Tideswell Church – The Cathedral of the Peak

Tideswell church, St John the Baptist. Tideswell is a very large ‘Church of England’ Parish Church. It is one of the most important churches in Derbyshire.

I lived in Tideswell until the age of 20. During that time, like most other Tideswellians whether young or old, I consider that I have a special relationship with Tideswell Church. I spent many hours bored rigid in there as a schoolboy, listening to religious services at Easter, Wakes, Harvest and Christmas.  I had fun practising for School plays and concerts, I was scared by the creepy tombs, and marvelled at the stone cat and the monkey. I’ve been drunk in the Churchyard, in my teens, hanging out with friends in the churchyard till the early hours.  I saw the Duke of Edinburgh there in the 80s, when he looked at our Cub Scout’s Welldressing. I have shared in sombre moments, attending funerals some of good friends and fellow Tideswellians.  So it feels right, that I should pay some small tribute to a building that I love.

Tideswell Church – Cathedral of the Peak

About Tideswell Church

Tideswell church is famous locally, that is to say, within the Peak District, and perhaps Derbyshire, maybe also amongst those, who like me, appreciate churches and other ancient buildings. There is no doubt that it will have a memorable effect on anyone who has visited it.

This Photo Shows the size of Tideswell church in comparison with local houses.

The reason that the church is so well known, is because of it’s size and striking architecture. Dubbed the “Cathedral of the Peak” (it is not a cathedral). It is one certainly amongst the most famous churches in Derbyshire, and is a Grade 1 listed building.

Tideswell Church has Norman Influences

The church, replaced a small Norman church, was constructed between approximately 1320 and 1400. The building work was delayed by the Black Death, which also hit nearby Eyam (Plague village). I always like to remind people that the plague wasn’t just in Eyam, but it seems that only Eyam is famous for it.

The Nave

There are two main styles to the building: the nave ( main body of the church), aisles Corridors) and transepts (wings) are in late Gothic style,(French style Architecture, characteristics include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault and the flying buttress.) and both the chancel (space around the altar) and tower are in perpendicular style.(Focusing on straight lines)

Tideswell Church

The perpendicular style became popular the Black Death which killed about half of England’s population in 18 months between June 1348 and December 1349 returning in 1361–62 to kill another fifth. This had a dramatic effect on the arts and culture, which it seems became very practical. The nation was affected by the labour shortages caused by the plague so architects designed less elaborately to compensate.

The church underwent was major restoration in 1873 by J D Sedding, which was truly a restoration rather than a reconstruction. In ‘Churches and Chapels in The County of Derby‘, Rawlins described St John’s as being:

“without exception, the most perfect and beautiful specimen of pointed architecture to be found in the County, – or perhaps in any other parish church of its size in the entire Kingdom“

Tideswell Church Tower

Catholicism in Tideswell

We often forget, that although today, most of our Parish Churches are ‘Church of England’. Many began life as Catholic Churches, Tideswell is no different. Bishop Pursglove, and Nicholas Garlic are Tideswells’ most celebrated and most notorious Catholic Clergy. Unlike local churches such as Hartington and Eyam, There are no signs of the fresco’s that would have covered the inside of the building in Catholic times.

Lichfield vs Lenton – The fight for Tideswell Church.

In 1250–51, the church became embroiled in a dispute between Lichfield Cathedral and Lenton Priory.

Tideswell was one of a several of parishes that had been given to Lenton Priory by the Peverel family during the 11th century. Later, their lands in the Peak District were seized by the crown and granted by King Henry II to his son William The Younger.

After taking the throne, Henry’s son,  King John, granted the lands to the Bishop of Lichfield and in turn, they passed to the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield Cathedral.

This transfer began around 300 years of disagreement between the Priory and Cathedral about who was the rightful owner of the Tideswell Church. The legal battle continued throughout this period, including suits in the Vatican Court on several occasions.

Tideswell Church became directly involved in the dispute when in 1250–51, The monks of Lenton Priory armed themselves and attempted to steal wool and lambs from Tideswell,

The Dean of Lichfield Cathedral knew that Lenton would try such a manoeuvre, and ordered the wool and sheep to be kept within the nave of Tideswell church. Strangely, the monks of Lenton did not honour the church’s sanctuary rights, breaking into the building. A violent battle followed, and 18 lambs were killed within the church: either trampled under the horses’ hooves or butchered by the attackers. The Lenton, monks managed to carry off 14 of the lambs. (House of Cluniac Monks, Page, W 1910)

Despite a commission being assembled by Pope Innocent IV, which fined the monks of Lenton Priory severely for their actions. The disputes continued until King Henry VIII ordered the Dissolution of the Monasteries and Catholic power was smashed throughout the land.

Notable Features in Tideswell Church

There are of course several notable features in, on and around the church. Some of the most notable items are the tombs in the Church. There are brasses to Sir John Foljamb, d. 1383 and to Bishop Robert Purseglove as well as several stone table tombs.  These tombs used to fascinate and scare me as a kid, the thought of what might lie beneath them petrified me.

The Tomb of Sampson Meveril

In the middle of the chancel, there is an Altar tomb. Within lies Sir Sampson Meverill (1388–1462), allegedly one of the victors of Agincourt. Apparently, Sir Sampson was ‘a bit of a rum lad’. Not averse, in his day, to abducting Jurors, sent to try him.  As a boy, this tomb always scared me because, beneath the marble slab, a stone cadaver lies. The stone corpse looks emaciated and creepy. Sampson’s head is held by an Angel, but the ravages of time make the Angel look more like some kind of evil Succubus. The top of the tomb is heavily inscribed and has an alabaster frieze and brass panels. The tomb was restored in 1876.

The Tomb of Sir Sampson Meveril in Tideswell Church

In the South Transept, there is the Lytton Chapel has one of the old bells on the floor, whilst nearby, is the tomb of Robert (d. 1483) and his wife Isabel (d. 1458) Lytton.

Mysterious Ladies from the 14th Century

The transcept also holds the effigies of two unknown ladies, these figures are thought to date back to the early 1300’s.

Stone Effigies – Tideswell Church

Sir Thurstan DeBower

Perhaps the church’s most notable feature is the ‘Bower Chapel’. This contains an impressive tomb, said to be that of Sir Thurstan De Bower and his wife Margret. the recumbent alabaster figures are extremely worn but remain impressive. Personally, I think it’s a tragedy that people have etched graffiti into the stone tomb, but most of it is very old by the look of it.

There is some debate raised by previous books about Tideswell, as to the true identity of these figures set in Alabaster. Local Historian, Rosemarie Lockie’s website has transcriptions that state contrary evidence. (See Related Links).

Sir Thurstram De Bower and his Wife Margaret?

Carved Inscription regarding Sir Thurstram – but is it accurate?

Thurstram Debower – Knight of Tideswell?, Benefactor of the Church

Is this the Debower tomb or an effigy to some other local Knight?

Wood Carvings

Tideswell Church is well known for the carvings of Advent Hunstone. Hunstone was A Tideswellman, who’s carvings adorn the great building, and many other local churches.
Not all the carvings in Tideswell church are Hunstone’s though.
Some in the chancel choir stalls are attributed to a Mr Tooley of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Wood Carvings at Tideswell

There are many other notable Features in Tideswell Church, probably too many to mention. Also, I think you should visit the church to get the real feel for it. Even locals, because when you walk past something every day, it can be, that you don’t really see it. You’ll be surprised at what you will spot for the first time.

Here are a few of my favourite features.

The Stained Glass at Tideswell is fantastic.

This figurine of Mary is hidden away behind the small Organ.

The Monkey, Often hard to spot…can you find him?

Possible Tunnel & Secret Crypt

There are those in the village who believe that Tideswell Church is connected to a series of other local buildings by a series of narrow tunnels. Some villages dismiss the idea out of hand whilst others swear to have been in them or recount tales of seeing family members in the Tunnels.

Today, those who know keep the secret. Those who want to know, like me have struggled to find out more than what is already known or supposed. You can read my posts about the tunnels under Tideswell Church here or just Google Tunnels under Tideswell. If the tunnels are there, what do they lead to? Some say they were escape routes for priests during the Reformation, others say that they were used to transport prisoners, and goods. Then there are those, who believe that the reason that Tideswell church is so large is that it hides a secret crypt of an important person. Whatever the truth is, I hope we all find out one day. I’m sure it would be a positive thing for the village, in terms of tourism, if the stories turn out to be true.

Share if you like, please

I do hope that you enjoyed my post about Tideswell Church. If you did, please leave a comment or at least like or Share on Facebook/Twitter/ Google Plus, Pinterest or whatever Social Network you favour.

Related Links – Tideswell Church.

Thurstan Debower
Wishful thibking – DeBower

Debower or Who?
Tideswell Church South Transept

Sampson Meveril, Marauding Monks and ‘The Kings Larder’
Tideswell History

Tombs
Tideswell Tombs

Bishop Pursglove
Bishop Pursglove

Tideswell Tunnels – Part 3

Recent Tidza Tunnel Developments.

Tideswell Tunnels took a new turn this week. I met a young man convinced of their existence, which spurred me on , as I had been somewhat downhearted about my lack of conclusive evidence. I have got several new lines of enquiry. Thing is, once I get started on something I never let it go.

However, I actually need the people of Tideswell to support me, and actively assist me in my research. It should be noted that I’m now encountering reluctancy to talk about the tunnels. However, it is my belief that they are there, so why the secrecy? Some people know more than they are letting on. Help me peeps. Let’s find these tunnels.

Is There A Secret Tunnell to Blake House?

I called at Blake House, I had previously pushed my letter of introduction through the door, the family who now owns the house were more than happy to have a chat.  The owner, Phil Dobbin, said that he was fascinated by the concept but hadn’t had a chance to investigate further.  Outside the house, at ground level, there is a small lintel. the stone directly underneath it was loose and we managed to pull it away, revealing a small cavity but noting that could be seen in detail.  Mr Dobbin, said he wanted to pull up the flags in the garden to investigate further, at some point.

Blake House Tideswell – Tunnell entrance or Coal Hole?

A Tunnel from Devonshire House to the Star?

Paul Harrison at Devonshire House dropped me a line to say that he had an archway in the bottom corner of his cellar that was worth investigating.  Oddly enough we had sat in the Star inn just a couple of weeks before chatting about Tideswell history. Odd then that his house should be a prime suspect for one with a tunnel.  I called around and both he and his wife Carrie were helpful and enthusiastic.

They let me down in the cellar and Paul showed me a small archway in the bottom right-hand corner.  It was quite unusual because there seemed to be no logical reason for an arch there.  It certainly wasn’t a coal chute because the coal chute was to the left. (unless the visible coal chute was added later).

Devonshire House is very old and I’m told that it was one of the King’s Larders, and the original George Pub at one time. The cellar has a vaulted ceiling and still has some old meat hooks hanging from it.   As you can see from the image I took on my phone, there is a clear arch.  The rubble in front of the arch apparently does down more than 6 ft. Paul said he tried to unearth it but got fed up.

My initial feelings are that this might have been some kind of soak-away or sough which drained water or “other liquid” down into the brook which would run a few yards in front of the house.  However, I have heard from three living people that there is definitely a tunnel at Devonshire House.  I just haven’t found it yet, I will though.

Devonshire House Tunnel?

A Tunnel From Eccles Hall To Blake House?

I drew a bit of a disappointing blank at Eccles Hall. After about ten minutes fighting with the latch on the gate, I managed to get in and finally catch the attention of the homeowner.  I explained who I was and that I was searching for the hidden tunnels in Tideswell.  The lady who owns the house told me that she “wanted there to be a tunnel but there just isn’t”.

She also informed me that Eccles Hall and Blake House were built at different times so the myth that Samuel Eccles was visiting his lover in Blake House via tunnel was bunkem.   However, this is at odds with the testimony of one living women in the Village who told me that she has been into a tunnel located in the cellar at Eccles Hall.  Someone is clearly mistaken.

Tunnels behind The Shambles

I called to See Claire Fisher, who lives at The Shambles, you may recall part two of Tideswell Tunnels showed the details Philip Swarbrick had given me regarding a tunnel there.  Claire was enthusiastic, but sadly an inspection of her cellar area (now converted) into living quarters revealed nothing.  Philip’s description matched perfectly though. So I have stood at the exact spot where the Tunnel is meant to be, but it’s been bricked up and plastered over, so if there’s a way into it, it would have to be out in the yard.

Tideswell’s Tindalls Tunnels

Finally, although not directly related to Tunnels, I approached Tindalls and Chris Ashton, was good enough to let me look at the images he and his wife took of the cellar before it was closed off, and the shop refurbished.

I did ask to go down in the cellar but that wasn’t possible at the time due to the manhole cover sticking and Mr Ashton not wanting to break his floor tiles by prying it up.  Fair enough.  He told me that he’s seen no evidence of a tunnel but was kind enough to explain all the changes to the building and let me copy this brilliant photo of a small cellar room, which, I  guess was used for salting meat at one time or another.

Tindalls Cellar Tideswell

I do hope that you are enjoying reading my posts about the quest for tunnels. There is, I assure you a lot more information to come. I’m working on it, and will post it all here as and when I get a chance.   Let me leave you with a question:

Tunnels Under Tideswell Part 1 |  Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Do you believe there are Tunnels in Tideswell? if so, where and what makes you believe.

Please leave a comment below, if you know anything or just have an opinion.

Tideswell Tunnels Part 2

Tunnels under Swarbricks Shop Tideswell

So,It has been a couple of weeks now since I first posted the question on Youtube about Tunnels under the Peak District village of Tideswell.  After an initial swell of interest, I think it’s fair to say that interest levels have now cooled off considerably.

However, I did manage to have a very useful conversation with Tideswell Parish  Councillor Philip Swarbrick.   His Grandfather used to own “Swarbricks Shop”.  Today the shop is a private residence.

Swarbricks Shop – Tideswell Site of a subterranean Tunnel

The previous owner attests to having been in the tunnel

Phil told me that the 100% knows that there are Tunnels under Tideswell, because “He has been in one of them”.

Phil proceeded to tell me about his days as a youngster spent in his grandfathers’ shop. He said that underneath the grids at the front of the shop is part of the cellar where his grandfather used to keep Coal and logs.  He told me that in that cellar there used to be a large Zinc Plate on the wall.  The very presence of that Zinc Plate nagged at Philip’s subconscious, he wanted to know why it was there.  He kept telling me that as a curious young boy, he just couldn’t understand why there was a zinc plate on the wall, he wanted to know what it was covering up.

So one-day Curiosity got the better of him and he plucked up courage and pulled the Zinc sheet off the wall.   Behind the metal sheet was a hole in the wall, which, when he climbed through it opened onto a “5 ft tall barrel-shaped tunnel”, he ventured in.

Philip told me that the Tunnel went straight back, towards the Cliff then took a turn to the left. Given the position of Swarbrick’s show left would have led up past the back of the “Bulls Head”.  He said he got a short way into the Tunnel with a torch but then came to a part where it had caved in.

This is where common sense got the better of curiosity and he turned back.   A short time later Philip’s father who was running the shop above decided he needed more room, he was aware that there was a cavity at the back of the shop because the lower floor went further back.  Phil’s father knocked through the wall, that was behind the shop counter.

Behind that wall they found a cavity room with a large hole in the floor.  The hole, went down into the Tunnel that Phil had discovered. Phil tells me that the hole provided the perfect place to dump the rubble from the shop alteration, and so the tunnel was filled in at that point.

I do not know who owns the house at the moment, but I would like to know and would like to get in touch with them, to see if any traces of evidence remain.

The story doesn’t stop there though.  A Neighbour “John Allen” who lived just two doors down from Swarbricks’ added his anecdote on the “Tideswell People group on facebook”

“ Didn’t they discover a tunnel a number of years back, beneath what was The Medeira House Restaurant, when doing renovations. But elected to just cover it up w/out investigation? I remember hearing something like that, because I was surprised and disappointed that there’d not been any investigation of where it led to.

I also remember, as a kid, that a tunnel of some kind was found beneath the floor of the old out buildings behind Hudson’s butchers shop (Markeygate House) which is, of course, right next to Hilly Swarbrick’s old shop. I remember watching Keith Hudson and some of his friends climb down through a hole in the floor using a caving ladder“.

So, the plot thickens. That now makes two people who have told me they have been inside a subterranean tunnel in Tideswell. I also know of a couple of claimants who have since passed on.   I prepared a letter and delivered it to some of the properties that I suspect may have a Tunnel, the response has been underwhelming, to say the least.  No one has gotten in content with me.  I still have two very Important ones to deliver though.

Diagram depicting approximate tunnel position

Here is a reproduction of a diagram Phil Swarbrick made for me of the old layout of the shop.  Please note, the 3d model isn’t to scale as I’m not an expert with the software, but I made it based on a loose sketch made by Philip Swarbrick. It is designed to give you the basic gist of the layout.  It’s a split level diagram, you can see the false wall with the hole in the floor leading to the tunnel and you can see the metal plate on the wall with the tunnel going backwards toward the cliff.

Split level Diagram showing the location of a Tunnel under Swarbrick’s Shop

If anyone has any more information about Tunnels in Tideswell, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.  This is something that the whole village needs to know about.  It’s our hidden heritage.

Tunnels Under Tideswell Part 1 |  Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Retro Video features Tideswell

A tour of Tideswell, Derbyshire Retro Film

Showing its limestone hills, its church and buildings, and the locals who work in the quarry.

NOTE: This film has a French soundtrack.

Details
Release year 1944 Director A. Reginald Dobson Production company G.B. Instructional CinematographerJack Parker Running time (minutes)09 mins 46 secs SupervisorG.J. Cons
Original Description
‘This film describes an upland settlement, Tideswell in the Derbyshire hills. Tideswell is built of local limestone, and many of its inhabitants work in neighbouring stone quarries. A hillside stream supplies power for the mills. Farms are mixed, but there is less arable land than pasture; sheep and cattle thrive on the upland pasture.’
(Films of Britain – British Council Film Department Catalogue – 1946)

Trivia
The quarry featured in the film is now the Miller’s Dale Quarry nature reserve.
Working titles for the film included ‘Upland Settlement’ or ‘Upland Village’, in keeping with other films in the ‘Human Geography’ series, such as Lowland Village and Coastal Village.

Derbyshire Village (1944) from British Council Film on Vimeo.

Tideswell Village Voice – June 2012 (Wakes Edition)

Tideswell – Village Voice

Thanks to Pete Hakwins for sending me the June 2012 Village Voice.  It’s the Tideswell Village Voice Magazine and comes out monthly or Bi monthly.  Pete’s given me permission to post it here for you just as another way of getting the news out there.

Download the Tideswell Village Voice June 2012 edition:  PDF Format:

Tunnels under Tideswell

Any Tideswellian knows that there are Tunnels under the village. However, it seems that in living memory the number of people who have actually been down into these tunnels is few and far between.

For whatever reason, it is a topic that has fallen from the collective memory of the village.

Why might there Be Tunnels under the village?

I remember reading as a boy that there was a tunnel from Blake House to Eccles Hall. It was in the little blue book that every Tideswell family seemed to have “A History of Tideswell by  W. Walker; 1951.

In addition to this there was always talk of a tunnel that led from Tindalls Shop to the Church opposite. Tindalls used to serve as a Gaol, long before it was utilised as a bakery.

Then I heard that there was….

• A Tunnel from the Church to Church Avenue, number 1 or number 2.
• A Tunnel from Swarbricks shop to Tindalls
• A Tunnel / Priest hole in the Star which might go to the Vicarage or Blake House
• A Tunnel from the Church to Wheston
• A Tunnel from the Church to Monksdale.

Tideswell Tunnels

Tunnels under Tidza Video

With all these supposed Tunnels, it’s a wonder Tidza doesn’t collapse into a subterranean labyrinth.  So  I raised the question via You Tube and the Facebook Group “Tideswell People”.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/21177142561/

Tunnels under Tideswell

So again, I say to you, good people of Tideswell.  Where are these Tunnels, and if you have access to one, can I come and photograph it…or its blocked up entrance?  I want to get into these tunnels if possible.  Tideswell deserves to know its history.

Tunnels Under Tideswell Part 1 |  Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Tideswell – Village Voice – May 2012

Tideswell - Village Voice

Thanks to Pete Hakwins for sending me the VillageVoice.  It’s the Tideswell Parish Magazine and comes out monthly or Bi monthly.  Pete’s given me permission to post it here for you just as another way of getting the news out there.

Download the Tideswell Village Voice:  PDF Format:

Tideswell Podcast – Episode 1

Episode 1 of the Tideswellman Podcast

 

 

Village SOS – Tideswell – Your thoughts please

Last night saw Village SOS – feature our very own village of Tideswell. I for those who don’t know am an ex-resident, but still get there regularly to visit family and friends.

A group of residents have been in involved in setting up The Tideswell School of Food and the Taste Tideswell Brand.

I had been warned by friends on Facebook that opinion about the project is quite split. We posted a thread about the program on The Facebook group Let’s Debate.

I’m keen to hear from an Tideswell residents just what you think of the School of Food and what your thoughts were on the way the village was portrayed. (if you missed the show, here it is.)

Village SOS – Tideswell

Before you leave your comment though, the other night I tried to think of all the shops that have closed since I was a kid in the village, here’s the list…

Over the years we have lost….The video shop/The bottom shop,  Eric Jones, Grocers, Chapmans Newsagents, The Ex Servicemans Club/ Cross Daggers Inn…The 1st Drop Inn, Jeans wool shop, Alan Burns Electricals, The Halifax, The (original)Post office, Audrey Hopkins Shoe shop, Anne Smiths Grocery, Kenworthy’s The undertakers, Ron Hall’s Butchers, Warringtons News, Maderia House restaurant, Mick Bethels Petrol station/Garage,  and Chapel House Turnery, Peak Posies, The Launderette, and perhaps one or two more I can’t think of.

Village S.O.S – Tideswell

Just a quick reminder that Tideswell is the Featured village on village SOS on Wednesday night. 8PM On BBC1

Here’s a link to iplayer if you want to catch up on the other episodes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/search?q=village%20sos

Edwin Gregory – 1900 – 1995

Edwin Gregory – Tideswell

Edwin Gregory was my Grandfather. My fathers father. He was fit as fiddle well into his eighties, or always seemed it. He could walk at a blistering pace and used to walk up “Town Head” to tend his plot of land. I know little of his early life, save to say he had some mechanical skills.

When I was a boy he would produce amazing Steam Engines from discarded pieces of junk. I mean, these things actually worked, they had boilers and chimneys, drive belts, wheels etc. They took real fuel. Sadly, I don’t have any pictures of one of these devices, but I’ll endeavour to get one.

Anyway, I took this photo myself when I was just a small boy. For a while it hung in my grandparents house, as everyone was so proud of it. I had certainly never taken such a good photo before, and hardly ever since. I never seemed to have a copy though for whatever reason, then when my Grandparents had died, I got to thinking about it. As it was the only decent photo we ever had of Granddad.

I later found out my Aunt had a copy of the photo, but although I borrowed numerous family photos from her, this one got over looked. There are quite a few folk in our extended family who are interested in the Gregory family tree, and when I went back to Tideswell this summer, I called in on my cousin Jonathan Buttle. He had this photograph and kindly made me a copy. Now My parents have a copy, and I have one, soon to hanging on the wall. I’m sharing it with you now.

Edwin’s father was Charles Herbert Gregory, his Grandfather was Charles Gregory and his Grandmother Elizabeth Millar.

Tideswell Reservoir – Clear of Choking weed

You may remember that in the summer I pointed out what a dire state the brook was in?

If not, here is the link to that article.
Tideswell Brook in need of Attention

Well last week I went back up there with a mind to clearing the stream of the weeds. I had spoken earlier to the farmer who owns the land, and he had given me the green light to go onto the land. I was somewhat surprised to see that when I got up to “The car Wash”, the stream had been cleared, or loooked as though it had. That saved me a lot of work.

I jumped into the enclosure and cleared out a lot of the silt and weed that was remaining. It was retarding the flow of water into the dam. It only took me a few moments to clear the offending weed to the side. I was careful to place the weed just at the side of the stream so any wildlife that might have been hiding in there could easily make it back to the water.

The reservoir soon filled up nicely and I even saw a trout, YEEEHA!.

There’s no point in clearing the top of the stream if the bottom is blocked up too.

I then drove down to the Severn Trent sewage plant in the south of the village. Just before the sewage treatment plant there is a stormdrain which drains the brook through a pipe into a manmade channel before it flows into Tideswell Dale.

Every Year I come up at the start and end of Autumn and clear away the leaves and fallen branches which block the drain. this allows the brook to drain properly without backing up and flooding the village.

Tideswell gets flooded occasionally when the brook is high, but this can be combatted with a little simple maintennance.

Gibbet Rock Photo

Gibbet Rock. Also known as Peters’ Stone.

Many thanks to Roger Butterfield for this excellent and Moody photo.

This was the site of the last Gibbet in Derbyshire. Anthony Lingard was hung at Derby for the Murder of the gatekeeper at Wardlow (the Village near the rock).

Tideswell Killer Hanged at Gibbet Rock

Lingard apparently killed the woman for her red shoes, which he then gave as a present to his sweetheart. She suspected something and reported him.

He was hanged and then Gibbeted at the crossroads. Many people call the rock Peters Stone…but I prefer it’s Tidza name…”Gibbet Rock”..sounds more hardcore.

Walk to Gibbet Rock

If you fancy walking up to Gibbet rock, then it’s easily accessible from either the villages of Wardlow or Litton. Wardlow is the easiest approach though. In the winter months through to early spring the valley floor has a brook running through. It is passable though.

If memory serves me correctly there is a small cave near to the bottom of the rock, neat ro Wardlow.  Legend had it this is where the bones of those who met the grisly fate were laid to rest.  Most likely heresay but a good story none the less.

Tideswell – Can I get a repost?

I decided to repost this article from the old blog location…
I’m finding the Tideswell website situation laughable at the moment. A few years ago I suggested to the Parish Council that Tideswell should get itself a website. They agreed and with a little effort, the website was implemented. I guess “Tideswell online” ran for about four years.

Tideswell Website

No one seemed to bother about updating the content. I lost the contract to keep it updated and a BUXTON company took over. In which time, they harldy ever updated the Tideswell website and then, I noticed this summer that the website had died altogether.

Now if you do a search on Google for the Words “Tideswell”, The top listing comes from Cressbrook, a little hamlet about 5 miles away.

Put Tideswell on the Map

Come on, people of Tideswell, this isn’t good enough you know! Are we going to stand by whilst a Cressbrooker has top listing for our great and glorious Village?

I say “A website for Tideswell…and a website soon”. Are you listening Parish Council?

Whilst this article may appear to criticise, It is only my love for the village of Tideswell that inspires me to speak out.

Tideswell Wakes Revisited

Tideswell Wakes Carnival Tideswells’ Wakes. Known locally as “Big Sat’dee” It will see the weeks festivities come to a close with a Carnival Procession where locals dress up using a variety of themes and raise money for charity.

People decorate floats and generally have a great time. Local Carnival Queens visit the Village as well as Brass and Marching bands. A lot of water will be squirted, and quite a bit of beer will be consumed.

Torchlight Procession

In the evening a “Torchlight procession” is held where the band lead revellers who all perform a simple Morris Dance through the streets for approximately 1 mile,

It’s Bloody fantastic. All comers are welcome to join in.

Tideswell is also renowned for having the best Well’s Dressing in the Whole Peak district.

The day is usually swelteringly hot or muggy and overcast, whatever the weather, no one can dampen the spirits of Tidza folk. Get yourself along to Tideswell in the Peak district on The last Saturday of June.

Here are a few Photos from this years wakes carnival.

Tideswell in Derbyshire

Tideswell is my home town. It’s a village on top of a hill plataue in the Peak District England. Tideswell is a large village really, with about 2,000 inhabitants.

My Parents’ families have lived there for generations. I was raised there. Tideswell used to be a very important village. It was situated in an area known as ‘The Kings Larder’ and the King of England used to hunt in the vicinity.

Tideswell Miners Scare King George

The Tideswell lead miners were renowned for their strength and were much prized by the military authorities. King George III is reported to have remarked when a group of miners were paraded before him in London-

” I don’t know what effect these men will have on the enemy, but Good God, they Frighten me”.

If you ever visit Tideswell, my advice is don’t pick a fight!!

Tideswell slang

* Sawyed – Nickname for people who come from Tidza. Relates to a myth that two Tidza farmers found a cow with it’s head stuck through the bars of a gate. Instead of cutting through the gate to free the cow, they cut the cows yed off.
* Yed -head.
* Watter = Water.
* Pobs = Bread dipped in gravy.
* Kewd/Whahrm = Cold/Warm.
* Bonk = Bank or Hill.
* Beastings – Raw milk, straight from the cow.
* Woe-Wall
* Woin- Building walls
* Wenchin/Laddin-Male/female courting.
* Put th’ wood in’t ‘ole- Close the door.