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Peak District Hotels | Tourist Information | Peak District Places Of Interest | Alstonefield

Alstonefield

If you are staying at one of the hotels in Alstonefield then you will no doubt want to know a little bit more about the village.

Alstonefield was a thriving market centre around the middle ages and was granted its own market charter in 1308. Sadly, because of the growth of nearby towns like Ashbourne, much of its status was lost. The annual cattle sales continued in Alstonefield right through to the beginning of the 20th century.

While you are in the area, take a stroll along the footpaths and lanes. Many of these date back to prosperous times centuries ago.

At the south side of the village, hidden from view, is St Peter’s Church. The church dates all the way back to Norman times and throughout the centuries has been heavily altered several times. If you look closely at the church, you will no doubt admire its fine woodwork.

A closer look inside the church, you will notice a beautiful set of 17th century pews, still retaining their original brass work, a double Decker pulpit and at the east end of the north aisle, a painted Beresford pew.

Also inside the church is a huge chest; this is 10 feet long and approximately 700 years old and has 3 locks. It was necessary for the vicar and church wardens to each have a key and the presence of all 3 was required at “opening ceremonies.

In the local church yard, a Saxon font was dug up, and built into the wall and near the porch are fragments of Anglo-Saxon or Viking crosses.

Whilst in this beautiful area of the Peak District, call in at the local pub “The George”, which was formerly a coaching inn. Next door to the pub you will find a local craft shop and an art gallery.

If you take a walk behind the George inn, this is where the local wool market used to be held. Sadly, those days are long gone. There was once a button factory in the village; silk covered buttons were made here, maybe for the flourishing silk industry which at that time existed in Macclesfield.

The village is also home to the Hope House Costume Museum and Restoration Workshop. The museum can be visited by appointment only.

For the horse lovers the vilaage also has a local horse show and gymkhana takes place every year in May if you are visiting at this time of the year.

Charles Cotton, a renowned 17th century writer and poet lived locally with his family at nearby Beresford Hall, which is now sadly demolished, but you can still see their elaborately greenish pew still in the church. Beresford Dale is still home to a fishing temple built by Cotton.