Tel: 0845 166 8022
Email: info@peakdistrictonline.co.uk
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AshbourneSince Ashbourne has such a diverse and historic background probably the best way to describe the beauty of Ashbourne is to take a time a brief potted time line tour of the village. In the 12th century Sir Thomas Cockayne (1479-1537) had been knighted by King Henry VIII, during the siege of Tournai, following the king to the battlefield of the Cloth of Gold. Later, his grandson who also carried the same name Sir Thomas Cockayne (1520-1592) was knighted and served four terms as High Sheriff. Their descendants still remain in Ashbourne to this day but then who would want to leave this beautiful part of the Peak District?. Since 1257 when a charter was granted to allow stalls to be added in the open market area, fairs have been allowed to sell livestock. Three times a year horse fairs were allowed, and four times a year there are cheese fairs.
Today, during the week the market place is utilised as a car park, but in time honoured tradition on Thursdays and Saturdays the market is still open and is an ideal place to sample some of the local produce. As
with many formerly industrialised areas there are still remnants of the
past and how poor the workforce once was, but it did leave behind some
stunning architecture and one example of this is of course the
almshouses. The
stylish Owfields Almshouses which were built in 1640 stand out against
a beautiful sunset, with their upper stories that were built in 1840. In
1669, the Peggies almshouses were also built using sandstone from the
local area and 1733 saw the development of a mid Georgian Almshouse,
which included 3 stories, built around 3 sides of a courtyard. It
was built to entertain the four widows of England’s Clergymen, which
also became known as the Clergy Widows Almshouse, these are now
privately owned. Ashbourne
is also still famous for the yearly two day Shrove Tide Football Game,
which opens ever Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, directly behind the
Green Man in Shaw Croft Car Park. Unlike
modern football the playing field for this traditional game is massive
by comparison. The football teams called the Up’ards and the Down’ards,
battle the ball 3 miles through the streets, streets, and the open
country, to reach the goals between Sturston and Clifton. If you are in the area at this time of year then you will get to experience this exciting tradition.
Ashbourne is an ideal base for a Peak District holiday and were sure you’ll enjoy your visit here and your stay at one of the hotels in Ashbourne. |
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