SANDIACRE TO SHEEN
A TO Z – DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT – CHAPTER 42
SANDIACRE (9 miles east of Derby, adjoins the border with Nottinghamshire – SK478364)
Sandiacre was mentioned in the Domesday Book, and the Parish Church of St Giles dates to the 10th century, featuring a Saxon window. The Erewash Canal is a key feature of the town centre. The small basin immediately above Sandiacre Lock was once the terminal link of the former Derby Canal. Situated next to the canal in the town centre is Springfield Mill, now converted for accommodation. It started its life in 1888 as a lace mill. At that time, lace-making was a major industry in the town.
SAWLEY (off the B6540 from Long Eaton, on the southwestern outskirts of Long Eaton – SK472320)
Sawley is a large village that was very important following the building of Harrington Bridge in 1790, as it dominated the first river crossing in the area south of Nottingham. Today, Sawley Marina, with its access to the region’s main waterways, attracts thousands of boating enthusiasts and visitors who come to enjoy the picturesque location. The approach to All Saints’ Church is through a beautiful row of lime trees, and on the opposite side of the road is Bothe Hall, once owned by the Booth family, wealthy landowners whose principal seat was at Dunham Massey. The latter is now in the hands of the National Trust.
SAWLEY MARINA
The marina is one of the most important parts of Sawley, located on a navigational cut of the River Trent on the border of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The marina accommodates cruisers, narrowboats, and wide-beam boats in beautiful leafy surroundings. The café on site has been recently updated and is well supported by both casual visitors and boaters. A busy network of roads runs close to the marina.
SCARCLIFFE (8 miles southeast of Chesterfield, 1 mile from Bolsover, off the B6417 Clowne to Pleasley Road – SK494688)
A charming old village, owned mainly by the Duke of Devonshire, boasts some fine historic buildings and well-maintained gardens. The village still retains its rural charm and has received the Best Kept Village award several times. St Leonard’s Church is the village’s focal point and dates to the 12th century.
SETT VALLEY TRAIL (follows the former railway line that linked Hayfield with Manchester as far as New Mills)
In 1868, the railway arrived in Hayfield and soon became busy with both passengers and goods, serving all the mills in the valley. Passenger trains ran regularly to Manchester shortly after the First World War. It was quite common for 4,000 to 5,000 people to use the Sett Valley Line on a summer Sunday to visit the countryside. Business gradually diminished, and the line closed in 1970. Now it provides a recreational traffic-free route for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.
The trail runs from Hayfield to New Mills and forms part of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail, which spans between Hayfield and Birch Vale, and is of outstanding natural beauty. Derbyshire County Council has resurfaced it as part of a scheme designed to improve facilities for users and make the area more attractive to wildlife. Sections of woodland have been thinned along the side of the trail, and 1,600 trees have been planted and new hedgerows established along the route.
SHEEN (off the Hartington to Warslow road, near Hulme End – SK114615)
The small village of Sheen lies alongside an unclassified road in the Staffordshire Moorlands, not far from Hartington. It is composed of a few houses and farms, together with a church and a pub. St Luke’s Church was presumably built on the site of a chapel that records indicate was in existence in 1185. It is a Grade II* listed building. Initially, the public house was known as the Horse Shoe when the local blacksmith ran it. Its name changed to the Staffordshire Knot in 1872, but it is now permanently closed. For a short period, it was renamed Ye Olde Spinning Wheel. In 1971, the Sheen Farmers Tug of War Club was founded. Since then, both men and women have achieved numerous national and international successes, including several world championship events.
