Centuries of heritage waiting to be explored
England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days, returns this week. Running until September 19, the festival offers the chance to see hidden places and try new experiences, often in the company of experts. Here we take a look at what is on offer
Medieval Enclosures to Iron Age Onion Couch Tubers at Alfreton
Join Wessex Archaeology experts online to explore excavations undertaken at Alfreton.
To tie in with publication in the Derbyshire Archaeology Journal, senior research officer Ashley Tuck discusses the results of nine years’ work on the site. As the remaining farmland in this part of the east of the parish is subsumed into the growing settlement of Alfreton, a series of medieval enclosures were revealed adjacent to the recently demolished farmstead. Nearby, a few Iron Age pits contained onion couch tubers. Could these have been eaten? Join the live talk to find out more.
When: Wednesday, September 15; 11-12pm. Booking required at www. heritageopendays.org.uk.
Wingfield Station
Wingfield station has been rescued thanks to Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) – see the ongoing work and learn more about the restoration.
In December 2019, DHBT took ownership of the Grade II* listed buildings and site from Amber Valley Borough Council, having itself acquired the station by compulsory purchase order.
The station is being restored to its 1840 status to signify its importance as one of the few surviving original stations from the pioneer era of railways and the only surviving station designed by Francis Thompson for George Stephenson’s North Midland Railway between Derby and Sheffield.
Tour of the station for a final chance before renovation work starts. Hard hats will be provided. Expect a muddy site.
Times: Sunday, September 12, 11-3pm. Booking required at www. heritageopendays.org.uk.
All Saints, Ballidon, Ashbourne, DE6 1QX
Squeeze through the narrow opening in the farmyard wall that leads to All Saints, and follow a rough path along the hedgerow and discover the heritage of this medieval site. The church sits in a tightly enclosed churchyard in the middle of a wide, open field. This bucolic setting is an important archaeological site.
It is first recorded in 1205, as a chapel-of-ease to the mother church at Bradbourne. However, as the village of Ballidon is mentioned in both the Domesday book and a charter of King Edgar in 963, it’s likely that a church existed here before 1205. The church will be open for self-guided tours and leaflets available to take home.
Times: From today until Sunday September 19, 9-5pm. No booking required
Cavendish Village Hall, Beeley DE4 2NU
Discover the heritage of Beeley at the Village Hall. There will be displays in the village hall, which is fully accessible. There will also be a film shown at 2pm displaying a pictorial history of Beeley from 1840 to 1860. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions following the film.
Times: Saturday, September 11: 11-4pm. No booking required
Grinlow Hill to Solomon’s Temple, Buxton, SK17 9DH
This guided walk starts from Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre and takes in the woods and the industrial archaeology hidden amongst the trees ending up at Solomon’s temple with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
Grinlow Woods as well as being home to a variety of flora and fauna hide a vital piece of Buxton’s industrial past. The woods were planted by the Chatsworth Estate to hide the scars from the lime burning industry that had been integral to the hillside for hundreds of years. As Buxton sought to become a tourist destination famed for its healing waters and natural baths the lime burning was abandoned and the trees planted to hide the scars.
Times: Tuesday, September 14: 10-1pm. Booking required at www. heritageopendays.org.uk.
The Duke’s Legacy, Pooles Cavern, Buxton, SK17 9DH
A walk through Grin Woods to explore the Duke of Devonshire’s legacy and the influence they have had on the woods and the town.
Alyson Phillips, a director of Buxton Civic Association will lead a walk through the woods, stopping to show and explain the heritage that lies hidden in plain sight among the trees. She will tell of the tough lives of the people who worked and lived amongst the slag heaps and kilns.
Times: Friday, September 17: 10-11am. Booking required at www. heritageopendays.org.uk.
Spital Cemetery, Chesterfield S41 0DZ
A chance to visit the cemetery at leisure and discover some of the interesting stories connected with it and Chesterfield’s past. Discover the areas set aside for biodiversity to encourage more wildlife.
The cemetery is always open to the public for leisure and quiet contemplation. During the Heritage Open Days, new information boards will be on display containing stories of people buried there.
Times: anytime. No booking required
St John the Baptist’s Church, Ault Hucknall S44 5QH
Grade I listed Saxon foundation church in England’s smallest village. Burial place of Thomas Hobbes, Norman carvings, green men, medieval glass, Smythson and Butterfield woodwork.
Times: Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 2-4pm. No booking required
St Leonard’s Parish Church, Scarcliffe S44 6SZ
Grade II* star medieval church dating from c1100. The site of a nationally important monument - a 13th century effigy of Lady Constantia and her child, together with a wonderful legend.
Times: Friday to Sunday, 2-4pm. No booking required
Tapton Lock Festival, Chesterfield, S41 7JB
Junction Arts and Derbyshire Countryside Service invite people to a weekend of arts and well-being. Enjoy crafting and performances and take part in workshops. The Tapton Lock Festival is a celebration of performance and hands on arts workshops and wellbeing activities at Tapton Lock on the restored Chesterfield Canal.
Alongside the arts there will be opportunities to enjoy the water with have-a-go canoeing and trips on the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s narrowboat, the John Varley II. If water isn’t your thing, try scaling the climbing wall and take in a different view of the local landscape.
Times: Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm. No booking required
Calke Abbey, Ticknall, DE73 7LE
With peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards Calke Abbey is one of the National Trust’s special treasure houses, where you can discover the tales of an eccentric family who amassed a vast collection of hidden treasures.
Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of the HarpurCrewe’s grand country house. Little has been done to restore the house and stables and they are preserved in the condition found when the National Trust began caring for Calke. Grand rooms are crammed full of collections, from art to natural history which contrast with abandoned rooms and objects no longer used. The stables have overgrown courtyards and peeling paintwork and are great for exploring.
The gardens are beautiful and full of flowers, plants and produce throughout the year. Faded garden buildings such as the Orangery and unique Auricula Theatre hint at the former fortunes and passions of the family. The pleasure grounds are great for strolls; stumble across the grotto and the ice house, or find a spot for a peaceful picnic.
Times: Saturday 9-4.30pm
CWGC Tour - Derby Nottingham Road Cemetery DE21 6FN
Find out more about the history and work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission whilst exploring the graves in Nottingham Road Cemetery. It contains 194 First
World War burials and 146 from the Second World War. There is a war graves plot of 87 burials from both wars, the rest of the graves are scattered throughout the cemetery. Tours start in the cemetery car park.
Times: Friday, September 10: Tour 10:30am 1.30pm. Booking required at www.heritageopendays.org.uk.
St Wilfrid’s Art, Photography and Craft Open Day, Barrow upon Trent DE73 7HB
Discover the incredible transformation of the church, the rich history of the building and the exciting findings of those who lived and worked there, plus on the 18th September take part in photography and craft workshops and see art demonstrations.
Once a Knights Hospitaller church, you’ll be able to learn about the heritage of the place through our new digital interpretation and as well as see the oldest alabaster effigy of a priest. On the day you’ll also have a chance to have a go at:
A ‘mobile phone’ photography workshop run by former Derby Telegraph photographer Ian Hodgkinson (booking required); felt crafting workshops by Crafty you, Crafty Me (drop-in)
Times: Saturday, September 18: 10-3pm, photography workshop 10.30-12.30pm.
Tastes of the Tudors Time Out Trail, Markeaton Park Walled Garden
Take a breather and enjoy the delights of a walled garden at the close of summer, while discovering plants consumed in early Tudor times through recipes of the late Middle Ages.
Escape the cares of modern life and connect with past people and places in the peaceful seclusion of the Friends of Markeaton Park walled garden, located on the site of a Medieval manor.
Find calm while strolling along a short trail of historic herbs, flowers, vegetables and pulses eaten in late medieval England, and re-energise by soaking in surrounding sights, sounds and smells of the beautiful surroundings. Or stimulate the senses together, with family or friends, on a hunt for medieval mythical beasts hiding in the walled garden; and see if you can recognise edible plants of the Late Middle Ages that still grow today.
Times: Tuesday 10-12pm; Wednesday 1-3pm; Thursday 10-12pm; Saturday, September 18: 10-12pm. No booking required
Eckington Parish Church S21 4EP
Explore the Grade I listed Church of St Peter and St Paul as well as the bell tower, churchyard and stainedglass windows. There will also be displays, music and children’s activities.
St Peter and St Paul’s Church is the Parish Church of the ancient settlement of Eckington in NE Derbyshire, which has strong links with the Sitwell (owners of the Renishaw estate) and the Wells (mining managers) families. Inside the church will be an exhibition that features old photographs and records relating to the church and to other churches which once were active in Eckington, many now converted or demolished.
Times: Saturday, September 11: 12-4pm. No booking required
Historical Glossop Talk, Glossop SK13 7DG
Join Matthew actor and historian Mathew Cox to learn about historical buildings in and around Glossop which you may want to visit as well as Victoria Hall. Time TBC
Times: Tuesday, September 14: Times to be confirmed. No booking required
Victoria Hall Open Day, Glossop, SK13 7DG
An opportunity to view this beautiful Grade II listed building, one of four jubilee gifts to Glossop completed in 1888, 130 years old last year. Take a guided tour of the whole building, listen to talks on the heritage and share memories of its glory.
Times: Saturdays, September 11 & 18: 10am-2pm. No booking required
St Peter’s Church, Hartshorne Churchyard Trail and History Exhibition, DE11 7ER
Enjoy a self led Churchyard Trail highlighting interesting facts about the history of the church and various memorials, you will also find a History Exhibition inside the church. The Churchyard Trail can be completed at any time, the leaflets depicting the trail will be available from the porch.
Times: Saturday, September 11, Wednesday, September 15 & Saturday, September 18: 10am-4pm. No booking required
Stanage North Lees, Cruck Barn, Hathersage, S32 1BR
Explore the rich history of Stanage North Lees. Celebrate its long farming history and discover local food producers. Meet the Stanage North Lees Heritage Action Group, find out how you can get involved in their upcoming fieldwork
Stanage-North Lees is close to Hathersage in the Dark Peak and managed by the Peak District National Park Authority, Stanage Forum and the tenant farmer. It has over 200 archaeological features, dating back to at least the Bronze Age.
Times: Saturday, September 11: 10:30-2pm. No booking required
Sacheverell-Bateman Mausoleum, Morley Parish Church, DE7 6DE
In addition to visiting the Mausoleum and hearing about its history the adjacent Grade I Listed, St Matthew’s Church will also be open to visitors. It is noted for its medieval stained glass windows, encaustic floor tiles and memorial brasses.
The Grade II* mausoleum, designed by G. F. Bodley, was built in 1897, in memory of Sir Hugh Alleyne Sacheverell-Bateman, by his wife Anna. It is built in red sandstone in a Perpendicular Gothic revival style. It has a marble sarcophagus which stands in the centre of the floor, with cut-glass in the lid. There is a fine painted roof, stained glass by Burlison & Grylls, and a framed memorial inscription, written on vellum.
Times: Saturday, September 18: 10am-4pm, No booking required
Spencer’s Heritage Yard, Beeley, DE4 2NR
Rural life collections from the Georgian to Edwardian period.
Discover the living history display in Georgian cottage, Victorian life of a Shepherd and learn about Romany Gypsy history from Gypsy tent display
Times: Saturday, September 11: 11am-4pm. No booking required
St John the Baptist Chapel, Matlock Bath DE4 3PQ
This little private treasure house is an Arts and Crafts masterpiece cut into a cliff-face and overlooking a World Heritage Site. It was built due to the inspiration of Louisa Harris, just over a hundred years ago, to the designs of architect Sir Guy Dawber.
Louisa created this beautiful chapel close to her own house, ‘The Rocks.’ A picturesque path winds its way from the house to the chapel. She assembled a glittering array of artists to realise her dream. Louis Davis – often called the last of the Pre-Raphaelites – designed the glass at the east end and George Bankart the barrel-vaulted plaster ceiling lookout for the tiny birds flitting across the ceiling through the roses and brambles.
The chapel, which is normally locked, will be open for self-guided tours and printed leaflets will be available for visitors to take away.
Times: Friday to Sunday, September: 11-3pm; Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 19: 11am-3pm. No booking required
History, Heritage & The Magic Attic, Town Hall, Swadlincote, DE11 9DA
Local history and heritage exhibition examining local boxing legend Jack Bodell, the history of the Town Hall as it celebrates its 160th anniversary, the original Eureka Park Clock social history over the years, maps, records, books and pictures.
The archives showcases the local social history and the many characters who have made their mark over the years. There will be numerous images and displays and volunteers will be on hand to impart their huge wealth of information that no book contains!
Times: Saturday & Sunday, September 18&19: 10am-4pm. No booking required
Sharpe’s 200th Birthday Celebration Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, Swadlincote, DE11 9DG
Celebrating 200 years of the Sharpe’s family and the creation of the pottery. During this 45-minute tour our experienced guides will give a fascinating insight into the history of South Derbyshire’s industrial past.
Discover stories of Sharpe’s family history, and the significant changes from 19th century coal mining, clay extraction and associated industrial activity, through to a 21st century sustainable landscape led by the creation of The National Forest!
Each tour lasts for 45 minutes and covers a number of exhibits:
Friday, September 10; 10am-2pm; Thursday, September 16: 12-6pm; Friday, September 17: 10am-2pm. No booking required
Sharpe’s 200th Birthday Celebration, Swadlincote, DE11 9DG
Celebrating 200 years of the Sharpe’s family and the creation of the pottery. Hold history in your hands with objects from the Pottery Museum’s collection. You will find out more about the collection through relaxed, informal conversations.
Times: Saturday, September 11: 10am-4,30pm; Thursday, September 16: 6-8pm; Sunday, September 19: 10am-2pm. No booking required
TG Green & Co Ltd of Church Gresley, Albert Village, DE11 8FB
Meet the pottery’s Curating Historian at home, just across the road from the pottery site. View large collections of the famous pottery’s wares just across the road from the pottery site, including Cornishware, Ivanhoe, Over the Hill, Crocus Ware, Pharos, Cube Teapots and Chamber Pots a plenty! Meet some of the retired pottery staff, take a look at staff photos, advertising posters, sales literature, artefacts and find out more information about the pottery site, past, present and future before walking across the road to look at how the site looks today.
Times: Saturday and Sunday, September 18&19: 10am-4pm. Booking preferred at www. heritageopendays.org.uk.
Towering Taste of Tideswell, St John the Evangelist Church, SK17 8PA
Free, conducted tours of the 14th century tower of Tideswell Parish Church. These will run alongside the Makers Market in the church. This market is, in turn, an element of the much larger Tideswell Food Festival 2021.
Visitors will need to be reasonably fit and agile as there are more than one hundred steps to the tower roof. They will be rewarded with free samples of confections associated with Tideswell.
Times: Saturday, September 11: Tours 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:00 and 15:00. Booking preferred at www.heritageopendays.org.uk.