Youlgreave
The ancient village of Youlgreave (or Youlgrave as it is locally spelled and always pronounced) sprawls along the ridge of a south facing hillside above Bradford Dale deep in the heart of the scenic White Peak.
From its junction with the A6 the Youlgreave road climbs steadily upwards from the floor of the Derwent Valley; it winds its way past the picturesque hamlet of Alport, and in a series of bends, ascends the hill which rises steeply before levelling out along the ridge, - to become the village Main Street.
All Saints Parish Church with its 15th century square tower, reputedly the finest in Derbyshire, dominates the Main Street. Off this highway run narrow lanes, the southern of which meander steeply down the hillside towards the River Bradford in the valley bottom.
Earliest records suggest the church here had Saxon origins, and the current structure with its Norman pillars was built around 1130. It boasts a unique Norman font which features a stoup supported by the carved figure of a Salamander, a Continental symbol of baptism and the only one of its kind in England. The font was the cause of some local controversy early last century for it originally stood in the church at nearby Elton,- until the spire collapsed and the church had to be rebuilt in 1812.The font lay in Elton churchyard until 1833 when it was spotted by the Vicar of Youlgreave, Rev.Pidcock, who removed it to his vicarage garden and used it as an ornament.
His successor Rev.Wilmot, recognised it for what it was and had it placed in the church in 1838. When the villagers of Elton heard about this and realised their loss they demanded the font back. Youlgreave refused, and in an effort to resolve the dispute Mr.Thornhill of Stanton Hall had an exact replica made at his expense and presented it to the church at Elton!
Westward of the church on the narrow Main Street stands the Bull’s Head, an old coaching Inn built in 1675
The ancient Parish of Youlgreave included a number of villages and hamlets such as Elton, Middleton and Winster; it became a prosperous market centre and the hub of the local lead - mining industry and was granted a market charter in 1340.
One of the oldest and most impressive buildings is the Old Hall built around 1640, and up a street nearby stands Old Hall Farm built in a similar style about twenty years earlier.
Youlgreave is a large village and boasts a garage and petrol station, and a number of shops, including a post-office. There is a large and sloping playing field and recreational area on the south side of the main street opposite the garage, and has both football & cricket teams which play in the local leagues.
There are many fine walks along the river in Youlgreave and it is well situated to explore the many villages in the White Peak.
From its junction with the A6 the Youlgreave road climbs steadily upwards from the floor of the Derwent Valley; it winds its way past the picturesque hamlet of Alport, and in a series of bends, ascends the hill which rises steeply before levelling out along the ridge, - to become the village Main Street.
All Saints Parish Church with its 15th century square tower, reputedly the finest in Derbyshire, dominates the Main Street. Off this highway run narrow lanes, the southern of which meander steeply down the hillside towards the River Bradford in the valley bottom.
Earliest records suggest the church here had Saxon origins, and the current structure with its Norman pillars was built around 1130. It boasts a unique Norman font which features a stoup supported by the carved figure of a Salamander, a Continental symbol of baptism and the only one of its kind in England. The font was the cause of some local controversy early last century for it originally stood in the church at nearby Elton,- until the spire collapsed and the church had to be rebuilt in 1812.The font lay in Elton churchyard until 1833 when it was spotted by the Vicar of Youlgreave, Rev.Pidcock, who removed it to his vicarage garden and used it as an ornament.
His successor Rev.Wilmot, recognised it for what it was and had it placed in the church in 1838. When the villagers of Elton heard about this and realised their loss they demanded the font back. Youlgreave refused, and in an effort to resolve the dispute Mr.Thornhill of Stanton Hall had an exact replica made at his expense and presented it to the church at Elton!
Westward of the church on the narrow Main Street stands the Bull’s Head, an old coaching Inn built in 1675
The ancient Parish of Youlgreave included a number of villages and hamlets such as Elton, Middleton and Winster; it became a prosperous market centre and the hub of the local lead - mining industry and was granted a market charter in 1340.
One of the oldest and most impressive buildings is the Old Hall built around 1640, and up a street nearby stands Old Hall Farm built in a similar style about twenty years earlier.
Youlgreave is a large village and boasts a garage and petrol station, and a number of shops, including a post-office. There is a large and sloping playing field and recreational area on the south side of the main street opposite the garage, and has both football & cricket teams which play in the local leagues.
There are many fine walks along the river in Youlgreave and it is well situated to explore the many villages in the White Peak.
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