Wonders of the Peak

Buxton Museum & Art Gallery

Local History

Matlock, Little Switzerland

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Publisher: Valentine “Colourtone” Series – Looking South

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Publisher: Raphael Tack & Sons “Chromatic” – Looking North

There are several postcards and photographs in Buxton Museum that depict views of Matlock Bath as either having a “Switzerland View” or being a “Little Switzerland”. The art critic John Ruskin and poet Lord Byron both visited the area in the day and it is the latter that is credited with the comparison. This first view shows Matlock Bath’s High Tor. On the left, below the area of blank space by the road is now the Artist Corner car park. This side of Matlock Bath can be explored as part of the High Tor Recreation Ground. The second view shows High Tor from the Station Bridge looking North towards Matlock itself.

Matlock Bath is not alone in picking up an exotic moniker. Nicknaming places became fashionable in an era when foreign travel was a limited to a small number of wealthy individuals. Despite having neither mountains or lakes, it is the rocky outcrops that surround the area that lend the feel of winding alpine roads.

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Matlock and Matlock Bridge

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This postcard depicts a street scene taken from the end of Dale Road, at the junction to Matlock Bridge which crosses the River Derwent. The shop on the left of the image is H. Barnwell and Son, a local seller of watches and time pieces.  There is a suggestion that the gentleman stood outside the shop is owner Harry Barnwell. His father, Henry Barnwell moved from Birmingham to Matlock, and established his business in 1876. Henry Barnwell Jr (known as Harry) took over the running of the business in 1887 when his father died.

The site, No5 Dale Road is now currently occupied by a branch of HSBC Bank. The original shop was demolished and made way for the bank in a Georgian style around the time of 1917.

This street scene itself has been dated to about 1900.

To see more images of this area and learn more about this part of Matlock and the Barnwell’s shop visit the Wirksworth Parish Records.

Matlock Bath, Charabanc at Fishpond Hotel

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Publisher: Edgar Wright, Speedwell Cottage, Upperwood, Matlock Bath

This photograph was taken outside the Fishpond Hotel in Matlock Bath which has retained its name as the Fishpond Bar. It depicts a charabanc which is often mispronounced as “sharra-bang” in colloquial British English. The name derives from the French char à bancs meaning “carriage with wooden benches”; a mode of transport first appearing in France in the early 19th century. Early charabanc were horse-drawn but combustion engines became a more common sight until more conventional modes of public transport started to make their mark in the Peak District.

This form of transport enabled visitors to explore the local area. Charabancs were normally open top but they had a large canvas folding hood stowed at the rear in case of rain. This can be seen folded up on a concertina fashion at the rear of the vehicle. Due to their uncomfortable nature, their use was often limited to short day trips.

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Eyam Parish Church – Welcome

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Audio 1: Welcome

Welcome to Eyam Parish Church.  My name is Mike Gilbert and I am the current rector of Eyam, a direct successor to William Mompesson.  This is a historic church so please enjoy the murals of the tribes of Israel, the plague window, the plague register, Mompesson’s pulpit and chair, the Saxon font, sundial and many other features.  The faith of 1665 and present since the church’s foundation continues today with lively worship, prayer, growth groups, youth services, Messy church and much much more.  We seek to serve our local community and minister to those in need. Our youth worker visits schools in the whole area and we see ourselves as a resource for the whole Peak District. Our vision is to be a church with a heart for God and a heart for our community.

Audio 2: Invitation

Please do join us for our Sunday service which is normally at 11am where you will receive a warm welcome.  Whilst you are here, enjoy the peace and sense the Holy Spirit bringing to mind the history of our church.  Perhaps light a votive candle with a prayer or in memory of someone.  Take time to reflect and pray and find the God who is seeking you and who died for us all on Good Friday.

The new Peak Pilgrimage finishes here so I would extend a special invitation to the pilgrims to sign the pilgrimage book, stamp their pilgrimage guide and stick in their Eyam verse.  We hope that your pilgrimage has been a great experience and that you have met with God whilst you have travelled through the beauty of His creation.  Do spend time in prayer and meditation in this Holy place.

The church is also the starting point for exploring Eyam village and also the Eyam pilgrimage so may God bless with you and meet with you whilst you are here.