Traders' Tokens in Wirksworth
The issuing of Traders' Tokens in Wirksworth during
the seventeenth century is a very interesting branch
of local history. It will be well at the outset to briefly
note the coinage of our country at that time, and the
circumstances which rendered the issue of Tokens
absolutely necessary. We abstract the following from the
Old Parish Magazine:-
Pennies of silver were for several centuries, the
general, and for a long time, indeed, the only coins in use
in England. This gave rise to the issue, from time to
time, of spurious, or rather base coins, to supply the
deficiency; as it was found that the smaller pieces of
halfpence and farthings, when made of silver, were so
small as to be unfit for general use among the mass of the
rough-handed labouring population, and the pennies when
broken by the cross, into halves and quarters, were even
worse than useless. In the reign of Edward VI, the issue
of base metal, which had no intrinsic value, and
consequently was a false monetary medium, gave rise to
considerable disaffection; while in that of Mary, the most
gross and cruel frauds were, by this means, practised on
the poor people. Under Elizabeth, in 1561, coinage of
pure silver, in pieces of the value of three-halfpence and
three-farthings took place. These with the sixpence and
threepence, were distinguished by a full blown rose behind
the head on the field of the coin. Yet, despite the issue
of these small pieces, the want of halfpence and farthings
was so much felt, that the keepers of alehouses, and the
chandlers, grocers, mercers, vintners, and other traders,
were impelled to the issue of private tokens of lead, tin,
latten, and even leather. These tokens were issued by
the traders, and commodities could only be had of them
in exchange, so that they were useless as a circulating
medium, and caused no end of loss to their unfortunate
holders.
In 1649, some attempt was made to establish a
national farthing, of which pattern pieces are now extant
in some collections. Nothing however was done either
then or during the Protectorates to supply the want of small
coin, although patterns were prepared, and the tradesmen's
tokens continued to increase to a prodigious extent. In
1671, however, the Government announced the intended
issue of halfpence and farthings of copper, to supersede
the tokens of private traders; and in 1672, a proclamation,
prohibiting the making or use of any such pieces was
issued, and stringent measure were taken to carry out
this prohibition. From this period the issue of Tradesmen's
Tokens declined, and they were ultimately suppressed.
This brief sketch will show how Traders' Tokens took
their rise, and it only remains to say, that at the end of
the XVIII century, they again were issued in consequence
of the scarcity of money during the protracted war; but
with these Wirksworth had no connection at all.
During the middle of the XVII century, we have record
of seven distinct Tokens, most of them halfpence, which
were issued by the following tradesmen of Wirksworth at
that period, viz:-
John Booth, mercer, Wirksworth
John Buxton,* Dyer
Eleazer Coates, ^ Merchant, Wirksworth & London
Peter Coulborn, Mercer, Wirksworth
Richard Heape, Mercer, Wirksworth
Anthony Kempe, Innkeeper of the Kings Arms, Wirksworth (1666)
Thomas Wigley, # Grocer, Wirksworth
* The Buxtons of Wirksworth and Kirk Ireton, are of the same
family as those of Bradbourne, and other places, and held lands in and
around Wirksworth. Mr Henry Buxton, who lived at the Mill-house,
Wirksworth, we presume was of this family. He was a prominent
lay elder in the Wirksworth Presbyterian Classis, and appears to have
been a regular attender at their monthly classical meetings.
^ The Rev Peter Coates, Vicar of South Wingfield, 1646-1675,
was the father of Eleazer Coates, the merchant. He was often chosen
Moderator at the Wirksworth Classis
# The Wigleys were a very numerous family in and about
Wirksworth in the XVII century. There was a family of Wigley,
Mercers, in the Market Place, Wirksworth, about the time of the
tokens, also another branch Curriers
Wirksworth Presbyterian Classis in the Time of the Commonwealth
During the time of the Commonwealth, the Presbyterians
appear to have been a strong body in and
around Wirksworth. It will be well to remember that
"Presbyterianism prevailed far more widely throughout
England than has been generally supposed". At one time
Churchmanship was penal. The Directory which was
drawn up by "The Westminster Assembly of Divines",
which consisted of Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and
Independents, called together by the two Houses of
Parliament, in order to form a council for the nation,
prohibited the use of the Common Prayer. This ordinance
fixes the penalty for its use, either in public or private,
for the first offence £5, for the second £10, and for the
third "one whole yeares imprisonment without baile or
mainprize".
"The Presbytery, according to the Westminster Assembly,
was controlled by three grades of officials:- (1) Ministers,
who preached and rules; (2) lay elders, who ruled but
did not preach; and (3) deacons, who ministered to the
temporal necessities of the poor.
"Each congregation or parish had its own officers, and
was, as it were, a republic complete itself; for the ministers
and elders constituted a body politic for the domestic
government of the district".
Next to the congregation or parish Presbytery, and
superior to it, was the Classical Assembly", which we have
here under note (i.e.,the Wirksworth Classis), which was
formed of the delegates from the different parochial
presbyteries.
The business of the Classical Assembly, was as follows:-
"To take cognizance of the conduct of ministers and
elders; to admit candidates to office; to inquire into the
state of congregations; to decide cases too difficult for
settlement by the parochial elders, or from which there
was appeal; to discharge such other legislative functions
as did not clash with the authority of the higher courts."
Evidence is not wanting that this Classis system prevailed
throughout many counties of England. "So far as Derbyshire
is concerned, we are able to state that the organization
was very thorough and complete. The Classis for the
Hundred of the Low Peak usually met at Wirksworth and
was called after that town. It met as a rule on the second
Thursday in each month, and was usually spoken of as
the "Classicall fast", but sometimes as the "monthly lecture."
Its secondary title was derived from the fact that part of
the observances of the day always consisted in two long
sermons or lectures." Each Classical Assembly, as before
mentioned, had power to ordain candidates for the
ministry, and we find the Wirksworth Classis constantly
exercised these rights, and ordained men to serve cures in
various parts of England.
We quote the following brief Notes on divines who were
prominent in the Wirksworth Presbyterian Classis, from
Dr. Cox, in the Minute Book, 1651-1658:-
"Martin Topham was minister of Wirksworth. We
believe that he was episcopally instituted before the time
of the Commonwealth, and was the son of the previous
vicar, Robert Topham, who was instituted in 1633. He
died in 1658.
John Otefield (or Oldfield as his name is more usually
spelt) held, we believe the rectory of Carsington prior to
the Commonwealth, and then conformed to Presbyterianism.
Calamy praises him warmly for personal piety and
quiet disposition. 'The people among whom he laboured
was very ticklish and capricious, very hard to be pleased
in ministers, and yet they centred in him, and his name
is precious amongst them'. He published several sermons
and lectures. Readers of Mrs Gaskell's inimitable novel,
"North and South", will recollect the quotation from his
eloquent address on his ejection from carsington in 1662.
After his ejection, Oldfield chiefly resided at Alfreton,
where he died June 5th, 1682. He acted as Chairman
to the Wirksworth Classis fifteen times, and appears to
have been a very prominent member.
Peter Watkinson was appointed minister of Kirk Ireton
in 1647. In 1653, he was invited to the pastorate of
Chesterfield, but eventually refused it, after the matter
was submitted to the Classis. In 1658, on the death of
Martin Topham, he succeeded to the Church of Wirksworth,
but only held it for two years.
Samuel Ogden was ordained by the Wirksworth
Classis to the Chapel of Buxton in 1653, which he served
with Fairfield up to 1657, when he accepted the position of
Minister of Mackworth Church. On his ejection thence
in 1662, he taught a private school in Derby; but in 1685
the Master of the Free School there proceeded against
him in the Courts of Arches for teaching to the prejudice
of that School, and won his case. Thereupon Sir John
Gell, of Hopton, gave him the Free School of Wirksworth,
and he taught there until his death in 1697. He was
buried in the Church of Wirksworth.
Dinah Morris
Dinah Morris, the gentle Methody, immortalized as
the heroine of Adam Bede, whose real name was
Elizabeth Evans, passed a large portion of her active
christian life in Wirksworth, where she died on November
9th, 1849. This noble woman led a pattern life of
christian work and activity. Her love for Christ knew no
bounds. She visited the sick, and consoled the dying;
she reclaimed the backslider and brought him to Christ;
she visited and brought to repentance the condemned;
and was a prominent class leader and local preacher of
the wesleyan Methodists, often walking fifteen miles on
the Sabbath Day, and preaching twice with great acceptance.
We give the following pen portrait of her, which seems
remarkably correct, from Adam Bede:-
She was of slim figure, with "a small oval face of
a uniform transparent whiteness, with an egg-like line of
cheek and chin, a full but firm mouth, a delicate nostril,
and a low perpendicular brow, surmounted by a rising
arch of parting between smooth locks of pale reddish hair.
The hair was drawn straight back behind the ears. The
eyebrows of the same colour as the hair, were perfectly
horizontal and firmly pencilled; the eyelashes, though no
darker, were long and abundant; nothing was left blurred
or unfinished. It was one of those faces that make one
think of white flowers with light touches of colour on their
pure petals. The eyes had no peculiar beauty, beyond
that of expression; they lookedso simple, so candid, so
gravely loving, that no accusing scowl, no light sneer
could help melting away before their glance."
She was born at Newbold, in Leicestershire. On the
death of her mother, she came to Derby to earn her own
living at the early age of fourteen years. After seven
years residence in Derby, she removed to Nottingham,
finding employment in the lace industry. She appears
here to have been associated with not very desirable
companions, which made her unhappy. It was whilst
here that she attended the Methodist Meetings, and laid
the foundations for the glorious work which was in store
for her. From this time we find her commencing christian
work, preaching the glad tidings of the gospel in Derbyshire
and Staffordshire. Readers of Adam Bede will remember
the scene therein portrayed on her early preaching at
Ashbourne, and the prayer is worth quoting as being
characteristic of her:-
"Saviour of sinners! when a poor woman, laden with
sins, went out to the well to draw water, she found Thee
sitting at the Well. She knew Thee not; she had not
sought Thee; her mind was dark; her life was unholy.
But Thou didst speak to her; Thou didst teach her, Thou
didst show her that her life lay open before Thee, and yet
Thou wast ready to give her that blessing which she had
never sought. Jesus! Thou art in the middle of us, and
Thou knowest all men; if there is any here like that poor
woman - if their minds are dark, their lives unholy - if
they have come out not seeking Thee, not desiring to be
taught; deal with them according to the free mercy which
Thou didst show to her. Speak to them, Lord; open
their ears to my message; bring their sins to their minds,
and make them thirst for that salvation which Thou art
ready to give.....Amen"
Whilst preaching at Ashbourne she became aquainted
with her future husband, Samuel Evans (Seth Bede). At
first she was not disposed to entertain any thought of
marriage, on the ground that she wished to consecrate her
life wholly to the service of God. Nevertheless, he pressed
his suit, and after some time she consented. They were
married at St Mary's Church, Nottingham, on August
20th, 1804, and took up their residence at Roston, on the
Derbyshire bank of the Dove. From the first they entered
hand-in-hand upon their evangelistic labours, and promulgated
the doctrines of Wesley in Roston and the
surrounding villages. Happy days these were, indeed,
to the young couple, and great sorrow was expressed when
matters compelled Mr and Mrs Evans to remove from
Roston to Derby. Her enthusiasm had not abated, and
whilst here her holy life and philantropic work became
known to Mrs Elizabeth Fry, who stimulated her labours.
Seven years later they left Derby for Wirksworth, and in
their cottage beside the Haarlem tape-mill they were
visited by George Eliot. Everyone, we presume, know
the consequence of this visit, which resulted in the two
real characters (the hero and heroine) of Adam Bede
They lived in Wirksworth the rest of their days, where
their christian activities were continued in many directions.
She prached a many times in the wesleyan Chapel,
Wirksworth, and also at the Arminiam Methodists, whose
services were held in a room formed out of two cottages
in Warmbrook, now a workshop. She was the first to
leave for the Promised Land, her husband surviving her
for seven years. Thus while George Eliot's famous story,
which immortalized these two beautiful spirits, was being
printed at Edinburgh, her uncle passed to the rest already
enjoyed by his faithful partner. It is to such men and
women as these, who have devoted their lives so unsparingly
to the work of the gospel, that Methodism is peculiar for.
Their earthly parts are interred at Wirksworth, and in
the wesleyan Chapel may be seen the tablet to their
memory with the following inscription:-
Erected by the numerous friends to the memory of Elizabeth Evans,
known to the world as 'Dinah Bede', who during many years
proclaimed alike in the open air, the sanctuary, and from house
to House, the love of Christ. She died in the Lord, Nov.9,
1840, aged 74 years. Also of Samuel Evans, her husband, who
was also a faithful local preacher and a class leader in the
Methodist Society. He finished his earthly course December 8,
1858, aged 81 years.
Notes on Wirksworth
The following paper is copied from Add.MSS.6670,
273, in the British Museum. It bears no date, but
we believe it to have been issued about the middle of the
XVIII century: "Whereas the inheritance of the
Mannor of Wirksworth, with its Appurtences being now
in the Crown, the same is divided and parcelled out in
Branches to several persons, part of which (to wit) the
Fairs and Markets with the Tolls therefrom arising are in
Lease for a certain term of years, made and granted to
Sir Peter Deavenport, deceased, and the same at his death
descended and came to his legal Representatives, who now
collect the same. And Whereas with an intent to discourage
His Majesty's Free Subjects, who have been
accustomed to resort to the said Fairs and Markets at
Wirksworth aforesaid, and to affright them therefrom, it
hath been maliciously, wickedly, and without Foundation
reported and suggested, that by reason of the Disloyalty
of the Inhabitants of the said Town of Wirksworth to His
Majesty and Government, the said Fairs and Markets
which from Time Immemorial have been held there, were
took from them and would be disused; and that they were
or would be removed unto the Town of Bonsall, and by
these Means have terrified several ignorant Persons for
some Time past, from resorting to the said Fairs and
Markets at Wirksworth aforesaid, as before they have
been accustomed to do, and have encouraged others
weekly to resort to Bonsall aforesaid, with their commodities
to vend there to the great prejudice in general of
the town of Wirksworth aforesaid, and in particular to the
Grantees of the Crown by a diminution of the Profits
arising from the said Fairs and Markets of Wirksworth
aforesaid and the Tolls thereof. These are therefore to
give notice that the Fairs and Markets will for the Future
be continued to be held and kept at Wirksworth aforesaid,
in such Days and Times as have been accustomed, and
that if any Person will give Information of the Authors or
Publishers of such wicked or scandalous Reflections and
Reports cast upon the said Inhabitants of said Town of
Wirksworth, and of the Disusage of the Fairs and Markets,
so as they may be prosecuted shall upon their Conviction
receive One Guinea reward. And to persons hereafter
offending ignorantly. These are therefore further to give
notice, that all persons for the Future resorting to any
Fair, Mart, Market, or Meeting, to be held, and kept at
Bonsall aforesaid, shall have Informations moved for
against them: or such other Proceedings in the Law as
shall be adviseable."
St Mary's Church, Wirksworth, was partially restored
by Sir Gilbert Scott, in 1872. We quote the following
from the Old Parish Magazine of that date:
"The numerous architectural fragments discovered
during the excavations consequent on this restoration,
clearly prove that our ancestors freely and richly adorned
their ecclesiastical edifices.
"In the survey taken shortly after the Norman Conquest,
Wirksworth is mentioned as containing a Church and a
Priest; this would be the Saxon Church, of which nothing
remains but some sculptured fragments of stone - but,
though the evidence is small, it is sufficiently conclusive,
and proves that our Saxon ancestors bestowed all their
love and knowledge of art on the beauty and adornment
of their Church.
"Some few remains of very early Crosses have been found,
but unfortunately no two of the pieces belong to the same
design; that they are portions of Saxon crosses, the
writer feels convinced, as in Yorkshire several whole
Crosses, of a precisely similar character and design, were
discovered during the restoration of a Church of undoubted
Saxon date. A most interesting piece of sculptured stone,
found at Wirksworth, represents the Temptation of Eve.
It is carved in alto-relievo, in sandstone (in all probability
the saxon Church would be of that material - a rather
coarse grit, but close bedded and fine quality). In the
centre is the Tree and Apple; on the left of the tree is a
nude figure, with the hands crossed in front. On the
right of the tree, a portion of the head only of the other
figure remains - the rest has been cut away.
"In excavating for the foundations of the new North
Transept aisle, and buried in the 13th century foundations,
a very fine piece of Saxon Sculpture was found. The
stone is square, and appears to have been a piece of ashlar
or face walling inside the Church. On the stone are two
figures carved in bas-relief. The right hand figure is a
crowned King, who seems to be playing a harp or lute,
the left hand figure is that of a female, with the right
hand pointing upward, and in the left an open book; on
the front and nearly covering the whole body of this
figure, is a carved heart. Very many other pieces of
carved stone of about the same date have been found, but
they are so fragmentary, that their meaning and import
can only be conjectured.
"After the Saxon came the Norman church, which
would be built at the latter end of the 11th, or beginning
of the 12th century. Several remarkably fine corbel heads,
and arch mouldings with human figures, birds, oxen,
foxes, and other ornaments carved after the grotesque
manner of the period; portions of shafts, caps, and bases
of a rich character have also been found, all of which
point to the fact, that our Norman forefathers determined
to outdo their Saxon predecessors, and lavishly bestowed
their riches in the adornment of the Church. The town
must have increased considerably in population and
importance, for, at the latter end of the 12th, or early in
the 13th century, the greater portion of the Church was
again pulled down and rebuilt in the form prior to the
1821 deformation. The North Chancel aisle, known as
the Gell Chapel being the only wall now existing of the
Norman Church. The South Chancel aisle stands upon
the Norman foundations, and latterly was discovered a
piece of Norman foundation in line with the South aisle
wall, which would indicate, that the transepts and transept
aisles were added by the 13th century builders. Since
that time, the Church has undergone many changes and
malformations, each generation having added to, or altered
the Church by insertion of windows, raising of roofs, and
lowering them again, until this continued vandalism had
afflicted the Church with fearful deformities and injuries
other than incident to old age."
Perhaps no town in England, for its size, is better
represented with Nonconformist Churches than is Wirksworth.
The Congregationalists or Independents, are the
oldest body of Nonconformists in the town. The old
Chapel which stood on the present site, was built in 1700,
and had been a Presbyterian meeting-house. Some of
the old members can remember shutters to the windows,
and tradition states they had to worship with much secrecy,
so turbulent were those days. But the prettiest is the
Baptist Church, in Coldwell Street, which commands one
of the best sites in the town. It was rebuilt in 1885.
The Wesleyan Church is most interesting to lovers of
literature, as being the scene of the ministry of Dinah
Morris, the gentle Methody. The Primitive Methodists
have a neat Chapel in the Dale. The United Methodists
have also a pretty Church in St John Street, and praise
is due to their struggles and perseverance in erecting so
neat an edifice.
The reminiscences connected with the building now
occupied as the Wirksworth Cottage Hospital, are
peculiarly interesting. Formerly, this building was
occupied as a Workhouse to the town. The Waterworks
at that period (about 1820) were of a very primitive
type, and the supply of water for the Workhouse appears to
have formed a large part of each day's duty, for it
had to be fetched from the old reservoir on Washgreen, and
was carried in barrels strapped to the back of a donkey.
An artist friend was staying at that time, with the Rev
G S Kelly, Vicar of Wirksworth, and seeing the primitive
mode of supplying the Workhouse, on Greenhill, with
water, took a sketch of the proceedings from the
Vicarage wall, which is still extant in a few cases.
The sketch which we have seen, shows the donkey with
the two barrels strapped to its back. In the rear are two
men, one behind the other, the first was named John
Ludlam, the second James Tinsley, inmates of the Workhouse,
who were detailed off for this special duty. There
appears to be about two or three yards space between each
man and the donkey; a curious spectacle, indeed, these
two typical old world men present, they seem to be
keeping step with its slow pace. The governor of the
Workhouse at that time was Joseph Torr, he owned the
Yard in the North End, now known as Torr's Yard.
When the House of Correction on Washgreen was
unoccupied, - a new one having been built in the North
End, - it was converted into a Workhouse, and the old
Workhouse on Greenhill, became a dwelling-house, and
was occupied by the Maskrey family, descendants of whom
are still living in Wirksworth. Eventually it was sold
to Mr Joseph Stone, Solicitor, of Wirksworth, and
afterwards Miss Georgina Hurt became the purchaser,
and established the present Cottage Hospital. It has
since that time met with many subscribers, and is now in
a prosperous condition. It obtains a better supply of
water than the old Workhouse did, for the waterworks
were re-modelled and laid afresh with large mains in 1883,
whereby, not only the Hospital, but all higher levels obtain
a plentiful supply. On the front of the building may
be seen an old sun dial.
The Town Hall at Wirksworth is a large and imposing
building; the cost of erection was £4,000. The foundation
stone was laid on Wake-Tuesday, September 14th, 1871,
by Brother A P Arkwright, R N, M P, of Ancient
Free Accepted Masons. On the occasion was a grand
Masonic Ceremony. With it being in Wakes-week the
whole town gave itself up to gaiety. Flags waved from
the ancient Church Tower and from the principal public
buildings. The masonic brethren met in the Moot Hall,
and from thence the long procession, headed by the
Volunteer Band, consisting of Directors, Freemasons,
Friendly Societies, Tradesmen of Wirksworth, Miners &c,
proceeded to the Church for Divine Service; after which
the procession was re-formed, and took its way to the site
of the proposed Town Hall.
The building is situated at the corner of the Market
Place and Coldwell Street, and extends through to the
Churchyard, to which it has a small frontage. The
principal entrance is from Coldwell Street. The remainder
of the frontage to the streets is occupied by shops. The
site is very irregular in form, and was a matter of no little
difficulty to adapt it to meet the various requirements.
The Parish Room is a large and commodious building,
for the use of Meetings, Lectures, Entertainments, &c,
at which there is also a reading and Billiard Room.
The Temperance Hall, in the Chapel Lane, was built in
the year 1860. The salvation Army hold their meetings
in it.
The Midland railway from Wirksworth to Duffield, was
constructed in the year 1865.Prior to this, excepting the
old High Peak Line at Steeplehouse, the only communication
with Wirksworth was by carrier. It was an eventful
day for Wirksworth when the first sod of this new line
was cut. The inhabitants testified their appreciation by a
public holiday. The night previous preparations had been
made, and early in the morning triumphal arches were
erected, garlands, flags and banners overhung the streets,
and by ten o'clock the town began to assume a lively
appearance. We quote the following from the Wirksworth
Advertiser, a paper which was published in Wirksworth at
that date:- "The triumphal arch opposite the Red Lion
Hotel, bore the following inscriptions - 'Success to the
Wirksworth railway,' 'May the Line soon be Extended.'
"At half-past eleven the splendid band of the Matlock
Rifle Volunteers arrived and attracted a large number of
eager listeners. Just about this time the wheelbarrow and
spade by which the first sod was to be turned, made their
appearance. They were placed on a light dray and drawn
into the Market Place, to be viewed by spectators. Mr
W.Tomlinson, Ironmonger, in the Market Place, supplied
the spade, which was of the 'round nosed' shape, the
blade being plated with silver. The wheelbarrow which
was made by Mr George Frost, was larger in proportion
than the spade; light and fanciful, and polished, the
handles being covered with silk velvet.
"About twelve o'clock the procession started for the
Hannages in the following order -
The Band of the Wirksworth Rifle Volunteers.
The Wirksworth Rifle Volunteers.
The Ladies.
Directors and other Officials of the Midland Railway.
Committee, Clergy, Gentry, and Contractors.
Tradesmen.
A light truck, on which was placed the Wheelbarrow and Spade.
The Matlock Rifle Band.
The Hopton Stone Company's Workmen (about 60 in
number) with models of their working implements.
The Wirksworth Drum and Fife Band.
The Wirksworth Lodge of Oddfellows, and other Wirksworth
Friendly Societies, and a portion of the Middleton Clubs.
|
"The public also, numbering some several thousands of
persons, joined the procession, which was altogether a
very formidable and imposing sight.
"At one o'clock, the time appointed, the wheelbarrow
and spade were placed on the ground. The spade having
been handed to Mrs Wood, she proceeded at once to cut
the sod, which she accomplished quite satisfactorily, and
placed it in the barrow. She was then requested to cut
another, which she did, and both having been loaded, she
wheeled the barrow a distance of eight or ten yards, and
then emptied its contents amidst enthusiastic cheers.
"The Band then played 'God Save the Queen.'
"After an address from Mrs Wood, and three cheers to
the Midland Railway, the procession returned to the town for
refreshments. Luncheon was provided at the Red Lion
Hotel, to which a large number sat down. The remainder
of the day's proceedings consisted mainly in amusements
for the young people in the Hannages. The whole
passed off very satisfactorily, and was a day of great
rejoicing in the town."
Bolehill was an important centre during the 18th century
in the Wool Combing Industry, which was carried on by
the spencer family. A row of workshops which they
owned and carried on this trade, stood on the site of the
residence of Mr T W Hunt. Most of the wool came from
Nottinghamshire, the principal trade being done with
Nottingham. Gingham weaving was also largely carried on.
Since Gas and Water has been introduced into Bolehill
and Steeplehouse, the neighbourhood has increased
considerably. The Bolehill Institute was built in 1889,
and has proved of lasting benefit to the village. The
Primitive Methodists have a Chapel here.
Some thirteen years ago, Bolehill was the quiet retreat
of Miss Olive Schreiner, where she uninterruptedly pursued
the literary labours of her popular book, The South African
Farm, whilst residing with Mrs Job Walker.
At Steeple Grange formerly stood an Hotel near the
site of the present Railway Inn. The information comes
down traditionally from a reliable source, and states that
this hotel was flourishing in the days when the races
were held on Middleton Moor, and was the resort of the
company who visited there. It had a Bowling Green, and
also a Cock-pit, which is now filled up, where cocks were
trained for the brutal sport. A very small portion of the
old cellaring may be seen.
The old world town of Wirksworth has seen many
changes, as each generation has past away. It presents
a far different appearance at the close of the 19th century,
to the days when Lead Mining was at its height. In those
days there were twice as many alehouses in Wirksworth
than at the present time; and many must have been the
weird tales told by the fireside on winter evenings, when the
clinking of mugs were heard - for the miner loved his
beer. He revelled in the Miner's Holiday, which was
celebrated on the 13th of May, when the coves were decked
with garlands, the barrel of ale tapped, and all partook of
the hearty repast; the scene being enlivened by old
songs peculiar to the Miners. But all this has long since
passed away. Many changes and improvements have
been made during this century; the streets have been
lighted with Gas, good roads have been made throughout
the town, the waterworks have been re-modelled, and
communication has been opened by railway. Civilization
has dispensed its benefits, numerous and various, throughout
Wirksworth. The Postal service has been thoroughly
established, having three deliveries of letters per day,
during six days of the week, and one on Sundays.
The Telegraph system is also invaluable. There are
three Banks in the town, and many other conveniences,
for which praise is due to our worthy townsmen
who in times gone by spared no pains in advocating
many of these privileges we now enjoy. But although
considerable improvement has been made in the erection
of public buildings and modern dwellings, the town
increases little in population, in fact it has deteriorated
since the days of lead mining. But whatever Wirksworth
may have yet in store to hand down to future generations,
the past has been rich in historical associations.
William Greatorex, of Stonebridge, in the parish of
Wirksworth, by his will, bearing the date 25th June, 1734,
and proved at Lichfield in the same year, gave the yearly
sum of £3 out of a close of land in Wirksworth, called the
Green Yard, adjoining to a place called Milne House Green,
for the putting forth of a poor boy of the parish of Wirksworth,
yearly, or once in two years, apprentice to some
handicraft trade.
Alfred Arkwright, of Wirksworth, Esquire, by Indenture
dated the 16th day of January, 1887, and enrolled in
Chancery, conveyed about 9 acres of land near Miller's
Green in trust, to be used and enjoyed by the Inhabitants
of the Township of Wirksworth as and for a Public Play
and recreation Ground, to be called "The wirksworth
Recreation Ground".
Anne Wright, of Wirksworth, widow (ob.21 January,
1894), bequeathed to the Official trustees of Charitable
Funds a sum of £1,000, to be invested in £3 per cent,
Annuities, the dividends to be paid to local trustees, consisting
of the heir at law of her late husband Charles
Wright, deceased, and the Vicar and Churchwardens of
Wirksworth, upon trust to be paid and distributed by them
on the 5th day of March in each year, unto and among
such poor persons residing in the Townships of Wirksworth,
not receiving alms or parochial relief, as they should select
as deserving objects of that Trust in sums of not less than
10s. for each poor person. The Testatrix declared she
made the bequest in memory of her beloved husband, and
desired that the Charity should be called "William and
Anne Wright's Charity."
Hannah Ogden, of Wirksworth, widow (ob.22 August,
1894), by her will directed her trustee to expend a sum not
exceeding £240 in placing in the parish Church of Wirksworth
a stained glass window in memory of her late son
William and her late daughter Elizabeth Dean Ogden, and
also to pay to the Governors of Wirksworth Grammar
School and Almshouses the sum of £500 to be invested and
applied to a Scholarship (to be called "The William Ogden"
Scholarship), for the purpose of helping the holder to attend
the derby Grammar School, or other public school.
Charles Seeds, of Wirksworth (ob.coelebs 16 August,
1896), bequeathed a sum of £150 for placing in the parish
Church of Wirksworth, one or more bells in memory of his
late father George Seeds and himself. He also bequeathed
the sum of £500 to the Wirksworth Cottage Hospital, and
substantial legacies to the Schools and Nonconformist Bodies
in Wirksworth. The testator also directed that his residue
should be upon trust for such charitable objects in and for
the parish of Wirksworth as his trustees should select.
The Wirksworth Cottage Hospital has been endowed
by several Testators, amongst whom may be mentioned -
Mrs Peter Arkwright £25, J Walker,
Esq. £50, A Arkwright, Esq. £100, J Nuttall, Esq. £50,
Mrs Strange £25, Mrs A Wright £50, C Arkwright, Esq.
£70, R Gillett, Esq. £50, J C Arkwright, Esq. £100, Mrs
H Ogden £279, Mr C Seeds £500, Mr T Doxey £106.
Note A. Bolehill, Wirksworth. Page 22.
That Bolehill derives its name from the "Bole Hills" formerly
situated there for the smelting of lead, is conclusive; and probably
was a very busy and important centre in those early days in connection
with the smelting of lead obtained in the neighbourhood. It is very
interesting to note that the pigs of lead were conveyed on the backs of
mules to Chesterfield, the regulating town. The probable route they
would take, by these mule tracks, would be up Riber Hill and thence
to Chesterfield.
The late Mr William Hunt, of Bolehill,
about the year 1850, discovered
one of these ancient smelting hearths, whilst removing a fence
on the highest westerly point of Mason Hill, Bolehill, - but unhappily
it was destroyed. We are indebted to
Mr Edward Marson, an old servant
of the family, who assisted in its demolition, for the following
information respecting it. Though had Mr T W Hunt been present
at the discovery, we should undoubtedly have had a more minutes detail
of it, knowing his deep interest on such points. The only remains,
however, which he found, was the bottom rim of the refining pot.
In endeavouring to lay before the Reader some idea of the Bole
under notice, we do not vouch as to the correctness of the measurements
here given, as no survey was taken of it. When found it was embedded
in the earth, which seems to prove that it must have belonged to a
remote period. It was built of stone, and much resembled a
Wash-house copper, though in all probability it would only stand some
3 feet in height, it would cover a much larger area than an ordinary
copper. It was constructed with two draught flues which were about
5 yards long, and 18 in deep by 10 in wide. Above these was the fire
hole, about 10 in high by 1 ft 3 in wide, in which they usually burnt
wood. And then built on the top was this large pot for smelting the
lead in, and when found the inside was of a smooth surface, which
had been rendered thus by the action of the molten lead. The pot
would hold about 10 gallons of lead, and would be about 2 ft in depth,
with a circumference of 12 to 13 feet. When the lead had been smelted,
they would run it through the fining pot and then into the mold, hence
it would become what is called "pigs of lead".
Note B. Description of Chimney-piece. Page 49.
We borrow the following description of the curious old Chimney
Piece at Mrs Budworth's,
the "Hope and Anchor" Inn, Wirksworth,
from the OLD PARISH MAGAZINE:-
"In the centre of the Chimney Piece is an an Ellipse, within which are
four fleur-de-lis in cross, point to point. The form is somewhat
unusual. It may be remembered that there is a difference of opinion
as to the origin of the Fleur-de-lis, some believe it to be the lily, or
gillyflower, others to be a form of the Cronel, or spear-head. On either
side of the central elliptical panel is a square panel on which are carved
the raised figures of two Unicorns rampant, holding between them a
sceptre crowned with a fleur-de-lis, or perhaps a spear with a fleur-de-lis
or cronel above. These are the supporters of the Royal Arms of
the old Kingdom of Scotland, previous to the union with England in
1603. Perhaps this Chimney-piece was put up immediately after the
union by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, or his deputy, out
of compliment to the new Sovereign. The date seems certainly about
1600 to 1620.
"On either side of the panels is the Tudor Rose. The central part
of the chimney-piece is very bold and well carved, but the side pilasters
appear to be an addition of later times. They seem intended for Ionic,
though the capital is reversed, instead of being in the usual form, they
are correlated, but appear to be of a different wood, of somewhat paler
colour than the centre. The lowest tier of carving below the mantel-shelf
seems certainly intended for Corinthian.
"The ornaments which surmount the left hand Ionic columns are
difficult to decipher, they might be a cock's wattles, a star, a hedge-hog's
back, or two combs.
"An ornament which occurs in the principal beam is formed of four
trefoils joined together in a cross, with a kind of descending leg or limb,
which may be meant for the stem of a tree from which they branch,
the central ornament is formed of three trefoils."
