Testimonials
We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed your tours, loved all the history......your area is beautiful. Jane & Andy P, New England
Thank you again for everything our vacation was great. We thought the little towns and the the stately houses were wonderful and the girls just loved the all the movie scenery we visited. Tom & Audrey B.
I have told all my friends about your wonderful Peak District thank you so much.
Ruth and John P. Toronto
Thank you for a great time, I wish we could have stayed longer. We saw so much we couldn’t take it all in so ‘we will be back’. Angie & Jeff S, Hertfordshire
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BakewellA Tour of the Peak District would not be complete without a trip to Bakewell. Known as the ‘capital’ of the Peak District and home of the first National Park in Britain Bakewell is a beautiful market town situated on the River Wye.
Bakewell was recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles as long ago as 924AD. Bakewell was known as Badecan Weillon (Badeca’s Spring). The then King of Wessex, Edward the Elder established a fortress in the town where people came to acknowledge him as overlord.
The precise location of the fortress is not known but it is thought to have been on the West side of the river Wye near the church. Bakewell was mentioned in the Domesday Book as having a church and 2 priests.
In 1502 Bakewell was owned by the Vernon family and was passed on to the Manners family in 1567 when Dorothy Vernon married John Manners. Lady Manners School was founded in 1636 and monuments to the Vernon family are found in All Saints Parish Church.
Bakewell has been via the Bakewell's medieval 13th century 5 arched bridge. Little is known about the origins of this bridge but it has been taken as a symbol of Bakewell and must be on of the most photographed bridges in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Adjacent to the bridge lies a flood plain known as Scots Garden. To the far side of the bridge is Castle Hill, now covered in woodland, the site of a typical Norman motte and bailey castle. |
 Church of All Saints
Perched above the town stands the Parish Church of All Saints.
For over a thousand years Christians have worshipped in Bakewell.
Saxon artefacts at the church lead us to believe that this site has been at the centre of that worship. 
Built before the Norman conquest of 1066 the structure is dominated by stonework from the 1300s. The original tower and spire, added in 1340, were taken down and rebuilt between 1841 and 1852.
Outside in the churchyard stand the remains of two Saxon Crosses, the Great Cross being the most well known. Protected by a wrought iron fence it was originally located the nearby village of Hassop. Both crosses date from the 8th to 10th centuries.
It is said that King Arthur rested against the stone and dreamt his future wife would come to him, over water, but she would soon become a widow. Not long after he married a Spanish princess, who had sailed to England, and just four months later he died. Both crosses date from the 8th to 10th centuries.
 The Old Market Hall
Bakewell still holds a livestock market twice a week in the new Agricultural Centre across the river but originally the cattle market took place right in the centre of town.
The Old Market Hall one of the town's oldest buildings. Constructed during the 1600s the building has great character, mullioned windows, ceiling beams, heraldic shields of the Manners and Vernon families. In the 18th century the Eastern face was added replacing the arches typical of markets halls of the 17th century. Over the years the Old Market Hall has been used as the Town Hall and later the parish courtrooms. The structure of the building remains much as is was when it was built. Housing the Tourist Information Centre the building is much loved by locals and visitors alike.
The Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall built in 1709, situated in King Street, has had may uses in the past. During the period 1826 and 1874 it was occupied by Lady Manners School but since then has been used as local fire station, a fishmongers shop, antique shop and most recently Orvis quality clothing and  fishing equipment outlet.
Behind the Old Town Hall in Bakewell are the Almshouses of St John's Hospital.
These four (originally six) Jacobean cottages were donated by the Manners family to six single men.
Dating from 1709 the cottages have recently undergone a
complete renovation.
The Rutland Hotel
The Rutland Arms Hotel, an old coaching inn, was built on the site of the White Horse Inn.
The hotel stands in the very centre of town and was built by the Duke of Rutland in an attempt to make Bakewell a spa town and rival to Buxton further to the north of the Peak District. 
Famous coach travellers have passed through the town and some have stayed at the Rutland. Turner, Byron, Coleridge and Wordsworth all have stayed at the hotel.
It is reputed that in 1811 Jane Austen stayed at the Rutland when she was writing her novel Pride and Prejudice. Her description of Lambton in the book was inspired by her visit to Bakewell.
Although the building has changed over the years the hotel retains much of its charm and former atmosphere and grandeur.
 Bakewell Pudding
The famous Bakewell pudding (never called a tart) was also undisputedly ‘invented’ at the Rutland Hotel. It is reported that a drunken cook misunderstood her instructions and poured egg mixture over the jam instead of mixing it in the pastry. When served to guest it was a great success and began the tradition of serving Bakewell Pudding. The original, secret recipe is claimed to be owned by a number of shop in the town. Complete your visit by trying the famous Bakewell pudding from one of the ‘original’ pudding shops.
Bath Gardens
The Bath House, in Bath Gardens, is the only surviving example of the Duke of Rutland’s failed attempt to establish Bakewell as a spa town and rival for Buxton further north. In 1697 the spring was roofed over and the Bath House was built. In those days a number of springs emerged in the town, each releasing water at a constant 15°C, these have all long since been lost. This building has been used for many years by the British Legion but is now awaiting renovation.
 Bakewell Old House Museum
Soak in the atmosphere of this interesting museum full of fascinating Bakewell and Peak District artefacts. In 1955 the house in Cunningham Place was restored by the Bakewell and District Historical Society and is now known as Bakewell Old House Museum. Built in the reign of Henry VIII the museum houses a fascinating collection of lace, kitchen utensils, toys, china and photographs all housed in a truly authentic old house, creaking floorboards and all.
The Castle Inn.jpg "Castle Inn")
The Castle Inn, previously called the Commercial and Castle, is a 16th century inn adjacent to Bakewell's medieval 13th century 5-arched bridge. For over 100 years it was the site of a regular horse market. Its three garages were formally stables and the present stone flagged floor and wooden beams give the pub a warm and cosy feeling.
Lumford Mill
Lumford Mill was established in 1777 by Sir Richard Arkwright to spin cotton. He built new houses and converted a house in Cunningham Place into 5 dwellings for his mill workers.
 The Peacock
The Peacock across from the Tourist Information Centre was built in the 19th century. The peacock is well known as symbol of the Manners family, the Dukes of Rutland of nearby Haddon Hall.
The Red Lion
The Red Lion situated in The Square is thought to originally have been a timber framed 16th century inn. A friendly landlord and staff, quizzes and excellent food abound in this traditional pub.
 Events
The annual carnival takes place in Bakewell during the first week in July including well dressing, raft race, duck race, children’s pet competition and an excellent parade including bands and decorated floats.
 Many of the villages in the Peak District have well dressings and Bakewell is no exception. Giving thanks for the springs of the area Wells are decorated with floral tableau.
With an Arts Festival and open gardens during the summer months there are many interesting events.
The famous and extremely popular Bakewell Show takes place on the first Wednesday and Thursday of August on land close to the Agricultural Centre. Established in 1819 this agriculture and horticulture show has now become a major attraction. With various animals being shown, show jumping and exhibitions of local crafts and produce it is an excellentlocal event.
A Visit to Bakewell
Bakewell remains a thriving agricultural town in the Peak District with its two livestock markets every week.
Stroll along the river Wye and enjoy the antics of the host of duck, coots, swans and geese. Wander through the narrow streets and courtyards of old Bakewell and enjoy the eclectic collection of museums, shops and cafes. Don’t forget to try the Bakewell Pudding!
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How Interesting
One of England's most popular stately homes and one of its largest private houses is Chatsworth House the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Chatsworth is believed to have been the inspiration for Jane Austen's Pemberley, home of Mr Darcy, in the book Pride & Predjudice and Chatsworth has been used as a setting for the many adaptations of the novel.
The village of Edensor on the Chatsworth estate was razed to the ground then rebuilt out of site of the main house.
Richard Arkwright perfected water powered spinning machines and installed them in his factory at Cromford. Building up a whole new community he provided cottages for his workers, a chapel, school and the Greyhound Hotel.
Mary Queen of Scot’s was imprisoned at nearby Hardwick Hall and was allowed to visit Buxton to take the health giving spa waters.
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Famous Derbyshire People
Richard Arkwright perfected water powered spinning machines and installed them in his factory at Cromford. Building up a whole new community he provided cottages for his workers, a chapel, school and the Greyhound Hotel. 
Initially he lived next to the mill at Rock House but as he prospered he went on to build Willersley Castle on a hill above Cromford. He died in 1792 aged only 60 and was buried at the church he built.
Kathleen, sister of John F Kennedy, is buried in the church of St Peter, Edensor. Kathleen known as ‘Kick’ married William Cavendish, Marques of Hartington in 1944. Only four months later William was killed whilst on active duty and in 1948 she was killed in a plane crash.
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