Eckington is an old established small town in North East Derbyshire. Coal mining and iron working, supported by transport links, railways in particular (including the Penny Engine line), boosted the prosperity of the town to its peak in the 19th century. Houses, churches, pubs and schools were added to the existing settlement.
The event 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. Then 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. The Italianate gardens and lakes were developed by Sir George Sitwell, 4th Baronet, from 1886 to 1936. The gardens and café are a cashless site and close at 4.30pm. It is about a mile to walk to Renishaw Hall from the church or you can drive there after the walk.
Getting to Eckington:
There is a small church 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. Bring your own lunch to eat in the church tower room before we set off for the walking tour of Eckington.
Local history books will be for sale in the church (cash only).