The local area is steeped in history, with it having had roman and viking settlements on its lands over time, with several finds of artefacts to confirm the settlement of both of the aforementioned cultures. Nowadays, the area is made up of several vibrant villages that still contain features that hint towards their long history….

 

Eckington

The village of Eckington is of Saxon origin, meaning the township of Ecca, and it also recorded in the Doomsday Book as Eckintune. In medieval times it was a small but important settlement, which was later engulfed by development when coal deposits were extensively worked throughout the area.

The parish church of St Peter and St Paul (pictured to the side) dates from the year 1100 and is of exceptional architectural interest, still retaining the original Norman doorway. At the rear of the church, near the river Moss stands the Priest’s Well where the parish priest used to draw water for the needs of the church. Other items of note include a cruck barn which part dates to the 16th-century and Coldwell’s Cottage - the last remaining thatched cottage in Eckington.

Eckington also has long been associated with the Sitwell family, from nearby Renishaw Hall, and it is thought that D H Lawrence based his novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover" in and around Eckington.  A 2 mile circular walk "Eckington Explored" highlights the history of this delightful Derbyshire town.

Today, within the village centre, a market is held each Friday on pedestrianised Market Street adding life and colour to the centre of the village. The Civic Centre, also on Market Street, is widely used for many different functions and activities and stands beside the swimming pool and library.

 

Mosborough

The first record of the village is mentioned in 1002A.D. in a document saying that certain lands in Mosborough and Eckington were bequeathed by Wulfric Spot to Morcare a Counsellor to Ethelred the Unready, when the spelling was MORESBURH and then in the Domesday Book MORESBURG 1086. It is of note that the ancient spelling of the village is from the Old English words of MOR and BURH meaning a fortified place on the moor.

At the heart of the village, there is Mosborough Hall. This is an ancient Manor House, the earliest parts of which date back to medieval times. It survives today as Mosborough Hall Hotel and still retains its stately charm behind a somewhat foreboding exterior appearance. Partly hidden by tall, stark trees, an air of mystery is enhanced by a high stone wall which hides the intimacies of the Hall from passers-by.
Part of the Hall's history can also be traced to royalty. Henry VIII, having tired of his pregnant mistress Mary Boleyn and desirous of marrying Anne Boleyn, arranged Mary's marriage to William Carey of Mosborough Hall, where his son Henry was born. Elizabeth I later conferred a Barents upon him when he became Baron Hunsden.

 

Renishaw

The most historic aspect of this village, has to be the stunning Renishaw Hall. The house at Renishaw has been the home of the Sitwell family since 1625 when George Sitwell created a small manor house there. It was left to the unusually named Sitwell Sitwell to build the present stately Georgian mansion around 1800.

The house is set in over 300 acres of beautiful parklands, including seven acres of formal gardens in Italianate style planted by Sir George Sitwell in 1895. There are clipped yew hedges, herbaceous borders, rose and clematis gardens, and a collection of hardy and exotic plants. Paths lead through woodland to lakes which were specially created to enhance the views from the house. The stable buildings erected by Sitwell Sitwell are now the home of an intriguing museum including exhibits of costume, portraiture, and Sitwell memorabilia.

The hall itself is filled with reminders of Sir George and Lady Ida Sitwell and their children , Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell. There is the famous family group by Sargent, the paintings and drawings of John Piper and a host of other interesting things which have been accumulated over the centuries. Renishaw Hall is presently owned is Sir Reresby Sitwell, seventh baronet. The hall combined with the the four acre Italian style Renaissance garden complete with fountains and neo classical statues offers the visitor a unique experience.

 

Killamarsh

Killamarsh was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. At that time, the village of 8000 residents was known as Chinewoldemaresc or "Cynewalds Marsh". The village still has a great deal of visible history. The 12th Century Church which contains gravestones from the Saxon era. A number of Public houses are also over 3 centuries old.

The Rother Valley Country Park lies to the North of town, converted in the early 1980s from an open cast mine, to a collection of ponds and lakes, which cater a number of purposes, from water sports including wind surfing, jet skiing and water skiing, to a secluded nature reserve that hosts a wide range of waterfowl and other wildlife.

The Chesterfield Canal used to be a busy waterway that ran through the centre of the village, which over the years had disappeared. However, funding has now been agreed for the waterway to be put back in place, and therefore, the village will soon once again, have a busy and vibrant marina at the heart of it.

 

Other local items of note include:

 

Creswell Crags – Just a ten minute drive away from Renishaw, Creswell Crags is a limestone gorge honeycombed with caves and smaller fissures. Stone tools and remains of animals found in the caves by archaeologists provide evidence for a fascinating story of life during the last Ice Age between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago. Further evidence came to light in 2003 with the discovery of Britain's only known Ice Age rock art. Creswell Crags was among the most northerly places on earth to have been visited by our ancient ancestors, a story that is unique on a European and World scale. All of the caves are protected by metal grills to preserve the rare archaeological deposits that remain inside. At the east end of the gorge is the Museum and Education Centre.

 

Trans Pennine Trail - is along distance path, running largely along disused railwaylines and canal towpaths, entirely on surface paths and only gentle gradients. As such, it is a very easy trail, and is suitable for cyclists, pushchairs and wheelchair users. Some parts are also open tohorse riding. It forms part of the National Cycle Network. The trail passes throughout Beighton, Killamarsh and Renishaw. Completion of the whole trial, is rewarded by a certificate.