, was established in 1852, for the purpose of supplying its members with the means of acquiring useful knowledge. Members are not admitted under 16 years of age, and every candidate for admission must be recommended by two members. The Reading Room is liberally supplied with periodicals and newspapers, and the Library contains about 500 volumes; the number of members at the present time is 100, besides 15 honorary members, Wm. Cantrell, Esq., is the president, and Mr. J. W. Hall, librarian. A most gratifying festival, in connection with this Insti­tution was held on the 26th June, 1856, in the beautiful grounds of Wm. Cantrell, Esq., at which upwards of 2000 persons were present, who having partaken of tea, liberally pro­vided by the ladies of the town and neighbourhood, were addressed by several influential gentlemen, under the presidency of T. W. Evans, Esq., of Allestree Hall; after which a grand display of fireworks brought the day’s proceedings to a close. The Cricket Ground a short distance S. of the town, is near Miller’s Green. The cost of preparing the ground and erecting a wooden house for the convenience of players, was about £200. It is now one of the best grounds in the county. The Cricket Club was established in 1849, and has now nearly 100 members.

The Savings’ Bank, in St. John street, is a handsome stone structure, erected in 1842, at a cost of £1200, paid out of the surplus fund. The bank was opened 17 March, 1818, and has been established 38 years, and in November, 1855, the number of depositors were 1507, besides 8 Charitable and 31 Friendly Societies, having deposits amounting to £59,730 17s. 2½d. The bank is open on Tuesday, from 11 to 1 o’clock. Mr. Samuel Frost, actuary.

The Gas Works were erected in 1838, at Warmbrook, by a proprietary of shareholders, who circulate this luminous vapour at 8s. 6d. per 1000 cubic feet; Edward Robinson, manager.

The Inland Revenue Office is at the Red Lion, Market place; Mr. Richard Holmes, Supervisor; also the Ecclesiastical Court, for the conveyance of property, at the same house; Mr. John Marshall, bailiff.

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The Copyhold and Freehold Courts, for the inspection of nuisances is held at the Moot Hall, under Peter Arkwright, Esq.; Mr. John Marshall, bailiff.

The New Small Debts Act, or County Court,—This important act, which superseded the Court of Requests, came into operation on the 15th March, 1847.

Wirksworth County County Court is held at the Moot Hall, Beeley Croft, monthly, and the district comprises the following places:—Alderwasley, Alderwasley Forge, Alton, Aldwark, Ashleyhay, Bonsall, Bradbourne, Brassington, Carsington, Callow, Cromford, Darley, Dethick, Elton, Hackney, Hognaston, Holloway, Hopton, Ironbrook Grange, Idle, Idridgehay, Ireton Wood, Kirk Ireton, Lea, Matlock, Matlock Bank, Middleton-­by-Wirksworth, Northwood, Snitterton, Sidnope, Stancliff, Tansley, Toadhole, Wensley, Winster, Wirksworth. Judge, Joseph Thomas Cantrell, Esq. Registrar, Philip Hub­bersty, Esq.; Office St. John’s street. High Bailiff, Williiam Marsh.

The Moot Hall, in Beeley croft, erected in 1814, is a neat stone building, ornamented with the Miners’ arms in front, and contains an ancient miners’ dish made of brass, given by Henry VIII, A.D., 1513. It contains a little more than 14 pints Winchester dry mea­sure, and has the following inscription upon it “This dish was made the iiij day of Octobr, the iiij yere of the reigne of Kyng Henry the viij., before George Erle of Shrowes­bury, Steward of the Kyng most Honourable household; and allso Steward of all the honour of Tutbery, by the assent and consent as wele of all the Mynours as of all the Brenners within and adioynyng the Lordshyp of Wyrkysworth Percell of the said honour. This Dishe to remain in the Moote Hall at Wyrkysworth, hanging by a Cheyne so as the Mchanntes or Mynours may have resorte to the same att all tymes to make the trw Mesure at the same.” The original Moot Hall, built in 1773, by the direction of Thomas Lord Hyde, chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, stood in the Market place. Peter Arkwright, Esq., is lessee, under the crown, for the soke and wapentake of Wirksworth. James C. Newbold, Esq., of Matlock Bath, is the acting steward of the barmote court, under the lessee, and Mr. John Alsop, of Wensley, the head barmaster. A Barmote court and court leet is held here on Lady-day and Michaelmas.day; presided over by the steward, by whom all mineral disputes within the Wapentake are tried, The township of Wirksworth contains two manors besides that of the rectory. The chief paramount manor belonged, in the year 835, to the abbey of Repton, and at Domesday survey it belonged to the crown. King John, in the fifth year of his reign, granted it to William de Ferrers, Earl of Derby, having been forfeited by the attainder of Robert Earl of Derby, in 1265. It was granted, together with the Wapentake, by Edward I., to his brother, Edmund Earl of Lancaster. The manor of Holland, otherwise Richmond, was given by Thomas Earl of Lancaster to Sir Robert Holland; it was forfeited by the attainder of Henry Holland, Duke of Exeter, in 1461, King Henry IV. granted it to his sister Ann, Duchess of Exeter; afterwards it belonged to Margaret Countess of Richmond, mother of King Henry VII., on whose death it devolved again to the crown, and was granted, in 1553, to Ralph Gell, Esq., in whose descendents it still remains. This manor extends into the townships of Ashley Hay, Mid­dleton, Carsington, Hognaston, and Kirk-Ireton. A court baron is held at Wirksworth. About half a mile north from Wirksworth are several extensive quarries of very superior limestone and marble, of which large quantities are conveyed by the High Peak railway to the Cromford canal, and thence to various parts of the kingdom. Considerable quantities of lime are burned about a quarter of a mile north of the town; and together with the lead mines, form the chief occupation of the inhabitants, which latter have been worked from the earliest period of history, or even tradition. There can be no doubt that they were worked by the Romans, as pigs of lead have been found in the neighbourhood inscribed with the names of Roman Emperors, and are now in the British Museum. That they were worked by the Saxons, is also evident by the names which several of them bear at the present time, In Domesday book there is mention of mines in Wirksworth, and from that time down to the present, mining has been the staple trade of the town and district. Mining operations have been governed from remote antiquity by peculiar laws

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and customs, which until the passing of the “Wirksworth Mining Custom and Mineral Courts Act,” in the year 1853, were dependent upon oral tradition, and some collections o the laws and customs which have been printed at various times; now, however these customs have become statute laws, one peculiarity of which is, that any person can search for it, and if he find lead ore, can work the mine in any other person’s land without leave or without paying any compensation to the owner of the soil, In the course of time the mines were worked to such a depth as to be impeded by water. To relieve them several adits, or (as they are called) soughs have been driven at various intervals. The oldest is the Hannage Sough, which relieved the mines to a certain depth; then the Cromford Sough was driven from the market place, in Cromford, but that became in the course of time useless; and about the year 1777, the Meerbrook Sough was commenced from the level of the Derwent, near Hotstandwell Bridge. For many years this important adit was in abeyance, but in the year 1841 an Act of Parliament was obtained, incorporating a company to prosecute the works. It has been driven into the Valley of Wirksworth, a distance of three miles, at an expense of £27,500, and has had the effect of relieving the mines from water, some of which have been and are now very productive. The Ratchwood Mine has within the last three years realized upward of £30,000, and other mines it is expected will be equally as productive

BOLE HILL, a small village on a bold acclivity, half a mile N.E. from Wirksworth, is principally inhabited by miners. The Bage mine adjioning the village, was formerly the most productive mine in the district. Here is a Primitive Methodist chapel, erected an 1852, on the site of the old one, at a cost of about £200; it is a good stone building and will seat about 200 hearers.

WIGWELL GRANGE, a manor within the manor of Wirksworth, from which it is distant l½ miles east, and consists of the Grange and other lands—about 500 acres, with a stone mansion and pleasure grounds commanding picturesque views of the sur­rounding country. The Grange was given by Wm. le Fawne and others, in the reign of Henry the III., and confirmed by William de Ferrers, Earl of Derby, to the Abbot and Convent of Darley, near Derby, and was the favourite summer residence of the Abbots of that house. At the dissolution of the Monastery of Darley, by Henry VIII. it was granted to Thos. Babington, Esq., and forfeited by the conspirator Babington, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth to the crown, and regranted to Anthony Babington, who sold it in 1585, to Wigley, of Middleton, near Wirksworth. It was bought in 1774 by Francis Green, Esq., and is now the property and residence of his grandson, Captain Francis Green Goodwin.

LONGWAY BANK, 2½ miles E. by N. from Wirksworth, is a hamlet of scattered houses, principally occupied by miners, The Wesleyans have a chapel here erected about 20 years ago.

CHARITIES.—Agnes Fearne, by will dated 1574, devised a house and garden in Wirks­worth, on trust, to the intent, that if after her decease there should happen to be a free school in the town of Wirksworth, the trustees should cause five marks out of the profits of her lands to be conveyed to the said school for ever. She also directed 40s. yearly to be paid to the poor folk in a bede house in Wirksworth; and devised £1 6s. 8d. out of lands in Kirk Ireton and Idridge Hay, to be expended in clothing and given to the most necessitous poor of the parish, but we have not been able to find any trace of the payment of this latter sum. By indenture of feoffment, dated 1585, the lands and cottages of the said Agnes Fearne were conveyed by the surviving trustee to the governors of the free school and almshouse and their successors, for the support and main­tenance thereof.

Gell’s Almshouses were founded in the 26th of Elizabeth, by Anthony Gell, Esq., who left £60, and directed his executor, within one year after his death, to build an an almshouse in Wirksworth, on the side of the Hannage, for six aged, poor, and im­-

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potent men. He also left £20 per annum to be divided amongst the inmates, out of the rents of the lands and tenements devised for that purpose. The same donor also devised certain lands for the maintenance and support of a free grammar school, which was founded by letters patent in the 26th of Elizabeth, as “The Free Grammar School of Anthony Gell, Esq., for the education and instruction of boys in grammar and other literature;” and her Majesty ordained that there should be six descent and honest men, inhabiting within the Wapentake of Wirksworth, to be governors of the said school and almshouse, and that they and their successors should be a body corporate. When any of the said governors should die or be removed from his place or office of governor, or inhabit out of the Wapentake, the other governors, or the major part of them, might nominate any other fit person within the said Wapentake, to be governor. The endowment consists of l54A. 0R. 22P. of land, producing a rental of upwards of £280 per annum. A portion of this land, in small detached parcels amounting to 45A, was exchanged at the Wirksworth enclosure, in 1806. In most of the instances in which the lands of this charity lie open to those of other persons, the boundaries are marked by mere stones. It is proper that these stones should be inspected by the trustees, and new ones placed where necessary. The old school room, built in 1576, was taken down in 1828, and a commodious structure erected on its site. An annual sum of £170 is paid to two masters.

Henry Gee, in 1618, left a rent charge of £10, out of lands at Bolehill, £5 of which is given to the head master of the grammar school, and £5 distributed to the almsmen.

Anthony Bunting, in 1685, left £5 per annum to be given to the almsmen, out of land called the Dale Field.

In 1744, John Taylor left £100 for the benefit of the poor, which was invested in land, called Middlehills and Botham’s close, in Ible, the rent is received by the churchwardens at Christmas, and has hitherto been distributed amongst the poor of the township, but it appears from the testator’s will, that this donation was given for the benefit of the poor of the whole parish, and not intended to be confined to the town­ship alone.

German Buckston, in 1765, left £100, which was invested in land, called Youl­cliff Head. The rent, £5 per annum, is received by the churchwardens, and dis­tributed in sums of 5s. each, amongst the most necessitous widows and housekeepers of the parish.

Eli.zabeth Bagshaw, in 1797, left £2,000 three per ccnt. consolidated annuities on trust, the dividends thereof to bc given to the poor decayed housekeepers resident in the parish of Wirksworth, at the rate of 20s. each. The dividends amount to £56 8s., one-fourth of which has been confined to poor persons of Middleton, and the remaining three-fourths have been given to the poor of the township of Wirks­worth only. It appears, however, to have been Mrs. Bagshaw’s intention, that her charity should extend to poor decayed housekeepers resident in any part of the parish. The poor of this parish partake of the Rev. Francis Gisborne’s charity—(See Bradley.)

William Greatorex, in 1734, left a rent charge, of £3 per annum, out of land in Wirksworth, called the Green Yard, to be applied in apprenticing poor boys.

WIRKSWORTH township.—Daniel Dean, in 1637, left 20s. yearly, out of a house in Derby, which is laid out in bread, and distributed at Easter amongst the poor.

Dorothy Lees, in 1646, left lands for the benefit of the poor, now let for £13 13s. per annum, one-fourth of which is given to the poor of Middleton, and the remainder to the poor of Wirksworth.

George Summers, in 1683, left a rent charge of £3 yearly, out of land, called the Fishpool Flats, which, in 1801, was exchanged for the Dale Closes. We apprehend the parties had no power to change the security of this donor’s charity, and that the land called

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the Fishpool Flats is still liable to the annual payment of £3, if it should become necessary to resort to it. The annuity is received by the churchwardens, and distributed to the poor at Christmas.

Francis Bunting, in 1693, left a rent charge of £5 per annum, to be issuing out of his houses and lands in Wirksworth, to be distributed in sums of 5s. each to 20 poor housekeepers, on St. Stephen’s day.

Mary Hoades, in 1702, left 40s. yearly, charged on a piece of land in Hognaston, called the High Greave, which is given to the poor on St. Thomas’s day.

In 1707, Sarah Woodis left 40s. per annum for the benefit of the poor; she also directed 40s. per annum to be paid to the minister at the meeting-house in Wirks­worth, so long as there continued to be a meeting-house there, and when it should be discontinued and there should be no minister, then the whole sum of £4 to be paid to the poor.

Elizabeth Blackburn devised certain lands for the benefit of the poor, which were afterwards exchanged for Wheatcroft Close and Nash’s Close, now let for £14 per annum.

Poor’s Allotments—lA. 1R. 36P., by the High Style road, were allotted to the overseers and churchwardens, as trustees for the poor, at the enclosure in 1802, and the rent thereof is given to the poor.

In 1802, Mrs. Bridget Cheney gave £100 to be invested in the Wirksworth Savings’ bank, the interest thereof to be distributed at Christmas. In 1823, a sum of £12 13s. 8d. was added to it; and in 1825, a further deposit of £13 l0s., arising from a legacy given by John Harrison, of the Isle of Man. These three sums amounting to £126 3s. 8d., are now in the Savings’ bank, and the interest forms part of the distribution to the poor at Christmas.

In 1831, Mary Harrison left £45 to be invested in the Savings’ bank at Wirks­worth, and the interest to be given to the poor.

Gisborne’s Charity.—(See Bradley).—£7 5s. 0d., received on account of this charity, is laid out by the vicar, in the purchase of cloth and flannel, and distributed amongst the poor.

 

ALDERWASLEY, or ARROWSLEY, a township, chapelry, and scattered village, in the Appletree Hundred, 2¼ miles E. by S. from Wirksworth, contains 3045A. 2R. 35P. of land, and in 1851 had 82 houses, and 400 inhabitants, of whom 201 were males, and 199 females; rateable value, £3075 15s. 0d. Francis Hurt, Esq.. is lord of the manor and sole owner. The Chapel, a small structure, near the Hall, erected in the reign of Henry VIII., is now disused; a new one having been erected in 1849, at the cost of £2000, defrayed by the late Fras. E. Hurt, Esq. It is a handsome stone building in the Elizabethan style, situated a little S.W. from the Hall, and has a nave, chancel, and low spire with one bell, and four of the windows are filled with stained glass. It will seat about 400 persons. The living is a donative, not subject to ecclesiastical jurisdiction, Francis Hurt, Esq., appoints the chaplain, which is enjoyed by the Rev. Alexander Orme, B.A., who resides at the Parsonage, a good house about half a mile W. from the Chapel, built by the late F. E. Hurt, Esq., at the cost of £1,200. The Hall, a handsome mansion, in a picturesque situation, surrounded with shrub­beries and tasteful pleasure grounds, is the seat and property of F. Hurt, Esq. Here art and nature have combined to render this a most pleasing and delightful situation. The Dean of Lincoln is impropriator, under whom G. H. Errington, Esq., is lessee. The vicar of Wirksworth has the small tithe. In 1841, a mixed school was erected by the late F. E. Hurt, Esq., which is chiefly supported by F. Hurt, Esq.

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It is a handsome stone building, and is attended by about 60 children. Messrs. John and Charles Mold have extensive works on the bank of the Derwent, near the Ambergate station, for the manufacture of bar, rod, and sheet iron; and Messrs. William and Charles Milnes have extensive smelting and lead works near Whatstandwell Bridge 2½ miles E. by N. from Wirksworth. The manor anciently belonged to the Ferrers family, and was afterwards annexed to the Duchy of Lancaster. Thomas Lowe married the heiress of the Le Foune or Fawne family, who had an estate here as early as the reign of Henry III. John Lowe, his son, procured from Henry VIII., in 1528, a grant of this manor. Elizabeth, the sister and heir of his descendant and namesake brought this estate and manor in 1690, to Nicholas Hurt, Esq., of Castern, in Stafford­shire. In the civil war in 1643, this manor was sequestered as the property of Edward Lowe, a royalist.

CHARITY.—Grace Hurt, in 1727, directed 8s. weekly to be divided amongst four poor women of this township. The amount is now paid by Francis Hurt, Esq., the owner of Alderwasley estate.

 

ASHLEY HAY township, and pleasant district of scattered houses, 1¾ miles S. by E. from Wirksworth, contains 1437A. 1R. 39P. of land, including roads and waste, and in 1851 had 54 houses, and 271 inhabitants, of whom 140 were males, and 131 females; rateable value, £1686. Francis Hurt, Esq., is lord of the manor, and principal owner, but Mr. W. Dean; Mrs. Elizabeth Spencer, Mr. R. Spencer, Mr. W. Pidcock, James Milnes, Esq., Miss M. Adsetts, Mr. Joseph Taylor, and Mr. Joseph Malin, have also estates here. There are also 50 small copy and freeholders. The tithe was commuted in 1842. Alport Hill is a commanding eminence, said to be the highest point in South Derbyshire. Extensive prospects are seen into Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Staffordshire. The Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists have each places of worship here; the latter is situated at Bacon Hill, and will seat about 100 hearers; the site and the stone for the building was given by Mr. W. Pidcock.

 

BIGGIN, a township and small village, in Appletree Hundred, 5 miles S.W. by S. from Wirksworth, contains 577 acres of land, and in 1851 had 30 houses, and 133 inhabitants, of whom 73 were males, and 60 females; rateable value, £813 4s. 8d. The principal owners are, Mr. Wm. Webster, Mr. Jonathan Roose, Mr. Samuel Bain­brigge, Rev. W. R. Melville, Rev. C. Evans, Mr. John Booth, Mr. Jas. and Mr. Wm. Pearson. The tithes were commuted in 1844—the rectorial for £101, and the vicarial for £2 6s. 0d. per annum. George Henry Errington, Esq. is the lessee. Here is a Chalybeate spring, which is very efficacious in scorbutic and cutaneous diseases. It is in the occupation of Mr. John Booth, Lane head, and situated near his residence. Biggin House, situated on an eminence 5 miles S.W. from Wirksworth, is a neat brick building, the property of Mr. William Webster, and the residence of Mr. John Webster.

 

CALLOW, a township and small village, 2 miles S.W. from Wirksworth, contains 1,000 acres of land, 16 houses, and 94 inhabitants, of whom 46 were males, and 48 females; rateable value £1,128 12s. The executors of the late Philip Gell, Esq., and J. D. M.  Chadwick, Esq., are the owners. The former are lords of the manor. The rectorial tithe has been commuted for £148, of which G. H. Errington Esq., is lessee, and the vicarial for £12, which is paid to the vicar of Wirksworth. Callow Hall was an ancient moated mansion of considerable extent; a small portion of it only remains, which is occupied by Mr. Saml. Dean, as a farm house. The moat, and part of the bridge, are still visible. It is the property of Mr. Chadwick.

 

CROMFORD, a township, chapelry, and market town, 16 miles N. from Derby, 2 miles N. from Wirksworth, 8 miles S.E. from Belper, 1 mile S. from Matlock Bath, and 147 miles

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N.N.W. from London, contains 815A. 2R. 3½P. of land, (exclusive of Scarthing Nick, which is in Matlock parish,) and in 1851, had 255 houses, and 1,190 inhabitants, of whom 569 were males, and 621 females; rateable value £2,100. Peter Arkwright, Esq., is sole owner, except about six acres. The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a plain stone structure, with a small tower and one bell, situate near the bridge. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Peter Arkwright, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Robert Morgan Jones. The building was commenced by Sir Richard Arkwright, and was completed and endowed by Richard Arkwright, Esq., his son, with £50 per annum, since which it has been augmented with £200 from Mr. Arkwright, £200 Queen Anne’s bounty, and £1,000 parliamentary grant. It is neatly seated with oak pews, and galleries on each side, it contains an organ, which was put up several years ago, to which many additions and improvements have since been made. The tithe has been commuted for £63. There was anciently a chapel here, of which no traces now remain. Commodious schools have been erected in North street, and form, with the master and mistress’ house, three sides of a quadrangle. The boys’ school room, and the residences were erected in 1832, by the late Richard Arkwright Esq., and the girls’ and infants’ some years later. They are substantial stone buildings, the boys’ room is 55 feet by 24 feet, and the girls’ and infants’ are 20 feet square. The average attendance of boys for the last 24 years has been 115, and of girls and infants 180, who each pay a small weekly charge, the deficiency being made up by Peter Arkwright, Esq. The Wesleyans have a chapel, erected in 1810, and enlarged in 1840; it is now undergoing considerable alterations, and is calculated to seat 1,000 persons. The Wesleyan Reformers hold their services in a large room at Scarthing Row. The Primitive Methodist chapel, at Scarthing Row, is a good brick building, erected in 1853, at the cost of £300; it will seat about 300 persons.

 

CROMFORD, (anciently Crombeford) is situated in a deep valley on the south bank of the Derwent, enclosed by lofty limestone rocks on the north, south, and west; to the east a picturesque valley, finely wooded and clothed with rich herbage, stretches to a considerable distance. The houses are chiefly built of gritstone, which abounds in the vicinity. The cotton mills, the colour works, the lead mines, the wharfs, the canal, and the railroads, together with extensive smelting mills, hat manufactory, and worsted mills, at Lea, not only give employment to the numerous and increasing population, but renders the town of Cromford of commercial importance. In 1790, Sir Richard Arkwright procured the grant of a market to be held on Saturday. Fairs were formerly held here, but are now discontinued. The feast is on the first Sunday after September 8th. Here are two Sick Societies, an Odd Fellows’ lodge, and a lodge of Ancient Foresters. Some years ago 200 Roman coins were found in a hole of a rock near Cromford. This was an inconsiderable village prior to the establishment of the cotton mills, by Sir Richard Arkwright, here and at Matlock Bath. He erected the first cotton mill in the world, at Nottingham, in 1769. The first mill erected at Cromford was in 1771; the lower mill was built a few years after­wards. The penetration of Sir Richard Arkwright may be discovered in the very choice of a situation so suitable to carry on his extensive operations, and which laid the foundation for that immense wealth now enjoyed by his family. The mills are supplied with a never-failing stream of warm water, drained from the mines on Cromford moor, which not only never freezes itself but prevents the adjoining canal from being frozen throughout the winter. The large mill at Masson, between Cromford and Matlock Bath, was built in 1783. The number of hands employed at the mills is not so large as previously in consequence of a considerable portion of the supply of water being diverted into another channel. The works are still carried on under the firm of Arkwright and Co. Darwin thus elegantly describes the complex operations carried on by the improved machinery in these mills,— clothing dry details of manufacture and machinery in language which at least displays the consummation of poetic art:—

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“Where Derwent guides his dusky floods, Through vaulted mountains, and a night of woods, ———————————————The watery god His ponderous oars to slender spindles turn, And pours o’er massey wheels his foaming urns; —————————————Emerging Naiads cull, From leathery pods, the vegetable wool; With wiry teeth revolving cards release The tangled knots, and smooth the ravell’d fleece. Next moves the iron hand with fingers fine, Combs the wide card, and forms th’ eternal line; Slow with soft lips the whirling can acquires The tender skeins, and wraps in rising spires, With quickened pace successive rollers move And these retain, and those extend the rove, Then fly the spokes, the rapid axles glow; While slowly circumvolves the lab’ring wheel below.”

The Cromford Canal, which joins the Erewash canal near Langley bridge, opens a water commumcation to the east; the High Peak railway which joins the canal about 1 mile S. E. from Cromford, here communicates with the Midland Railway, affording every facility for the conveyance of coal, minerals, and limestone, to every part of the kingdom. A branch of the Midland railway from Ambergate to Rowsley runs through the town, and has a neat station, from whence there are five trains each way daily. It is carried through the north west part of the Wirksworth hundred, running past the western side of the High Peak hundred over a mountainous country to Whaley Bridge, where it joins the Peak Forest canal. The length of this railway is 34 miles, its greatest elevation is 290 feet above the level of the Cromford canal. This ascent is accomplished by means of inclined planes, up which the waggons are drawn by stationary steam engines. The High Peak Railway Company hold their quarterly meetings at the Greyhound Inn, Mr. Francis Barton, as the general manager.

The Rock House is a good mansion, situate on a limestone rock, overlooking the Derwent vale, the seat of the Misses Hunt. Near the road from Cromford to Wirksworth is a mine called God-be-here Founder, rendered memorable from an occurrence which took place in the year 1797: two miners, named Job Boden and Anthony Pearson, while em­ployed in the mine, the earth above them, together with a quantity of water, suddenly rushed in and filled the mine to a depth of 54 yards. The other miners immediately began to draw out the rubbish, in search of their lost companions; and on the third day Pearson was discovered dead in an upright posture. The miners continued their exertions, and on the eighth day of their labours they distinctly heard Boden’s signal, and aseertained that he was living. They now worked with great energy, but more caution, for a few hours longer, when they found the object of their search, weak and almost exhausted, yet fully sensible of the miraculous nature of his escape. His recovery from the effects of this premature entombment was slow but effectual, and he returned to his employment in about fourteen weeks, and lived many years afterwards.

Stonnis, or the Black Rocks, a lofty range of hills on the Wirksworth and Cromford road, about one mile from the former, are noted for the magnificent views obtained from them of Matlock, Cromford, and the district around, which is admitted by all to be equal if not superior to any in the neighbourhood, and will amply repay the tourist for his toil. By descending a short distance from the summit, you ‘reach a natural’ cavern, well known as “Gratton’s Parlour.” The following inscription cut in the rocks, will give the reader some faint idea of the magnificent scenery which is here obtained, “Heavens ! what goodly prospects spread around us.”

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CHARITIES.—Lady Armyne, by a codocil to her will, bearing date 14th August, 1662, left a yearly rent charge of £16 l0s., to be issuing of her manor, land and tenements, in Cromford, for the maintenance of six poor widows or widowers. This manor passed into the hands of Sir Richard Arkwright, in 1789, subject to the payment of the above sum, and also subject to the repairs of the hospital in Cromford. Each widow receives 40s. per annum, and a further sum of 6a. 8d. at Christmas, towards the purchase of a gown. The amount of these payments is £14 per annum, being less by £2 l0s. than the annual sum mentioned in Lady Armyne’s will. The cause of this diminution does not appear, but it seems not improbable that it arose from a deduction on account of land tax. We havc not found any trace of the full amount of the rent charge being ever paid, and in a valuation of the Cromford estate, in 1720, the annual payment to the almshouses is stated to be £14. It does not appear by whom or at what period the almshouses were built, or in what manner the repairs of them became a charge on the estate.

HOPTON, a township, and small pleasant village, 2 miles W. by S. from Wirksworth, and 4½ miles S.W. from Cromford station, contains 643A. 3R. 6P. of land, and in 1851, had 15 houses, and 100 inhabitants, of whom 55 were males, and 45 females; rateable value £975 12s. The executors of the late Philip Gell, Esq., are lords of the manor and principal owners. The Hall, an ancient mansion, 2 miles W. from Wirksworth, now the seat of Edmund Wilmot, Esq., was many years the seat of the Gells. The rent charge in lieu of the rectorial tithe is £67 l0s., and the vicarial £11 3s. 6d. George Henry Errington, Esq., is the impropriator. A family of the name of De Hopton had the chief landed property in Hopton, as early as the reign of King John. William de Hopton, in the reign of Edward II., left a daughter and heir married to Nicholas de Rollesley. The heiress of Rollesley brought this estate, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, to Sir William Kniveton, from whom it passed successively to the families of Greatrakes, Fern, and Stuffin. Johanna, daughter and heir of another branch of the family, is said to have brought all her estates in Hopton and Carsington to Ralph Gell, whose ancestors had then resided for some generations at Hopton. Sir John Gell, who had been created a baronet in 1642, was from the commencement of the civil wars, a most zealous officer on the side of the parliament. He took Lichfield, and rendered very important services to his party in his native county and elsewhere, for which he several times received the thanks of the House. Sir John’s colours, and a leathern doublet, weighing 11 pounds, worn by him, are still preserved. In the neck of this doublet is a flaw, made, it is supposed by a ball with which he was wounded, but when, is not known, but supposed to have been near the termination of the war, and after Newark, the last fortress in this part of the country, had capitulated. After the termination of the war, he was much dissatisfied with the treatment he received from the parliament; and in a memorial to refute certain calumnies raised against him, he states that he had received from them only £64, and that he had expended above £5,000 of his own property, besides the loss he sustained when his house was plundered by the enemy. In 1650, Sir John Gell incurred the displeasure of the ruling powers, and was sentenced, by the High Court of Justice, to be imprisoned for life, and his estates to be confiscated; but two years afterwards he procured his pardon. Sir Philip Gell, the. third baronet, purchased of the Stuffins the estate at Hopton, which had belonged to the other branch of the Hoptons. Upon his death, in 1719, the title became extinct, and Hopton, with other estates, passed under his will to John Eyre, a younger son of his sister Catherine, who, in pursuance of his uncle’s directions, took the name of Gell. The late Philip. Gell, Esq., who died a few years ago, has left his property in the hands of trustees.,

CHARITIES,—Sir Philip Gell, Bart., in 1719, erected an hospital for four poor men or women of this township, and directed a rent-charge of £22 6s. per annum to be paid out of’ his manor, called the Griffe Grange, to the inmates of the hospital, Of this amount, a sum of 30s. yearly is given to a person for receiving and paying the said annuity

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The poor have £2 per apnum on New Year’s day, the interest of £50 formerly left by John Steeple.

IBLE, a township and small village, pleasantly situated on a bold elevation, 4 miles N.W. from Wirksworth, contains 411A. 3R. 12P. of rich grazing land, and in 1851, had 23 houses, and 91 inhabitants, of whom 48 were males, and 43 females; rateable value, £352 14s. 6d. Peter Arkwright, Esq., is lord of the manor. The principal owners are the trustees of the late Philip Gell, Esq., Mrs. Hannah Travis, Mr. Benjamin Spencer, Mr. John Watson, and Mr. Thomas Webster. The tithes were commuted in 1844, of which £47 17s. is paid to the impropriator, and 17s to the vicar. The Primitive Methodists have a small chapel, built in 1825.

IDRIDGE HAY AND ALTON, (with Cliff Ash,) a township in the Appletree hun­dred, contains 987 acres of land, and in 1851 had 46 houses, and 222 inhabitants, of whom 108 were males, and 114 females; rateable value £1,502.

IDRIDGE HAY, a scattered district of houses, 3½ miles S. from Wirksworth, contains 517 acres of fertile laud, partly freehold, and partly copyhold in the manor of Duffield; rateable value, £819. Richard Paul Joddrell, Esq., of London, is lord of the manor. The principal owners are Robert Cresswell, Esq., Rev. Henry Cox, Mr. William Allsop, Miss M. Adsetts, the trustees of Risley School, and Rev. Thomas Mawkes; the former has a neat residence in the Swiss cottage style, with tasteful pleasure grounds, adorned with fancifully cut yew trees, situated on the Derby and Wirksworth road, 3 miles S. from Wirksworth. In a retired situation half a mile south of the church, is Ecclesburn House, situated on an acclivity commanding some beautiful views along the vale from which it is named, a neat mansion, the seat of Miss M. Adsetts. The family of Dean have held land here for upwards of five centuries. Alton Manor, 2 miles S.S.W. from Wirksworth, contains 480 acres of strong fertile freehold land, and a corn mill; rateable value, £683. The Ecclesburn, a small stream, divides this from Ashley Hay. James Milnes, Esq., is the sole owner. Alton Manor, 2 miles S.S.W. from Wirksworth, is a large handsome Elizabethan mansion, built in 1846-7 with stone procured on the estate, it is the seat and property of James Milnes, Esq. The tithes of this township were commuted in 1844, the rectorial for £154 and the vicarial for £7. A new District Church, dedicated to St James, was erected here in 1844-5, at the cost of £2,400, raised by voluntary contributions, and grants, from the Diocesan Church Extension Society, £135; the Cordon Fund, £100; the Incorporated Society for building churches, £75; and the Church Commissioners, £50. It is a handsome Gothic stone edifice, with nave, chancel, side aisle, and spire, with sittings for 210 persons, 170 of which are free and unappropriated. The living is a perpetual curacy, value £58, in the joint patronage of Robert Cresswell and James Milnes, Esqrs., and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas Vernon, Mellor, M.A., for whom a neat parsonage is now in course of erection, about a ¼ mile S. of the church. Robert Cresswell, Esq., and James Milnes, Esq., were the principal contributors, and the former gentleman has given £1,500 towards the endowment.

CHARITIES.—In 1640, Robert Baker left £22, which was invested in land at Kirk-Ireton, called Little Day Meadow. The owner thereof pays an annual sum of 22s., which is given to the poor of this township.

The sum of 15s. per annum, left by Henry Jackson in 1782, for educating two poor children of this township, was lost some years ago, in consequence of the party in trust becoming bankrupt.

IRONBROOK GRANGE, on GRANGE MILL, a township and small village, in the High Peak Hundred, 4 miles W.N.W. from Wirksworth, contains 416A. 2R. 32P. of land, mostly in pasture, and in 1851 had 5 houses, and 44 inhabitants, of whom 25 were males, and 19 females; rateable value, £460, and it is not in the King’s Field. This place was given by Henry Studley, who died about the year 1167, to the abbey of Bildewas, in Shropshire. It was granted by King Henry VIII. to Edward Grey, Lord Powis, from whom

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it passed by inheritance, through the Ludlows and Vernons of Stokesley, to the Right Hon. Lord Scarsdale, who is the present owner. The tithes were commuted in 1844, the rectorial for 20s., and the vicarial for 25s.

 

MIDDLETON, a township and considerable village, and with Ible, and Ironbrook Grange, forms a chapelry in the parish of Wirksworth, from which place it is distant one mile N. by W., and from Ashbourn 9 miles N.E., contains 1005 acres of land, and in 1851, had 228 houses, and 1,012 inhabitants, of whom 501 were males, and 511 females; rateable value, £980. The principal owners are the trustees of the late Philip Gell, Esq., Mr. Robert Adams, Mr. Obadiah Adams, Mr. Benjamin Clayton, Mr. Benjamin Buckley, Mr. William Buckley, Mr. Caleb Moore, Mr. Francis Roper, Mr. John Brookes, Mr. James Spencer, and Mr. Lois Spencer. The tithes were commuted in 1844, the rectorial for £56, and the vicarial for £6 10s. A District Church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity was erected here in 1839, at a cost of £1,200, raised by subscriptions, aided by a grant from the Incor­porated Church Building Society. It is a good stone structure with a turret, one bell and a clock, and will seat about 400 persons, 362 of which are free. The living is a perpetual curacy, value £75, in the patronage of the Vicar of Wirksworth, and the incumbency of the Rev. Francis Town Attree, B.A., who resides at the Parsonage, a handsome Elizabethan building, erected in 1852, a little north of the church, at a cost of about £1,000. In 1846 a National school for boys, girls, and infants, was built at a cost of £200, raised by sub­scriptions, and a grant from government. It is a good stone building, and will accommodate about 130 children; the average attendance is 40 boys, and 50 girls. The Wesleyan’s have a neat chapel, erected about 40 years ago, which seats 500 persons, and the Independents one, erected by Captain Scott, during the time he resided at Matlock Bath. The Primitive Methodists have a small chapel, erected in 1846, which will seat about 150 persons. There are several quarries of excellent marble in this township, of which great quantities are sent by the High Peak railway to Cromford, and thence by canal to the celebrated marble works at Buckland Hollow. Mining was formerly carried on here to a great extent, and very profitably. The principal mines now being worked, are the Good-luck, Slackrake, Jackson’s, Welchman’s Venture, Croft, Snake, Sticking Brook’s, Sparkrake, and Bradwell, which are very productive, yielding more ore than any others in the neigh­bourhood.

CHARITY.—Dorothy Lees, in 1646, bequeathed about six acres of land, three-fourths of the yearly rents thereof to be given to the poor of Wirksworth, and one-fourth to the poor of this township. The land is now let for about £13 13s. per annum.

Post Office, Church street, Mary J. Brace, postmistress; letters from all parts arrive at 7 a.m., and are despatched at 7.35 p.m., box closes at 6.50 p.m.; Money Orders are granted and paid from 9 a.m. to 5.30. p.m.