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| Chelmorton is
a Saxon settlement originally called 'Chelmerdon' and is mentioned in
the Domesday Book, but the area has had human inhabitants far longer
than that, because only a ten minute walk from the Church Inn lies Five
Wells Cairn - a Neolithic chambered cairn which has a magnificent view
over the surrounding countryside. There are more Stone Age barrows on top of Chelmorton Low, the hill behind the village (around here hills are perversely called 'Lows'), so this is a site with a long history. The reason for the site's popularity is Illy Willy Water, which rises as a spring from Chelmorton Low. Illy Willy Water flows through the village before sinking once again underground through the limestone, but in between it provides a reliable source of clean, fresh water. Chelmorton is noted for its settlement pattern. The village is still laid out in a linear form along a main street, with farms spaced out along it. This is much as it was in Saxon times, and the farms are probably still in the same places. The other remarkable thing is the field pattern. These are long thin strips with stone walls and are almost certainly the strips farmed by individual farmers prior to their enclosure in the late 18th century and early 19th century. In medieval times there would have been two large open fields, farmed in these strips. Chelmorton claims to be England's highest parish at 1209 feet above sea level and the highest village in Derbyshire. The church is the highest church with a spire in England. The village has had its share of characters over the years, of which the most famous is probably Alexander Ollerenshaw, who spent 50 years trying to build a Perpetual Motion engine. More recently it was the home of Harry Swindell, a local farmer, poet and author who wrote about the area. Some of his verses can be read on the walls of our dining area. There is plenty to do and see locally as Chelmorton is an ideal centre for exploring the Peak District or for a walking or cycling holiday. Buxton, with its spa, historic buildings and annual Festival as is the historic and lively market town of Bakewell. Within easy reach are natural and man-made sights including Monsal Head with its famous viaduct and view over the Wye Valley, the county town of Matlock, and Castleton, famous for its spectacular medieval castle, its caverns, limestone scenery and for Blue John stone. The area contains some of the country's finest historic houses, all of which are with easy reach of Chelmorton - Chatsworth House (pictured opposite), Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall and Lyme Hall are most famous. The Peak District is renowned for its walking, whether it be easy routes along nearby Monsal Dale or long treks across the peat moors of Kinder Scout. Cycling is also popular, especially on the converted former railways such as the Tissington Trail (pictured). Fishing, riding and golf are all available locally. |
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Click here for a map of the Chelmorton area
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An aerial view of Chelmorton
showing the ancient field pattern. The Church is at the top right
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