A walk around historic Baslow and Bubnell
Overview
Baslow (Basselau) and Bubnell (Bubenenli) are recorded in Domesday Book but there is evidence of a prehistoric settlement on nearby Gardom's Edge. ‘Basselowe’ (meaning the burial mound of Bassa, an ancient chieftain of the Britons ruling this part of Derbyshire) and ‘Bubba’s Hill” are Old English derivations from 600-700AD.
In Norman times, the separate berewicks of Baslow and Bubnell, in the Manor of Aissford (Ashford), passed to the Curzon family, then by gift to the Vernons from whom they descended to the Manners - the present Duke of Rutland. An exchange of lands in 1824 between the Dukes of Rutland and Devonshire transferred the south east corner of Baslow parish to Devonshire to become the north part of the Chatsworth Park. Bubnell was purchased by Devonshire from Rutland in 1870 and the latter disposed of his remaining property in Baslow by public sale in 1920. The Duke of Devonshire is the present owner of most of Bubnell and the area around the Cavendish Hotel but the remainder is in private hands.
The village owes its position to the ancient ford across the Derwent at the site of the Old Bridge which, allied to nearby gaps in the gritstone edges to the east, made it a crossroads for travellers and a focus for ancient trade routes, notably from the rich salt deposits in Cheshire and later carrying textiles, coal and agricultural products. Transport advantages were increased with the introduction of the first (east-west) turnpike in 1759 and its subsequent re-routing in 1812 and again in 1824, the latter directly linked to the Duke of Devonshire’s estate improvements.
Unusually for villages on the Derwent, Baslow has never had a cotton mill such as in Cromford and nearby Calver, but it was one of the earliest villages to have its own gas works and to be lit by electricity. Census returns also show a high proportion of shopkeepers and craftsmen with fewer labourers than other villages. Together with the development of a Hydropathic Establishment (Spa) in 1880, funded largely by Sheffield businessmen, this suggests that Baslow has been a relatively ‘up-market’ village for many years. Bubnell, historically, has always had a high proportion of gentlemen-farmers with no shops or tradesmen and would have been considered exclusive.
Much historical information is obtained by study of information from parish and church records, Tithe and Enclosure Awards, census data, etc. This inevitably leads to a study of prominent individuals and their occupations. A small number of families predominate and their inter-relationships and inter-marriages over several generations are integral to a full understanding of the development of Baslow and Bubnell. Some are briefly mentioned here but much more detail is available on David Dalrymple-Smith's website - http://baslowhistory.co.uk
Baslow (Basselau) and Bubnell (Bubenenli) are recorded in Domesday Book but there is evidence of a prehistoric settlement on nearby Gardom's Edge. ‘Basselowe’ (meaning the burial mound of Bassa, an ancient chieftain of the Britons ruling this part of Derbyshire) and ‘Bubba’s Hill” are Old English derivations from 600-700AD.
In Norman times, the separate berewicks of Baslow and Bubnell, in the Manor of Aissford (Ashford), passed to the Curzon family, then by gift to the Vernons from whom they descended to the Manners - the present Duke of Rutland. An exchange of lands in 1824 between the Dukes of Rutland and Devonshire transferred the south east corner of Baslow parish to Devonshire to become the north part of the Chatsworth Park. Bubnell was purchased by Devonshire from Rutland in 1870 and the latter disposed of his remaining property in Baslow by public sale in 1920. The Duke of Devonshire is the present owner of most of Bubnell and the area around the Cavendish Hotel but the remainder is in private hands.
The village owes its position to the ancient ford across the Derwent at the site of the Old Bridge which, allied to nearby gaps in the gritstone edges to the east, made it a crossroads for travellers and a focus for ancient trade routes, notably from the rich salt deposits in Cheshire and later carrying textiles, coal and agricultural products. Transport advantages were increased with the introduction of the first (east-west) turnpike in 1759 and its subsequent re-routing in 1812 and again in 1824, the latter directly linked to the Duke of Devonshire’s estate improvements.
Unusually for villages on the Derwent, Baslow has never had a cotton mill such as in Cromford and nearby Calver, but it was one of the earliest villages to have its own gas works and to be lit by electricity. Census returns also show a high proportion of shopkeepers and craftsmen with fewer labourers than other villages. Together with the development of a Hydropathic Establishment (Spa) in 1880, funded largely by Sheffield businessmen, this suggests that Baslow has been a relatively ‘up-market’ village for many years. Bubnell, historically, has always had a high proportion of gentlemen-farmers with no shops or tradesmen and would have been considered exclusive.
Much historical information is obtained by study of information from parish and church records, Tithe and Enclosure Awards, census data, etc. This inevitably leads to a study of prominent individuals and their occupations. A small number of families predominate and their inter-relationships and inter-marriages over several generations are integral to a full understanding of the development of Baslow and Bubnell. Some are briefly mentioned here but much more detail is available on David Dalrymple-Smith's website - http://baslowhistory.co.uk
Map of the Centre of the Village
Some Practical Details
The walk starts from the car park by the village green or at the Parish Church and follows easily accessible roads. Please take care walking along the section of the main road through the village which can be very busy at times. map of the village is shown at the end of these descriptions and has each landmark numbered. Those within Baslow can be reached following a circular path but for those along Bubnell Lane you must return the same way. There are some interesting areas beyond the village marked with arrows on the map – apart from Baslow Hall these are not within easy walking distance.
Some of the landmarks shown are now private dwellings. Please respect the privacy of residents.
Points of Interest in Baslow
1. Baslow Gas Works (The Car Park)
Built in 1864 (very early for a village of this size) on the site of the present car park, this provided gas and coke for the village and the Hydro. There are scorch marks on the walls in the south-east of the site and the original gate posts are near the bus stop next to the shop. The plant closed in 1963 but many original gas lamps now converted to electricity are visible around the village.
Built in 1864 (very early for a village of this size) on the site of the present car park, this provided gas and coke for the village and the Hydro. There are scorch marks on the walls in the south-east of the site and the original gate posts are near the bus stop next to the shop. The plant closed in 1963 but many original gas lamps now converted to electricity are visible around the village.
2. Barbrook Bridge and Turnpike
The ancient route across Barbrook was a packhorse bridge. The current bridge (1759) carried the original turnpike across Chatsworth land to the Robin Hood and on to Chesterfield. When the Duke of Devonshire extended the Park in 1824 to create the impressive entrance at the Golden Gates, the he had the turnpike diverted northwards to run in front of the Wheatsheaf Hotel on what is now the A629.
The ancient route across Barbrook was a packhorse bridge. The current bridge (1759) carried the original turnpike across Chatsworth land to the Robin Hood and on to Chesterfield. When the Duke of Devonshire extended the Park in 1824 to create the impressive entrance at the Golden Gates, the he had the turnpike diverted northwards to run in front of the Wheatsheaf Hotel on what is now the A629.
3. The Devonshire Arms, Barrel Inn and Malthouse area
The house bearing the name “Malthouse” near Bar Brook belonged to the Barrel Inn which was behind its replacement, the Devonshire Arms (1861). Properties here belonged to the Eyre family of Hassop but the freehold was sold to local residents in 1702. They are unusual in that they have never been in the hands of either of the local Dukes. This may have allowed their later commercial development into a line of shops and two inns.
The house bearing the name “Malthouse” near Bar Brook belonged to the Barrel Inn which was behind its replacement, the Devonshire Arms (1861). Properties here belonged to the Eyre family of Hassop but the freehold was sold to local residents in 1702. They are unusual in that they have never been in the hands of either of the local Dukes. This may have allowed their later commercial development into a line of shops and two inns.
4. The Cavendish Hotel
This old coaching inn on the road before the turnpike was first referenced in 1730 when the innkeeper was a John Marsden. It was originally known as the Peacock, the arms of its original owner, the Duke of Rutland. The Duke of Devonshire acquired it in 1860, but only after refurbishment in 1970 was the name changed to the family name of Cavendish.
This old coaching inn on the road before the turnpike was first referenced in 1730 when the innkeeper was a John Marsden. It was originally known as the Peacock, the arms of its original owner, the Duke of Rutland. The Duke of Devonshire acquired it in 1860, but only after refurbishment in 1970 was the name changed to the family name of Cavendish.
5. Rowley's Restaurant
This building was one of the few freehold properties in the village and one where its structural changes and details of its owners can be traced to the present day (details at DDS's website: http://baslowhistory.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/prince-of-wales-inn.pdf). First recorded in 1710 named ‘Kesiland’ and described as a house with barn and workshops, it was subsequently converted to three cottages used variously by carpenter, grocer and ostler, shoemakers, butcher, and wheelwright with outbuildings as the village mortuary until it was recorded as ‘The Prince of Wales Inn’ in 1861. The present building configuration probably dates from 1862 and the current name from 2006.
This building was one of the few freehold properties in the village and one where its structural changes and details of its owners can be traced to the present day (details at DDS's website: http://baslowhistory.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/prince-of-wales-inn.pdf). First recorded in 1710 named ‘Kesiland’ and described as a house with barn and workshops, it was subsequently converted to three cottages used variously by carpenter, grocer and ostler, shoemakers, butcher, and wheelwright with outbuildings as the village mortuary until it was recorded as ‘The Prince of Wales Inn’ in 1861. The present building configuration probably dates from 1862 and the current name from 2006.
6. St Anne’s Church
The oldest part of the present church (the north aisle around the tower) dates from the late 13th century with the nave 14th century but the rest is newer and subject to extensive restoration in 1853, largely at the expense of the Duke of Devonshire. There is a 13th century stone coffin lid bearing a floriated cross in the entrance porch and, inside the door, the remains of a dog-whip used by the ‘dog-whipper’ to remove stray dogs from the church. The clock in the tower has Roman numerals and is dated 1759 on one face and another has ‘Victoria 1897’ to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
The oldest part of the present church (the north aisle around the tower) dates from the late 13th century with the nave 14th century but the rest is newer and subject to extensive restoration in 1853, largely at the expense of the Duke of Devonshire. There is a 13th century stone coffin lid bearing a floriated cross in the entrance porch and, inside the door, the remains of a dog-whip used by the ‘dog-whipper’ to remove stray dogs from the church. The clock in the tower has Roman numerals and is dated 1759 on one face and another has ‘Victoria 1897’ to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
7. The Churchyard
There are about 850 gravestones in total with the earliest burial (of Thomas Baggeley) recorded in 1698. An index of gravestone inscriptions can be found in the church. Near the entrance is the remnant of a mediaeval cross originally positioned near Cross Farm in Bubnell. The Lychgate, where coffins were rested prior to burials, is Victorian and erected in memory of one of the daughters of a Sheffield schoolmaster who committed suicide by hanging.
There are about 850 gravestones in total with the earliest burial (of Thomas Baggeley) recorded in 1698. An index of gravestone inscriptions can be found in the church. Near the entrance is the remnant of a mediaeval cross originally positioned near Cross Farm in Bubnell. The Lychgate, where coffins were rested prior to burials, is Victorian and erected in memory of one of the daughters of a Sheffield schoolmaster who committed suicide by hanging.
8. The Old Ford and Bridge to Bubnell
The heart of the original village developed here around the ancient ford. The Old Bridge (1603), is the oldest surviving bridge anywhere on the Derwent and is constructed in alternating courses of two types of local stone: sandstone from Bar Quarry at the head of Bar Road and gritstone from the edges to the north and east of the village. The bridge replaced earlier, weaker, wooden bridges (over which it had long been an offence to take millstones) and included a Watchman’s Hut (still standing) in which every fit man in the village took turns from 9pm to 6am to keep out undesirables from the village. A Toll Bar was added with the introduction of the turnpike in 1759. The new bridge (The Devonshire Bridge) was opened 200m to the east in 1925.
The heart of the original village developed here around the ancient ford. The Old Bridge (1603), is the oldest surviving bridge anywhere on the Derwent and is constructed in alternating courses of two types of local stone: sandstone from Bar Quarry at the head of Bar Road and gritstone from the edges to the north and east of the village. The bridge replaced earlier, weaker, wooden bridges (over which it had long been an offence to take millstones) and included a Watchman’s Hut (still standing) in which every fit man in the village took turns from 9pm to 6am to keep out undesirables from the village. A Toll Bar was added with the introduction of the turnpike in 1759. The new bridge (The Devonshire Bridge) was opened 200m to the east in 1925.
9. Bridge End – Shops and Commerce
The area close to the bridge was once the commercial centre of the village with a variety of craftsmen and shopkeepers working from the buildings on the north side of the road and an inn, The Rutland Arms next to the bridge. The present properties ‘The Old Mill and ‘The Old Forge’ (in the photograph) betray their origins as a flour mill and blacksmiths, whilst further north ‘White Lodge’ was the village tannery until the 1860s. Many trades were followed for successive generations within local families.
The area close to the bridge was once the commercial centre of the village with a variety of craftsmen and shopkeepers working from the buildings on the north side of the road and an inn, The Rutland Arms next to the bridge. The present properties ‘The Old Mill and ‘The Old Forge’ (in the photograph) betray their origins as a flour mill and blacksmiths, whilst further north ‘White Lodge’ was the village tannery until the 1860s. Many trades were followed for successive generations within local families.
10. Baslow Hall
This house (now Fischer’s Hotel and Restaurant) looks like a typical 17th century Derbyshire Manor house but was built in 1907 by Rev Stockdale, the local vicar, whose name was commemorated in the Stockdale Institute, the present Village Hall. Bought in 1913 by the electrical engineer Sebastian Ferranti, electric power was introduced in every conceivable way, although this was not the first use of electric power in the village which was via a water turbine in the old flour mill. Subsequent owners of the house included the car dealing families of Kenning and TC Harrison before Max and Sue Fischer turned it into an award-winning restaurant.
This house (now Fischer’s Hotel and Restaurant) looks like a typical 17th century Derbyshire Manor house but was built in 1907 by Rev Stockdale, the local vicar, whose name was commemorated in the Stockdale Institute, the present Village Hall. Bought in 1913 by the electrical engineer Sebastian Ferranti, electric power was introduced in every conceivable way, although this was not the first use of electric power in the village which was via a water turbine in the old flour mill. Subsequent owners of the house included the car dealing families of Kenning and TC Harrison before Max and Sue Fischer turned it into an award-winning restaurant.
11. Baslow House
Most houses in Baslow before 1800 were small cottages. Baslow House (itself originally named ‘The Cottage’) was one of the first large houses built following the Enclosure Act of 1824 when Robert Broomhead, a member of an old Bubnell family traceable to about 1550, acquired the land. The Broomhead family made their money in lead smelting becoming tenant farmers in subsequent generations. Robert’s son, Nicholas, was also publican to the Peacock Inn.
Most houses in Baslow before 1800 were small cottages. Baslow House (itself originally named ‘The Cottage’) was one of the first large houses built following the Enclosure Act of 1824 when Robert Broomhead, a member of an old Bubnell family traceable to about 1550, acquired the land. The Broomhead family made their money in lead smelting becoming tenant farmers in subsequent generations. Robert’s son, Nicholas, was also publican to the Peacock Inn.
12. Abney House
The original house on this site was built in the 1830s by John Marples, millwright. The present property was rebuilt in 1901 by Henry Tasker, an electrical engineer from Sheffield who introduced electricity into Sheffield and Manchester (as well as to Baslow) and installed the first telephone exchange in Windsor Castle. A number of other residential properties were built a little later, mostly occupied by newcomers to the village, especially industrialists from the cities. The age of the commuter had arrived.
The original house on this site was built in the 1830s by John Marples, millwright. The present property was rebuilt in 1901 by Henry Tasker, an electrical engineer from Sheffield who introduced electricity into Sheffield and Manchester (as well as to Baslow) and installed the first telephone exchange in Windsor Castle. A number of other residential properties were built a little later, mostly occupied by newcomers to the village, especially industrialists from the cities. The age of the commuter had arrived.
13. The Schools
Education for most villagers was not a priority until the mid 18th century although there are records of a charity school at Stanton Ford from 1651 until 1889. A National School was established in 1839 at a site in the present churchyard. It was replaced in 1875 by the present St Anne’s on School Lane because of the need to expand the burial ground, a poor academic record (now rectified) and insufficient teaching space. The oldest school building still in the village is the Methodist Sunday School (1822), also on School Lane (pictured).
Education for most villagers was not a priority until the mid 18th century although there are records of a charity school at Stanton Ford from 1651 until 1889. A National School was established in 1839 at a site in the present churchyard. It was replaced in 1875 by the present St Anne’s on School Lane because of the need to expand the burial ground, a poor academic record (now rectified) and insufficient teaching space. The oldest school building still in the village is the Methodist Sunday School (1822), also on School Lane (pictured).
14. Daisy Bank and The Alma
This area (identifiable by stone lettering on the ‘Alma’ as there is no street sign for Daisy Bank) follows the old route into the village from Bridge End via Over Lane - the main access from that direction as late as 1812. This land was freehold and the random building configuration suggests that the original freeholder sold small plots for individual development. This allowed the siting of Hanover Buildings (Zion Chapel), the Methodist Chapel (1795) and the Alma (1854), originally a beer (and possibly, a bawdy) house.
This area (identifiable by stone lettering on the ‘Alma’ as there is no street sign for Daisy Bank) follows the old route into the village from Bridge End via Over Lane - the main access from that direction as late as 1812. This land was freehold and the random building configuration suggests that the original freeholder sold small plots for individual development. This allowed the siting of Hanover Buildings (Zion Chapel), the Methodist Chapel (1795) and the Alma (1854), originally a beer (and possibly, a bawdy) house.
15. Overend Cross Roads
The oak tree on the triangular green above the Spar shop is noted on a map of 1879. It marks the meeting of four routes: from the Old Bridge, from Calver via Over Lane, from Chesterfield via Eaton Hill and from Sheffield via Bar Road. It must have been an important crossroads and meeting place in a village that has no ‘true’ centre. (In 1799, Over End, Bridge End and Nether End each had about 35 houses, well separated from each other).
The oak tree on the triangular green above the Spar shop is noted on a map of 1879. It marks the meeting of four routes: from the Old Bridge, from Calver via Over Lane, from Chesterfield via Eaton Hill and from Sheffield via Bar Road. It must have been an important crossroads and meeting place in a village that has no ‘true’ centre. (In 1799, Over End, Bridge End and Nether End each had about 35 houses, well separated from each other).
16. The Hydropathic Establishment
The large gateposts near to the Prince of Wales tree were once the imposing entrance to the Baslow Hydro, the 19th century equivalent of a luxury spa hotel, which occupied the whole of the area between Bar Road and what is now Eaton Drive with gardens stretching further down Eaton Hill and a golf course towards the Sheffield Road. It was opened in 1881 by Sheffield businessmen looking to develop a local competitor to the spa towns of Matlock and Buxton. The established Baslow infrastructure, including a ready gas supply, good scenery and the attractions of Chatsworth led to a highly successful venture until after World War I when lack of investment led to its deterioration. It was demolished in 1936.
The large gateposts near to the Prince of Wales tree were once the imposing entrance to the Baslow Hydro, the 19th century equivalent of a luxury spa hotel, which occupied the whole of the area between Bar Road and what is now Eaton Drive with gardens stretching further down Eaton Hill and a golf course towards the Sheffield Road. It was opened in 1881 by Sheffield businessmen looking to develop a local competitor to the spa towns of Matlock and Buxton. The established Baslow infrastructure, including a ready gas supply, good scenery and the attractions of Chatsworth led to a highly successful venture until after World War I when lack of investment led to its deterioration. It was demolished in 1936.
17. Eaton Hill
Eaton Hill was once known as Tithe Barn Lane – Court rolls from 1366 mention a ‘Grange’ in Basselowe called ‘Thythe-bern’. The present ‘Tithe Acre House’ is not the original but is the latest of a series of properties on that site.
Eaton Hill was once known as Tithe Barn Lane – Court rolls from 1366 mention a ‘Grange’ in Basselowe called ‘Thythe-bern’. The present ‘Tithe Acre House’ is not the original but is the latest of a series of properties on that site.
Points of Interest in Bubnell
18. Bridgefoot Farm
This building is strategically placed at the river crossing and was the only building in Bubnell recorded for retail use being variously an inn (The Joiners’ Arms), a graziers and a butchers. Bubnell is situated up the hill to the right from here, the area to the left being within Baslow.
This building is strategically placed at the river crossing and was the only building in Bubnell recorded for retail use being variously an inn (The Joiners’ Arms), a graziers and a butchers. Bubnell is situated up the hill to the right from here, the area to the left being within Baslow.
19. Bubnell Hall
This has been, and still is, the most prestigious building in either Baslow or Bubnell and dates from the mid 1600s. (This photograph is from the 1950s). There may have been an earlier building as the first known occupant (recorded on a plaque in the church as ‘Robert Eyre, Gent of Bubnell Hall’) was buried in 1599. Many prominent local families have occupied the Hall and its adjacent farmhouse (Broomheads, Gardoms, Oddys) but all were tenants, ownership lying with the Duke of Rutland until acquired, with the rest Bubnell, by the Duke of Devonshire in 1870. The hall has had many alterations and additions over the years, although the longest section nearest the road is likely to be the original Hall. It was partitioned in the late 1700s to form the farmhouse. Between 1841 and 1898 the Hall acted as a girls’ school attracting pupils from across the north of England and further afield (one from the USA).
This has been, and still is, the most prestigious building in either Baslow or Bubnell and dates from the mid 1600s. (This photograph is from the 1950s). There may have been an earlier building as the first known occupant (recorded on a plaque in the church as ‘Robert Eyre, Gent of Bubnell Hall’) was buried in 1599. Many prominent local families have occupied the Hall and its adjacent farmhouse (Broomheads, Gardoms, Oddys) but all were tenants, ownership lying with the Duke of Rutland until acquired, with the rest Bubnell, by the Duke of Devonshire in 1870. The hall has had many alterations and additions over the years, although the longest section nearest the road is likely to be the original Hall. It was partitioned in the late 1700s to form the farmhouse. Between 1841 and 1898 the Hall acted as a girls’ school attracting pupils from across the north of England and further afield (one from the USA).
20. Cross Farm
This may well be one of the oldest buildings in the area being named from a mediaeval cross situated close by and now removed to the entrance to Baslow churchyard. The Froggatt family occupied the farm between 1639 and 1855, Thomas Froggatt in 1639 also being the tenant of Stoke Hall and two smelting mills whilst owning several other properties. A later tenant was Joseph Eames, publican of the Peacock Hotel who kept racehorses there. Following acquisition by the Duke of Devonshire the tenancy changed several times and the adjacent farm was eventually sold separately being rebuilt in 1963 as Bubnell Grange.
This may well be one of the oldest buildings in the area being named from a mediaeval cross situated close by and now removed to the entrance to Baslow churchyard. The Froggatt family occupied the farm between 1639 and 1855, Thomas Froggatt in 1639 also being the tenant of Stoke Hall and two smelting mills whilst owning several other properties. A later tenant was Joseph Eames, publican of the Peacock Hotel who kept racehorses there. Following acquisition by the Duke of Devonshire the tenancy changed several times and the adjacent farm was eventually sold separately being rebuilt in 1963 as Bubnell Grange.
21. Bubnell Farm
After acquiring this land in 1870, the Duke of Devonshire set about building a ‘Model Farm’ to incorporate the latest farming methods. This entailed the demolition of two cottages and two farms; the termination of tenancy arrangements for three Baslow farmers with land redistributed to Bubnell tenants; the addition of open land; and a move of a further farming family to Bubnell Hall. The farm was completed by 1885 and developed over the next 80 years until responsibility was transferred to the Trustees of Chatsworth Settlement. They retain ownership of the agricultural land and two remaining farms in Bubnell whilst most other other properties are now private freehold.
After acquiring this land in 1870, the Duke of Devonshire set about building a ‘Model Farm’ to incorporate the latest farming methods. This entailed the demolition of two cottages and two farms; the termination of tenancy arrangements for three Baslow farmers with land redistributed to Bubnell tenants; the addition of open land; and a move of a further farming family to Bubnell Hall. The farm was completed by 1885 and developed over the next 80 years until responsibility was transferred to the Trustees of Chatsworth Settlement. They retain ownership of the agricultural land and two remaining farms in Bubnell whilst most other other properties are now private freehold.
22. Bubnell House
This may be the original manor house. It has a vaulted cellar and a door lintel of Saxon origin. It is said to have monastic connections. Although originally associated with the adjacent farm it lost the land with the development of the model farm.
This may be the original manor house. It has a vaulted cellar and a door lintel of Saxon origin. It is said to have monastic connections. Although originally associated with the adjacent farm it lost the land with the development of the model farm.
Outside the Villages
23. Bramley Farm
This is close to Bubnell Lane in the valley at the north end of Bubnell. The present building dates from 1802 but has a bedroom mantelpiece with the date 1677 chiselled in its stone, presumably recycled from an earlier building (now demolished) situated about 50m to the west. Many generations of the Kitchen family were tenants between 1584 and 1935. During the English Civil War, two of three brothers in the family, out with a hay wagon, were enlisted by a troop of passing Royalist cavalry. The third brother (and the horse) joined Cromwell. Only one brother survived and returning to the farm is said to have found the abandoned hay cart as it had been left but minus the hay, probably eaten by birds.
This is close to Bubnell Lane in the valley at the north end of Bubnell. The present building dates from 1802 but has a bedroom mantelpiece with the date 1677 chiselled in its stone, presumably recycled from an earlier building (now demolished) situated about 50m to the west. Many generations of the Kitchen family were tenants between 1584 and 1935. During the English Civil War, two of three brothers in the family, out with a hay wagon, were enlisted by a troop of passing Royalist cavalry. The third brother (and the horse) joined Cromwell. Only one brother survived and returning to the farm is said to have found the abandoned hay cart as it had been left but minus the hay, probably eaten by birds.
24. The area around the Robin Hood
The area to the north of the Robin Hood public house on the main road to Chesterfield contains many interesting features between Birchen Edge and Gardom's Edge. Here there is evidence for mediaeval and prehistoric settlements, old packhorse trails and coal mining. There is also a stone memorial (Nelson’s Monument) some nine feet high marking the death of the famous admiral and erected in 1820 by local masons.
The area to the north of the Robin Hood public house on the main road to Chesterfield contains many interesting features between Birchen Edge and Gardom's Edge. Here there is evidence for mediaeval and prehistoric settlements, old packhorse trails and coal mining. There is also a stone memorial (Nelson’s Monument) some nine feet high marking the death of the famous admiral and erected in 1820 by local masons.
25. Cupola and lead mining
The old Totley turnpike road ran parallel to but slightly north-west of the present Sheffield Road as it climbs Baslow Hill. The area contains a series of old lead workings. At the top (near the cross roads to Curbar Gap) are remnants of the earliest workings, started in 1618 and continuing to the early 1800s. This later became a flourmill and the millpond and old sluice remain visible. 300m downstream was a second site of uncertain date, probably the early 1700s. The third site, dating from 1760 was around the area now occupied by two cottages (one named ‘Cupola’). The ruins of the old cupola and furnace chimney are nearby but obscured by silver birches. The cottages built in 1818 were once, respectively, a toll-bar cottage for the turnpike and accommodation for the smelting workers.
The old Totley turnpike road ran parallel to but slightly north-west of the present Sheffield Road as it climbs Baslow Hill. The area contains a series of old lead workings. At the top (near the cross roads to Curbar Gap) are remnants of the earliest workings, started in 1618 and continuing to the early 1800s. This later became a flourmill and the millpond and old sluice remain visible. 300m downstream was a second site of uncertain date, probably the early 1700s. The third site, dating from 1760 was around the area now occupied by two cottages (one named ‘Cupola’). The ruins of the old cupola and furnace chimney are nearby but obscured by silver birches. The cottages built in 1818 were once, respectively, a toll-bar cottage for the turnpike and accommodation for the smelting workers.