PADLEY CHAPEL TO PEAK DISTRICT LEAD MINING MUSEUM
A TO Z – DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT – CHAPTER 36
PADLEY CHAPEL (west of Grindleford Station off the B6251, Grindleford to Longshaw Road – SK245793)
Padley Hall was raided on 12 July 1588, and the two Catholic priests, Nicholas Garlick, Robert Ludlam, and several members of the Fitzherbert family were arrested. It was not illegal to be a Catholic, but training abroad to be a priest was against the law. Harbouring a priest was a treasonable offence. Nicholas Garlick, the son of a yeoman farmer from Dinting, near Glossop, who had trained to be a priest in France, and Robert Ludlam, the son of a farmer from Radbourne, who had also trained in France, were both taken to Derby and hanged, drawn, and quartered. John Fitzherbert of Padley and his brother both died in prison. A pilgrimage now takes place every year in July when a special service is held in memory of the Padley Martyrs.
PADLEY GORGE (off the Grindleford Station Approach from B6251, Grindleford to Longshaw road – SK253789)
The Burbage Brook starts its journey in the heather-clad moors near Sheffield. It meanders along slowly at first, before entering densely wooded Padley Gorge, where the ground falls more steeply. Here, the stream sparkles as it cascades over rocky boulders on its way towards a meeting with the River Derwent. The valley was designated in 1972 as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), as “the best example of the remnant oak-birch woodland that once covered much of the edges of the gritstone uplands of the Peak District”. The gorge is very popular with walkers and was, in 2018, named by the Countryfile Magazine as one of the top seven gorge walks in Britain.
PARSLEY HAY (about 9.3 miles southeast of Buxton, off the A515 – SK148638)
Parsley Hay is only a tiny hamlet, but it is an important destination for walkers and cyclists, as there is a cycle hire centre at the former railway station. It is also the meeting point of the Tissington and High Peak Trails, where trains once ran before the track beds were converted into trails..
PARWICH (between the A515 Ashbourne to Buxton Road and the B5056 – SK187544)
Apart from walkers who come to explore the network of footpaths that pass through Parwich, not many visitors to Derbyshire discover one of the prettiest villages in the county. Situated on the edge of the Peak District, Parwich is not on any of the main routes through the area, and as a result, it does not suffer from excessive traffic noise, unlike many other villages. Its neat limestone houses of various shapes and sizes stand in picture-postcard fashion along winding lanes and narrow ginnels. In the summer, the cottages, with their attractive gardens, window boxes, and hanging baskets, provide a vivid splash of colour against the green background of the steeply rising hillside.
St. Peter’s Church was built in 1873, but its style dates to a much earlier period, which can be somewhat confusing. The previous church had stood on the same site for over 800 years before its replacement. A carved Saxon tympanum over the west door creates considerable interest, depicting the Lamb of God with a cross, a stag trampling a serpent, a wolf, and other strange animals. A replica of the carving has been made for preservation purposes and can be viewed inside the church.
The Sycamore Inn dates to the 17th century, and the brick extension at the rear dates to the 19th century. It also doubles as the village shop, following the closure of the last shop in Parwich. In 2008, the pub was declared National British Pub Champion for its community involvement.
PEAK DALE (located off the A6 Buxton to Dove Holes road – SK090760)
Peak Dale is in the undulating countryside between two quarries, one near Dove Holes and the other at the far end of the village. There is a primary school in the village, as well as good recreational facilities, including a particularly immaculate bowling green. The spacious village club, known as the Great Rocks Club, is named after the dale immediately to the south of Peak Dale.
PEAK DISTRICT LEAD MINING MUSEUM (2 miles south of Matlock, on the A6 at Matlock Bath – SK294582)
Housed in the Grand Pavilion at Matlock Bath is the Peak District Lead Mining Museum, the only one of its kind in the world. It tells the story of lead mining from Roman times to the present, interestingly and innovatively, with climbing shafts and tunnels providing a real insight into what working in a lead mine was like. Close by is Temple Mine, which offers a guided tour underground to learn more about the history of mining. The reconstructions enable you to see the mine as it was at the beginning of the century. Before visiting, please check the opening times, as the mine is open less frequently than the museum.
