Baslow
Baslow in the Peak District sits at the northern edge of Chatsworth Park in Derbyshire and also has close links to the Peak District National Park. There are three distinct areas to Baslow, Over end, Nether end, and Bridge end, of which the river Derwent is spanned by a beautiful charming 17th century, three arched bridge.
Sitting beside this, you will find a little stone shelter built for the toll collector.
A popular choice by many visitors is Nether end; you will find a triangular paddock with trees and thatched cottages overlooking a brook. This area is commonly known as Goose Green. There are numerous shops and cafes to please many visitors. Call in at the Goose Green Tea Rooms for a nice refreshing cup of tea.
If you are staying in the area, you must visit Baslow Hall. This is an elegant manor house, and was once home to the electrical pioneer, Sebastion de Ferranti. Now it is a Michelin starred restaurant which offers the option of staying in one of the glorious bedrooms that are available.
There are a few buildings in Baslow that belong to the Chatsworth estate. A turreted Italianate building by the name of Park lodge was erected in 1842 by Jon Robinson; this was built for the Duke of Devonshire’s physician, Dr Condell.
The Cavendish Hotel is owned by the estate with many of its furnishings coming from Chatsworth House. It is famed for the ten miles of trout fishing in the rivers Derwent and Wye.
A Hydropathical Establishment was built in the late 19th century. This was for people to come and ‘take the cure’. They believed Baslow waters were beneficial in curing those suffering with joint and muscle pain, this was demolished in the 1920’s.
The Church of St Anne is set in a lovely location close to the river; in the churchyard you will find stately elms and ancient yew trees. Dating back to the 14th century are the tower and spire, together with the nave arcade and doorway. There is an unusual clock face on the tower having the name Victoria and the date 1897 inscribed.
If you look closely in the porch, you will see built in the remains of a coffin stone approximately 700 years old, with many various stone slabs to be found in the churchyard. At the door, you will find a glass case in which there is a whip; this was used to scare any troublesome dogs out of the church. There are six church bells, two of which are medieval and the others were added in 1620, 1745, 1754 and 1839.
There is a thriving village school, of which the building is also used for activities by the local societies, and still retains some old fashioned village events. The annual carnival and procession with bands still takes place yearly, not forgetting well dressing combined with the church fete offering tea on the vicarage garden, and later in the evening a barn dance.
Baslow in the Peak District is a lovely place offering magnificent views and scenery, with a wilderness of heather on the moorland and the home of grouse. Accommodation is readily available with a choice of hotels, guest houses, cottages and friendly caravan and camp sites.
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