Eckington is an old established small town in North East Derbyshire. Coal mining and iron working, supported by transport links, railways in particular, boosted the prosperity of the town to its peak in the 19thcentury. Houses, churches, pubs and schools were added to the existing settlement. The walk will start with a tour of the interior of the C11 parish church, St Peter and St Paul, remodelled in the 19th century, and a talk on the leading families and features of the town at that time. We will walk up the main road to the town centre and loop round Southgate, the oldest street with its mansions, and Station Road, developed to give access to the railways.
Renishaw Hall and Gardens is not formally part of the tour, but is close by and would be open for paying visitors after the tour (closes at 4.30pm). The Italianate gardens and lakes were developed by Sir George Sitwell, 4th Baronet, from 1886 to 1936.
Getting to Eckington: – There is a small car park and street parking close to the church. Primary bus service is the no. 50 between Sheffield and Chesterfield. This stops close to the church. – Meeting point: inside the parish church of St Peter and St Paul on Mill Road off Church Street, Eckington S21 4EP. – The Walk Leader, Ms Lainy Chambers, is a local historian who has presented Heritage Open Day events in Eckington over the last 5 years.
Cost £8.00 to include tea and biscuits in the church. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch to have in the church tower room before we set off.