IBLE TO IRONVILLE
A TO Z – DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT – CHAPTER 21
IBLE (off the A5012 between Cromford and Griffe Grange – SK239571)
A small hamlet, Ible stands high above the road, not far from Middleton-by-Wirksworth, where D H Lawrence once lived and wrote Wintry Peacock. He made frequent visits to Ible, which comprises a few scattered farms reached by a single track. Here, you are just as likely to meet poultry coming the other way as vehicles, which is just as well considering the narrowness of the road. Although seemingly isolated and ‘far away from the madding crowd,’ it is less than one mile from the A5012. Along the roadside is a row of water troughs known locally as the Twelve Apostles, which stand near a cottage that was once a Methodist Chapel. Ible’s visitors are mainly walkers who enjoy the magnificent views over the valley towards Middleton-by-Wirksworth.
IDRIDGEHAY (on the B5023 Duffield to Wirksworth road – SK288487)
Idridgehay is a small, attractive village in the Ecclesbourne Valley, south of Wirksworth, where, in the spring and summer, the woods are filled with wildflowers. For those wanting to explore the local countryside, Eadric’s Way is ideal, and you can either follow the blue signs (3 miles) or the red signs (2 miles).
Idridgehay Railway Station was once a crucial meeting point for farmers who brought their milk for transportation to London and Sheffield. The hilly nature of the local countryside did not lend itself easily to arable farming, and most farms in the area concentrated on milk production. The railway line opened in 1867, but closed to passengers in 1948. By that time, milk was already transported by road. The line closed altogether in 1967, but Idridgehay Station was reopened by a band of enthusiasts in 2008, and rail journeys from Wirksworth commenced.
ILAM (between the A515 Ashbourne to Buxton Road and A52 Ashbourne to Stoke-on-Trent road – SK134508)
Alpine-style cottages, a Tudor Gothic Hall, an eccentric river, and a wonderful backdrop of soft green hills make Ilam a very popular destination with visitors. It is in one of the most spectacular locations in the Peak District, with magnificent views towards Thorpe Cloud and the entrance to Dovedale. Only a short walk away to the east is the nationally famous Dovedale Stepping Stones.
Ilam Park is open to the public for free walking. The aptly named Paradise Walk, by the River Manifold, fringed with woodland, planted as a pleasure ground for the hall, is a favourite with most people. The river disappears for most of its journey from Wetton Mill, flowing underground before emerging at the boil holes, in the grounds of Ilam Hall. Only during the rainy season does it behave like an ordinary river, flowing above ground.
ILAM HALL
All that remains of the old hall are the entrance hall, armoury, and servants’ quarters, which have been converted into a Youth Hostel. The Italian Gardens, although significantly altered from the days when the Watts-Russell family resided at the hall, still offer excellent views and provide a chance to relax. Tucked away in the gardens is the grotto where William Congreve wrote his first play while recuperating from illness. Samuel Johnson also visited Ilam, and it is said that Happy Valley, in his book ‘Rasselas,’ was based on Paradise Walk. There are National Trust tea rooms, a shop and information facilities to enjoy. A National Trust car park is available to members; non-members must pay.
ILAM – HOLY CROSS CHURCH
In the church of the Holy Cross, the chapel of St Bertram contains a shrine that became a place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages and the scene of many miraculous cures. Bertram, who had connections with the Royal family of Mercia, was returning from Ireland with his wife and newborn child. He left them briefly to look for food, only to find on his return that wolves had savaged them both. At once, he denounced his heritage and spent the rest of his life as a hermit preaching the gospel. The Chantry Chapel holds a finely carved memorial to David Pike Watts, a former owner of Ilam Hall.
ILKESTON (on the A608/9 Derby Road, northwest of Nottingham – SK465416)
The third largest town in Derbyshire stands on top of a hill above the Erewash Valley, close to the eastern border of Derbyshire. It owes its development mainly to industry, with coal, iron, and hosiery all having played important roles at different times. A century ago, it was on the way to establishing itself as a spa town when a spring was discovered that had curative properties for specific ailments. Alas, the spring went dry, and all that remains to remember it by is the name of the main street, Bath Street.
There is evidence that people lived in the area long before the Romans visited, but the Saxons were probably the first to settle where Ilkeston is now situated. Farming was the primary occupation, and for many years, there was little growth in the population. The Lord of the Manor obtained a market charter, which permitted a weekly market and an annual fair. Markets are held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, when a wide range of goods are sold. Over 750 years after the granting of the original charter to hold an annual fair, the Ilkeston Charter Fair is still going from strength to strength. It is the largest street fair in Derbyshire and nationally recognised in the calendar of street fairs. Unlike other major fairs, it has retained its town centre site.
ILKESTON – EREWASH MUSEUM
Tucked away in a quiet spot just off Bath Street at Dalby House is the Erewash Museum, which celebrated its 35th birthday in 2017. From here, the Bennerley Viaduct can be seen across the Erewash Valley. It is an integral part of Ilkeston’s industrial legacy, 1,400 feet in length and one of only two of its kind in the country. Built by the Great Northern Railway to carry a twin track across the valley. It has Grade II listed building status. The last train crossed in 1973.
ILKESTON – SCALA CINEMA
The Scala Cinema is located just off the edge of the marketplace on the corner of Pimlico and Burns Street. It was the town’s first purpose-built cinema. Built on the site of a graveyard, it is over 100 years old, having opened in 1913. A Grade II* listed building, it is regarded as one of the most important cinemas in Derbyshire. Its future was in doubt a few years ago, but it has now been refurbished and is operated by Reel Cinemas.
INGLEBY (off the A514 at Swarkestone on road west to Milton – SK348271)
Ingleby is a small village on the south side of the River Trent, near Foremarke Hall and Milton. There is a small art gallery in the village and on the western side a public house, The John Thompson. A former farmhouse, it was the first public house in the UK named after its owner. Large and spacious inside, it has a substantial collection of original paintings and prints on display. Most notable are watercolours of local village scenes by three generations of the Gresley family from nearby Chellaston. It is also home to the country’s longest-established microbrewery.
IRONVILLE (situated between Riddings and Codnor Park, east of Ripley on B6016 – SK438518)
Ironville was built about 1830 by the Butterley Company as a ‘model village’ to house its workers. It was notable for its extensive gardens and its rural setting. The Mechanics’ Institute was built in 1846; schools were established in 1850, and the parish church was built two years later. Most of the old village was demolished by the Local Authority in the late 20th century, but Ironville House, built by the Butterley Company using slag from the iron furnaces and is Grade II listed, remains largely unaltered.
Christ Church at Ironville was built between 1851 and 1852 to the design of Henry Isaac Stevens for the Butterley Iron Company. It was consecrated in 1852 by the Bishop of Lichfield and is a Grade II listed building.
