Updated 11 Aug 2015
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WIRKSWORTH Parish Records 1600-1900
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Arthur Harward, owner of "The Lees" Estate in Wirksworth,
became bankrupt through building a tunnel under Wirksworth,
to carry stone from his Dale Quarry to the railway,
was forced to sell the estate, which broke his
heart and he died 6 months afterwards. In 1901 The Lees
mansion was completely burned down. From 1914-1925 the
Dale Quarry was closed, but was the ruin of Wirksworth
when it re-opened.
On 24 May 1880, a fine residence
called "The Lees", West End, Wirksworth
was auctioned. Included were adjoining
fields, buildings and cottages. An Estate
of 13 Fields and 15 cottages in all,
near the centre of the Town, as well as the famous
Dale Quarry. The Documentation for the Auction is
transcribed below.
Photos of various parts of the old "Lees Estate",
sent by Janice Mather, can be found on
Lees 2015
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The only image of "The Lees"
I can find, before it burned down in 1901
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Arthur HARWARD's obituary is from the Derbyshire Times of 06nov1880.
Arthur was the son of John HARWARD, the Vicar of Wirksworth
1831-1851 with 5 children, Arthur being the only son.
Mary Jane, Arthur's widow sold "The Lees" and moved
into Riber Castle with her sister-in-Law Caroline
SMEDLEY nee HARWARD (widow of the famous John Smedley) and
5 of her 9 children. By March 1881, William FISHER,
(also a solicitor), his wife and two children had
moved into "The Lees" and the large Estate broken up.
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History of Dale Quarry
1862 Arthur Harward purchases land near Dale
1879 Arthur Harward gets deed of grant for tunnel
1880 Arthur Harward bankrupt then dies
1880 Quarry taken over by Joseph Boulton
1893 Quarry sold to George Miller.
1900 Quarry sold to Butterly Co.
1914 Quarry closed for first time
1925 Quarry re-opened and destroys Wirksworth
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CAUSE of the AUCTION
Death of Mr Harward. - It is our painful
duty this week to announce the death of Mr Arthur
Harward, solicitor, late of "The Lees", Wirksworth,
which sad event took place at Matlock Bath, (where
he has been residing during the summer months) on
Friday evening last, after a lingering illness.
Some six or seven
years ago the deceased gentleman embarked in a
commercial enterprise, which, we regret to say, proved
most disastrous to him, and eventually involved him
in pecuniary difficulties from which he never recovered.
Under the style of the Wirksworth Dale
Stone and Lime Company, he opened a stone quarry
at Wirksworth, and to facilate the output of stone
constructed a tunnel under a portion of the town,
from the quarry to the Railway Station, in the
progress of which many difficulties were surmounted
at great expense. At this period Mr Harward was the
largest employer of labour in the district, and many
families were enabled to obtain a comfortable living
through his kindness and liberality. Upon the
completion of the tunnel above referred to a period of
unusual commercial depression set in, and after
vainly struggling through two or three years in hopes
of averting a crisis, the deceased gentleman found it
necessary to file his petition for liquidation, which was
done on November 5th, 1879.
Bankruptcy of Arthur Harward 05nov1879
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This step seems to have
preyed heavily upon his mind, for shortly afterwards
he was seized with an illness which he never overcame,
and which resulted in his death. The deceased
gentleman was 45 years of age.
From the Derbyshire Times, 06nov1880.
Dale Quarry (Big Hole)
Dale quarry, also known as the big hole, is the most southerly of the
quarries that were served by the railway. It was opened in 1874 by
Arthur Harward under the name of the Wirksworth Dale Stone and Lime Company
when stone and lime were carted by horse and cart to the station. The
“Nimbys” of that day were not impressed by this or the scheme mooted to
build a tramway through the streets, but in the end the plan of
a tunnel under the town was approved, the work taking 18 months, opening
with a large public gathering and ceremony on 17th November 1877,
including a trip through the tunnel in a special train.
Although a great engineering success the expenditure bankrupted Harward
who in Dec 1879 was forced to sell out to a J G Compton of Derby and after
a couple of further changes of ownership ended up with the Butterley Company
until the 1920s when it closed.
From www.evra.org.uk
From "O'er Back and on the Hillock" by Jack Doxey
The Leys, a large family house which stood mid way between the Dale and Brassington
Lane, although not actually in the Dale itself, was so much part of it, in all aspects of its
life, that it deserves to be mentioned. The livliehood of so many of the inhabitants of the
Dale was dependent on the people connected with the Leys, both for work that was
provided at the Quarry, and the dwellings they lived in. The house was built of gritstone
under a tiled roof, with a large glass covered entrance from the driveway, and an entrance
hall leading into the house from the lawn. There were two carriage drives leading to a
reception area at the side of the house. One entrance was at the corner of Brassington
Lane and the other opposite Number 61 West End. There was also a pedestrian entrance
on Bowling Green Lane. It was a large house containing the usual accomodation
provided for the gentry of the day, with library, drawing room, dining room, breakfast
room, ten bedrooms, servant's quarters, stables and coach-houses. The extensive grounds
contained the Leys Cottage, a building of ample proportions with six bedrooms, drawing
room, dining room, breakfast room, stables and coach-house. Also situated in the grounds
were, the gardeners cottage, tennis courts, and large kitchen and pleasure gardens. The
Leys was occupied by Arthur Harwood, who in March 1862 purchased a large area of land
in the vicinity of The Dale. Part of the land was a hollow in the ground containing a
medium sized cliff, which became the Big Hole Quarry.
During the eleven year period between 1914 and 1925, when the quarry was closed for
the first time, it was a delight to live in the Dale when all the houses were occupied and
the gardens were cultivated. Although many were quite small, they were tended with care.
At this time I remember the rock face being full of colour in the spring, covered with
white rock and gillyflowers, and in the summer it was a joy to see the hundreds of
antirrhinums that had seeded themselves from the neighbouring gardens, and at Dale Top
and Dale fields, void of all noise and hustle, the low growing flowers and the cows at Dale
Top grazing so peacefully. 'HAPPY DAYS'
The stone produced in the early part of the Big Hole Quarry's existence, had to be
transported by horse drawn vehicle down the Dale, and through the town to the Midland
Railway Station. The roads at this time were made up of limestone chippings, dust, and
other available material suitable to create a suitably solid surface when rolled and
stamped. You can imagine the state of the roads at this time, especially the mess created
by the busy traffic in the streets. As the quarry increased in depth the stone had to be
winched up by crane. It was due to this slow and laborious method of getting the stone
out, and the state of the roads in the town, that it became necessary to take ction to
improve the rate of production, and at the same time, alleviate the problems cuased by
the mess in the town and in the Dale. On August 29th, 1879, Arthur Harwood acquired a
deed of grant to "make and forever maintain, a tunnel from the station of Midland
Railway Company to the stone quarry in The Dale".The opening of the tunnel was a
momentous occasion, performed with great ceremony. The Wirksworth Volunteer band
was in attendance, and after the ceremony a lavish meal was served in the Town Hall for
the dignitaries and all concerned. However, probably within the year, Arthur Harwood
relinquished the ownership of the quarry, and it was then taken over by a group of people
trading under the name of the Wirksworth Dale Stone and Lime Company, under the
managership of Joseph Boulton. The quarry again changed hands, and came in to the
ownership of George Colledge, who at the same time was working the Bailey Croft Quarry,
and was registered as a lime and stone merchant. The two lime burning kilns in use
in the early part of the quarry's existence stood only a few yards from The Dale itself,
almost on the doorsteps of numbers 66,67, and 68. The coal needed to burn the limestone
had to be transported through the town and The Dale, by horse drawn vehicle. It is
interesting to note that in the 1880s, the two kilns were capable of producing 200 tons of
lime per week, and this fact gives us some idea of the large amount of horse drawn traffic
at the time. The remains of the kilns were still visible in the 1920s.
The quarry changed hands again on the 7th October 1893, and came into the possession
of George Miller who, in July 1900, sold out to the Butterly Company who continued to
work the quarry until 1914. It remained closed from that date until February 1925, when
Wirksworth Quarries Limited took possession. During the quarry's working life up to
1914, when the work was done by hand, very few problems were encountered. Very little
dust was created and only a small amount of acceptable noise.
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TRAGEDY
From "O'er Back and on the Hillock" by Jack Doxey
The re-opening of the Big Hole Quarry in 1925/26 was an environmental disaster for the
whole of the community. It was not so much the working of the quarry, but the decision
to allow a stone crusher to be installed in the hole, two or thre hundred feet deep in the
midle of a fairly densely populated area. What did they expect, the dust to go down the
tunnel? IT WAS A TRAGEDY. Although I worked in the quarry myself, I had no
alternative, I thought it was a disaster, both for the Dale and its inhabitants. It was
obvious from the start something serious would happen, and it did. The continual noise
of the plant was bad enough, but the dust created when crushing the stones, covered the
houses, gardens, surrounding fields and trees. The dust problem was appaling. It infiltrated
into the houses in the neighbourhood, and made the whole area look like a lunar landscape.
I wish I could find a stronger word than 'infiltrate'. No words can ever describe the
conditions the people of The Dale lived under, the heartache it caused, and the hard daily
toil which was necessary to keep the houses clean and habitable. I had personal knowledge
of the problem through my in-laws who lived at Number 58, The Dale. No sooner had the
house been cleaned by my wife, than it was ready to be cleaned again. The Council were
approached many times about the dust problem, but unfortunately nothing seemed to be
achieved, and the problem was never resolved. I believe this was one of the main causes
of the area becoming almost derelict. It was virtually destroyed, and I cannot find adequate
words to describe this tragedy. An injunction was taken out against the quarry in late
1932, but at a later date withdrawn.
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Sheffield Evening Telegraph 19dec1901
DERBYSHIRE MANSION GUTTED
NARROW ESCAPES
Enormous damage
The Lees, Wirksworth, one of the oldest mansions
of the Peak of Derbyshire, the residence of Mr
C.E.B.Bowles, JP, was totally destroyed by fire
this morning. The family and servants had narrow
escapes, and nothing of value was saved. The loss
is enormous.
Whitstable Times & Herne Bay Herald 28dec1901
"The Lees", Wirksworth, near Matlock Bath,
the residence of Mr C.E.B.Bowles, JP, was
completely destroyed by fire on Thursday morning.
Mr Bowles was slightly injured, while the ladies
had to leave the mansion attired in blankets. The
damage is estimated at £10,000, part of which is
covered by insurance. The family heirlooms,
jewellery, and plate chest were destroyed. It is
believed that the fire was caused by the hall stove
communicating flames to the drapery of the
library.
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1785 1797
John Amelia
HARWARD=====v=====
1868 |
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1821 1827 1828 1830 1833
Louisa Arthur Berthe Margaret Agatha
| Augusta Mat.
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1827 1831
Arthur 1856 Mary Jane
HARWARD=====v=====WILKINSON
1880 | 1898
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|-------|----|------|---|----|-------|-------|--------|--------|
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1857 1858 1859 1861 1862 1865 1866 1869 1872
William John Lionel Theodore Mary Alfred Charles Ethel Francis
Arthur Amelia Edgar Cuthbert Margaret Edward
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1841 Census for Wirksworth
---Coldwell St---[Wirksworth]---(p11, Wirksworth, district 6, HO 107/198/12)---
W757a John HARWARD 50 m N Cl M A
W757b Amelia HARWARD 45 f N
W757c Louisa HARWARD 20 f N
W757d Caroline HARWARD 15 f N
W757e Bertha HARWARD 12 f N
W757f Margaret HARWARD 10 f N
W757g Agatha HARWARD 7 f Y
W757h Edwin HARWARD 5 m Y
W757i William REDFERN 15 m Y M.S.
W757j Ellen TAYLOR 20 f Y F.S.
W757k Ann FRITCHLEY 15 f Y F.S.
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John Harward - Vicar of Wirksworth 1831-1851
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1851 Census for Wirksworth
#034---Coldwell St---[Wirksworth]---
W034a John HARWARD Head M 66 M Vicar of Wirksworth Hampshire HAM
W034b Amelia HARWARD Wife M 54 F Wiltshire WIL
W034c Louisa HARWARD Dau U 30 F Muefield? GLS
W034d Arthur HARWARD Son U 24 M Solicitor Frome SOM
W034e Berthe HARWARD Dau U 23 F Frome SOM
W034f Margaret Aug. HARWARD Dau U 21 F Frome SOM
W034g Agatha Mat. HARWARD Dau U 18 F Wirksworth
W034h Mary BODEN Servant U 29 F Cook Matlock
W034i Jane POYSER Servant U 15 F House maid Wirksworth
W034j Benjamin POYSER Servant U 17 M General servant Wirksworth
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1857 Tradesman's Index
HARWARD A. [Coldwell st., Wirksworth] Sun Fire+Life Office
HARWARD Arthur [Coldwell st.; h. The Lees, Wirksworth] Attorney
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1861 Census for Wirksworth
#38---The Lees, West End---[Wirksworth]---(Page 8,ED 3, RSD "Wirksworth",RG9/2517)---
W368a Arthur HARWARD Head M 34 M Solicitor Frome SOM
W368b Adelaide BRISTOL Servant U 25 F House servant Wirksworth
W368c Hannah TOWNDROW Servant U 17 F House servant Crich
W368d Henry STOPPARD Servant U 17 M House servant Ashleyhay
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1871 Census for Wirksworth
#11---West End---[Wirksworth]---
W338a Arthur HARWARD Head M 44 M Solicitor, landowner Farme? SOM
W338b Mary Jane HARWARD Wife M 40 F Wife Spalding LIN
W338c Theodore HARWARD Son 10 M Scholar Wirksworth
W338d Mary Amelia HARWARD Dau 8 F Scholar Wirksworth
W338e Alfred Edgar HARWARD Son 5 M Scholar Wirksworth
W338f Charles Cuth HARWARD Son 4 M Scholar Wirksworth
W338g Ethel margrt HARWARD Dau 1 F Wirksworth
W338h Mary Jane WILKINSON Moth iL W 71 F Annuitant Elme CAM
W338i Ellen PERCIVAL Servant U 40 F Cook, dom servant Wirksworth
W338j Eliza TAYLOR Servant U 23 F Waiting maid,servant Spalding LIN
W338k Annie GAMBLE Servant U 18 F Housemaid, servant Wirksworth
W338l Sarah THOMPSON Servant U 18 F Nurse, servant Wirksworth
W338m Sarah Ann DOXEY Servant U 15 F Under nurse, servant Wirksworth
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1881 Census for Matlock
#207---Riber Castle---[Matlock]---(RG11-3451-16-p40)
Mk1091a Caroline SMEDLEY Head W 59 F Annuitant Frome SOM
Mk1091b Mary Jane HARWOOD Sis iL W 50 F Spalding LIN
Mk1091c John HARWOOD Nephew U 22 M Undergrad Oxford Wirksworth
Mk1091d Lionel HARWOOD Nephew U 21 M Solicitors articled clerk Wirksworth
Mk1091e Charles A. HARWOOD Nephew U 14 M Scholar Wirksworth
Mk1091f Ethel M. HARWOOD Niece U 11 F Scholar Wirksworth
Mk1091g Francis E. HARWOOD Nephew 8 M Scholar Wirksworth
Mk1091h Lousia M. KELT Niece U 20 F St Pancras LND
Mk1091i Charlotte D. HOGWORTH Visitor W 62 F Edinburgh SCT
Mk1091j Susan TURNER Servant U 36 F Dom serv housemaid Higham
Mk1091k Jane FRYER Servant U 24 F Dom serv cook Stanton In Peak
Mk1091l Mary WALL Servant U 17 F Dom serv kitchenmaid Riber
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1881 Census for Wirksworth
#34---West End, The Lees---[Wirksworth]---(RG11-3419-3-p7)
W349a William S. FISHER Head M 27 M Solicitor Torquay DEV
W349b Gertrude M. FISHER Wife M 24 F West Bromwich STS
W349c George S. FISHER Son 1 M Surbiton SRY
W349d Olive F.S. FISHER Dau 8m F Surbiton SRY
W349e Ellen A. BISHOP Servant U 24 F Nurse Maiden Newton DOR
W349f Martha J. WORRALL Servant U 17 F Housemaid Kiniver STS
W349g Sarah JEPSON Servant U 20 F Cook Middleton by Wirk
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1891 Census for Wirksworth
#82---Bank Terrace, Old Bank House---[Wirksworth]---
W384a William S FISHER Head M 37 M Solicitor Torquay DEV
W384b Gertrude M FISHER Wife M 35 F West Bromwich STS
W384c Olive F S FISHER Dau 10 F Scholar Surbiton SRY
W384d John W S FISHER Son 8 M Scholar Wirksworth
W384e Maud U S FISHER Dau 6 F Scholar Wirksworth
W384f Roger S S FISHER Son 2 M Wirksworth
W384g Lizzie GASKIN Servant S 23 F Cook dom servant Willington
W384h Emily TWIGG Servant S 19 F Housemaid dom serv Idridgehay
W384i Lucy FENNELL Servant S 18 F Nurse dom servant Idridgehay
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1891 Census for Wirksworth
#36---West End, The Lees---[Wirksworth]---
W338a Arthur KENWORTHY Head M 38 M Living on own means Manchester LAN
W338b Edith KENWORTHY Wife M 35 F Bristol GLS
W338c John KENWORTHY Son 10 M Stretford LAN
W338d Zaida KENWORTHY Dau 9 F St Austell CON
W338e Norah KENWORTHY Dau 6 F St Austell CON
W338f Percy SUMMERS Nephew 13 M Clifton GLS
W338g Elizabeth J MITCHELL Govern S 23 F Governess Perran Combe CON
W338h Eliza BOWDEN Servant S 39 F Cook,dom servant Helstone CON
W338i Bessie ROBERTS Servant S 21 F Sewing maid,dom serv Tregoney CON
W338j Louisa LAMB Servant S 17 F Housemaid,dom serv Ashbourne
W338k Henry LUCAS Servant S 25 M Coachman, dom serv St Austell CON
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1901 Census for Wirksworth
#157---The Leas---[Wirksworth]---
W300a Charles E B BOWLES Head M 52 M JP living own means Woking SRY
W300b Jane C BOWLES Wife M 47 F Marylebone LND
W300c Dorothy M BOWLES Dau S 19 F Clifton GLS
W300d Cicely F BOWLES Dau 17 F Clifton GLS
W300e Ellen CHADBURN Servant S 31 F Cook domestic Ashby LEI
W300f Martha E JIMSON Servant S 30 F Parlourmaid dom Ashley NTH
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Arthur Harward's Obituary |
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From the Derbyshire Times, 06nov1880 |
Introduction |
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[page 1]
WIRKSWORTH
in the county of Derby
particulars and plan of a
VALUABLE ESTATE
principally of freehold tenure,
comprising two detached
VILLA RESIDENCES
with stables, lock-up coach-houses, gardens, lawn and
pleasure grounds; a building site with
asphalted lawn tennis court;
Also several lots of accomodation
MEADOW AND PASTURE LAND
FIFTEEN COTTAGES
with gardens; one-third share in
2 DWELLINGHOUSES AND 3 FIELDS OF
ACCOMODATION LAND
a highly valuable
LIMESTONE QUARRY
Lime-Kilns, fixed Plant and Machinery, Tunnel laid
with permanent Rails, and connected with the
Midland Railway, to be sold by auction, by
GEORGE MARSDEN,
at the Red Lion Hotel, Wirksworth, on
MONDAY, THE 24TH OF MAY 1880
at two in the afternoon
Mr T.H.Harrison,
Commercial Chambers, Derby;
Mr Arthur Harward,
solicitor, Wirksworth;
Messrs Rashleigh & Smart,
Solicitors, 38 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London
MESSRS LEECH, SMITH, AND BROUGHALL,
Solicitors,
St James's Chambers, Derby
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[Page 2]
WIRKSWORTH
in the county of Derby
particulars and plan of a
VALUABLE ESTATE
principally of freehold tenure, comprising two detached
VILLA RESIDENCES
in thorough repair, and fitted throughout
with all requisite conveniences, known respectively as
THE LEES, WIRKSWORTH
and
THE LEES COTTAGE, WIRKSWORTH
with stables, lock-up coach-houses, gardens, lawn &
pleasure grounds; a valuable building site with
ashalted lawn tennis court, having together a total area of
10 ACRES 2 ROODS 15 PERCHES
several lots of accomodation
MEADOW AND PASTURE LAND
of exceptional fertility;
FIFTEEN COTTAGES WITH GARDENS
and appurtenances in thorough repair; one-third share in
2 DWELLINGHOUSES AND 3 FIELDS OF ACCOMODATION LAND
containing
13 ACRES 1 ROOD 22 PERCHES
a highly valuable
LIMESTONE QUARRY
with 2 Lime-Kilns, & all the fixed Plant and Machinery,
Tunnel laid with permanentRails, and connected with the
Midland Railway, containing in the whole a total area of
10 ACRES 3 ROODS 13 PERCHES
or therebouts; to be sold by auction, by
GEORGE MARSDEN,
at the Red Lion Hotel, Wirksworth, on
MONDAY, THE 24TH OF MAY 1880
at two o'clock in the afternoon, in the following or such
other lots as may be agreed upon, and subject to
Conditions of Sale to be then produced.
Particulars with Plans, & tickets to view, may be had of the
Auctioneer, Wirksworth; Mr T.H.Harrison, Commercial Chambers, Derby;
Mr Arthur Harward, solicitor, Wirksworth;
Messrs Rashleigh & Smart, Solicitors, 38 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London
or at the offices of
MESSRS LEECH, SMITH, AND BROUGHALL,
Solicitors, st James's Chambers, Derby
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[Page 3]
Lots 1,2 & 3 put up together |
£1000 bid - no advances |
withdrawn |
Lot 1 seperately |
no bid |
Lot 2 & 3 withdrawn. |
Lots 1, 2 & 3 sold afterwards |
for £3850 |
to Mr Rashleigh |
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PARTICULARS
LOT 1
All that very desirable and picturesque freehold
VILLA RESIDENCE
The Lees, Wirksworth
situate at a moderate elevation on the West side of
the Town of Wirksworth, commanding exquisite views of
ECCLESBOURNE VALE,
abd other interesting points.
The Residence, buildings, and Land comprise a total area of
8 ACRES 2 ROODS 24½ PERCHES
The Lees was enlarged and greatly improved by the late owner
only a few years ago. It is substantially built, and in thorough
repair. The House comprises, on the Ground Floor:-
Covered Glass Entrance from the Carriage Drivee and Entrance Hall
from the Lawn, with principal staircase;
Dining Room - - - - - - - - - 21ft x 15ft 3in
Drawing Room (with Bay Window) - - 21ft 3in x 16ft 4in
Billiard Room - - - - - - - 36ft 6in x 16ft 4in
Library, Butlers Pantry, Kitchen, Scullery, and Larder.
On the Basement is excellent cellarage
On the Upper Floors are
TEN BED ROOMS
Housemaid's closet, and rooms in the attics;
with provision for further bed rooms, if required.
There are two w.c's, and a Bath Room
The House is supplied with Hot and Cold Water,
and the principal rooms are fitted with Hot-water apparatus.
Gas is laid on in all the rooms and passages, and the House is
thoroughly supplied with soft water. The Drainage and Ventilation
are PERFECT in their arrangement and efficiency.
The Out-offices comprise Washhouse and Laundry
and these, like the Stables, are built of Rock-faced Grit-stone,
and are of recent erection.
The stabling comprises a
COMMODIOUS 3-STALLED STABLE
and well-ventillated Loose Box, A Coach-House, Harness and Saddle Room
adjoin the Stables.
There is also a Large Room, suitable for School or other purposes,
over the Stable and Coach-House
[Page 4]
THE FARM BUILDINGS
comprise Cow-House, Barn, Shed, Piggeries, and Stack-Yard
A WALLED KITCHEN GARDEN, WITH GREEN-HOUSE
is situate at the back of the Premises, and is well-stocked
with choice fruit-trees in full bearing; and the ground is
tilled for Crops
THERE ARE TWO CARRIAGE DRIVES
to the Principal Entrance from the hopton road, and also a
Foot entrance from the same road, at a short distance
nearer the Town. The Front of the House and Grounds are screened
from the road, and the House and Grounds are screened from the
road, and the House has a long frontage to the
TERRACED PLEASURE GROUNDS
which are laid out with great taste, and planted with choice
Shrubs and Timber, in full growth
A PICTURESQUE COTTAGE
(no 25) suitable as a Residence for Butler or other Servant,
is situate in the Grounds
THE LAND
is fine old turf, overlying the Limestone Strata.
Each Field has a good road frontage.
The House and Grounds are within five minutes' walk from the
Church and Town-hall, and eight minutes from the
Wirksworth Station of the Midland Railway Company.
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(This photo is of Lot 1a and the bottom
entrance to the Lees which also went to Lot 2.)
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[Page 4]
LOT 1A
AN EQUAL UNDIVIDED THIRD PART OR SHARE
in Two Dwelling-Houses, with Garden, Stable, and piggeries
adjoining the West End, Wirksworth, and bounded on all other sides
by Lot 1,
and now in the occupation of Messrs James Potter
and Joshua Smith
Lot 1a is subject, with other properties, to the payment of the
following annuities: £25 to a Lady aged 59,
£5 to a Lady aged 64; and £8 to a Lady aged 45
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Bottom footpath gate to Lot 2
(between words Bowling and Green on map).
Bowling Green Lane ahead with red brick
house where it divides, gennel down to
Crown Yard and Market Place on the right
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[Page 4]
A VALUABLE PLOT OF FREEHOLD BUILDING LAND
containing One acre and one perch, situate in front of Lot 1
Part is asphalted and used as a
LAWN TENNIS GROUND
Other portions are Old Turf, and the remainder is planted with
Shrubbery. It is screened from all the cold
winds, and is almost Unequalled as a site for Villa Residences
The Private Entrance is within two minutes' walk of the Market Place.
The Principal Entrance will be in common with the property Lot 1 and 3
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Not much to see of Lot 3 - just the wall and trees
where (the top gennel of) Bowling Green Lane bends
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[Page 5]
LOT 3
Another charming detached
FREEHOLD VILLA RESIDENCE
adjoining Lots 1 and 2, and known as
"THE LEES COTTAGE"
This Lot, like Lot 1, has only recently been very much enlarged
and considerably improved. Its accomodation consists of Entrance Hall,
with excellent Stair-case; Drawing Room, 18ft x 16ft 6in, with Bay Window;
Dining Room, 19ft 2in x 14 ft; Breakfast Room, Six Bed Rooms; w-c;
Kitchen; Larder; Scullery' and Closets.
-------
There is a Two-stalled Stable, with Lock-up Coach-House and Room over,
at a short distance from the House. The Kitchen Garden is in full bearing,
and the Lawn and Shrubberies leave nothing to be desired.
The Lot comprises an area 2 roods 30½ perches, and is in occupation
of Mrs John Hubbersty, as a yearly Tenant, at the very inadequate rent
of £34
Lots 1,2 and 3, will, in the first instance, be submitted for sale in One Lot.
In case they should not be sold as a whole, Lot 1 will be sold, subject to
a right of road for the Owners and Occupiers of Lots 2 and 3, over the road
shown by the dottedlines on the East side of Lot 1; and Lots 2 and 3 will
be sold with the benefit of such right.
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[Page 5]
LOT 4
A very valuable field of
RICH ACCOMMODATION GRASS LAND
known as "The Leys", containing 2 acres, 0 roods, 23 perches
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Old mine shaft on Lot 5 by road
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[Page 5]
LOT 5
Another equally eligible field of
ACCOMMODATION GRASS LAND
together with the Barn, &c thereon, also known as "The Leys",
containing 2 acres, 1 rood, 34 perches
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The 2 old field barns are either side of the remains of the wall
- they're on the map on the boundary between Lots 6 and 8. They
are a bit further up on the other side of the road from The Lees
main gates.
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[Page 5]
LOT 6
Subject to Annuity of £5 Mr Prescott £114
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Another very valuable field of
ACCOMMODATION GRASS LAND
together with the excellent Barn thereon, known as the "Saltseats",
containing 1 acre, 1 rood, 39 perches,
as occupied by Mr Edward Slack
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[Page 5]
LOT 7
Subject to Annuity Mr Prescott £52
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An undivided third part or share in
ANOTHER FIELD OF ACCOMMODATION GRASS LAND
also called the "Saltseats",
containing in the whole, 3 acres 0 roods, 31 perches,
as occupied by Mr E Slack
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[Page 5]
LOT 8
Annuity of £4 Mr Prescott £115
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A very valuable Field of
RICH MEADOW LAND
with building thereon, now known as "The Pingle",
abutting on Hopton Lane aforesaid,
containing 1 acre, 0 roods, 33 perches.
Lots 6 and 8, from their proximity to the Town, situation
and road frontage, are eminently suitable for Building Purposes
Lot 6 will be sold subject to an apportioned annuity of £5
during the life of a Lady now aged 60;
and Lot 8 to an apportioned annuity of £4
during the life of the same Lady.
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Part of Lot 9 - The barn (now converted to a house)
on the roadside in the bottom corner and part of the field
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[Page 6]
LOT 9
Subject to Annuity Mr Stone £100
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An undivided third part or share in a capital
FIELD OF PASTURE LAND,
called "Upper Long Close", together with the excellent
Cow-House and Barn thereon, containing in the whole,
5 acres 3 roods 3 perches as occupied by Mr Joseph Bowmer
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[Page 6]
LOT 10
ANOTHER CAPITAL FIELD
of Valuable accommodation Meadow Land, called
"Brassington Lane Pingle", containing
1 acre 0 rood 16 perches, as now occupied by Mr George Hawley
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[Page 6]
LOT 11
Subject to Annuity Thos Gibbons £81
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Another undivided Third Part or share in a
VALUABLE FIELD OF OLD TURF MEADOW LAND, HAVING A
Southern aspect, and known as "Aspin, or, Brown's Meadow"
together with the Barn thereon, containing altogether,
4 acres 1 rood 28 perches, as now occupied by Mr Abanathan Hawley.
Lots 7,9 and 11 are sold subject with other Lands together now letting
for £65 10s to an Annuity of £52 per annum, payable
to a Lady now aged 55.
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[Page 6]
LOT 12
THREE EXCELLENT STONE-BUILT 2-STORIED COTTAGES
with Yard, Garden, and other Appurtenances, situate in the Dale, Wirksworth,
as now or lately occupied by Messrs. Wm Houghton, J.Orridge and Wm Byard.
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[Page 6]
LOT 13
Two recently-erected
BRICK-FRONT AND TILE-ROOFED COTTAGES
adjoining to and having similar accommodation to Lot12, and now
or late in the occupation of Messrs George Brooks and Thomas Byard.
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[Page 6]
LOT 14
TWO OTHER STONE-BUILT 2-STORIED COTTAGES
with Yards and Gardens adjoining thereto, as now occupied by
Messrs D Wardman and E Doxey; and also
ANOTHER NEWLY-ERECTED DWELLING-HOUSE
with brick-front and tiled Roof, and comprising House-place,
Sitting Room, Back Kitchen, Two Bed-rooms and Work-room;
Yard and Garden; all situate in The Dale, Wirksworth,
as now occupied by Mr John Brewell.
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[Page 7]
LOT 15
TWO STONE-BUILT TILE-ROOFED COTTAGES
with gardens and other Appurtenances, situate in the Dale, Wirksworth,
as now occupied by Mr Henry Spencer and Miss Houghton
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[Page 7]
LOT 16
THREE WELL-BUILT STONE AND TILE ROOFED HOUSES
with Gardens and ither Appurtenances, as now occupied by
Wm Else, T Orridge, and Mrs Hinds
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[Page 7]
LOT 17
ANOTHER EXCELLENT COTTAGE
with Two Gardens and other Appurtenances, as now occupied by
Mr John Tomlinson
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Dale Quarry Tunnel under the houses - 1.2km long - built 1876-1877 -
the cause of Arthur Harward's bankruptcy
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Dale Quarry - the two Lime Kilns
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Dale Quarry - Steam Crane, Steam Hoist and
start of the tunnel.
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[Page 7]
LOT 18
An Invaluable and Preactically Inexhaustible
LIMESTONE QUARRY
with Two Lime-Kilns Adjoining,
As now carried on by the
WIRKSWORTH-DALE STONE & LIME COMPANY
The Quarry is of an average height of about 300 feet.
The greater portion of the Stone is of unequalled purity,
and unsurpassable in quality for fluxing glass and chemical
purposes, whilst the other portion, being the upper beds,
are of exceptional hardness and durability, and in great
demand for roads and asphalting.
The accompanying Report of Mr E.W.T.Jones, fully details
the merits and capabilities of the Stone.
THE TWO LIME-KILNS
are capable of turning out 200 tons of lime per week,
suitable for Agriculture, Building, Gas Purifying, and
other purposes. Also all the
FIXED PLANT AND MACHINERY
including a 7-ton Steam Crane, with Vertical 10-horse power
boiler, and 100 yards of 7/8 inch Wire Rope; Blake and Marsden's
Stone Crusher, 18-inch jaws, with pierced screen for dust,
3/4 inch and 2¾ inch Stone; a 10-Horse Power Horizontal Engine;
a 12-Horse Power Vertical Boiler and Condenser; Three 700-gallon
Water Cisterns; Steam Hoist; Drilling Machine; Tram Rails, and
other costly Fixtures and Working Plant.
The Quarry is connected with the Wirksworth Station,
Midland Railway, by a
TUNNEL OF MAIN-LINE DIMENSIONS
and having all requisit Points and Sidings, thus giving ready access
to all Markets.
FIVE WORKMEN'S COTTAGES
Smith & Wheelwright's Shops; Offices; and
SEVERAL FIELDS OF LAND,
with Part of New Barn thereon, the whole having an area of
10 ACRES 3 ROODS 13 PERCHES
The fixed Plant and Machinery will be included in the sale of,
and form part of the Lot. A Plan of the Tunnel can be seen on
application to the Auctioneer.
The business of Lot 18 is capable of indefinate extension, and
with judicious management, large returns will assuredly be realised.
---------------------
Report and Analysis of the Limestone from Wirksworth Dale Stone & Lime
Company's Quarries, by Mr E.W.T Jones, FCS, Public Analyst for South
Staffordshire and the Borough of Wolverhampton, Consulting
Analyst for the Staffordshire Agricultural Society, &c:
Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry,
10, Victoria Street, Wolverhampton,
6 March 1880
Gentlemen,
I have great pleasure in handing you herewith Certificates of
my careful Analysi of the two samples of Limestone - White and Blue.
I cannot say much more in their favour than they are Limestones of great
purity, and that I consider the White suitable for any purpose for which
Limestone is required. The Blue is very good, but contains a shade more
Iron, which does not impair its value for the generality of uses.
Yours truly,
E.W.T.Jones, F.C.S.
Certificate No. 2275 Certificate No. 2276
Sample of Limstone - WHITE Sample of Limestone - BLUE
*Lime 55.32 *Lime 54.99
Magnesia Trace Magnesia Trace
Silica 1.20 Silica 1.01
Alumina with 0.41 Alumina with 0.60
trace of Oxide of Iron little Oxide of Iron
Carbonic Acid 42.48 Carbonic Acid 43.02
Phosphorus Trace Phosphorus Trace
Sulphur Trace Sulphur Trace
Alkalies, Moisture,&c 0.50 Alkalies, Moisture, &c 0.38
(by difference) (by difference)
------ -------
100.00 100.00
*Equal to Carbonate of Lime 98.80% *Equal to Carbonate of Lime 98.20%
E.W.T.Jones, F.C.S. E.W.T.Jones, F.C.S.
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The whole of the Property, with the exception of Lots 12, 13 and 14,
and a small portion of Lot 18, which are Copyhold of the Manor Of
Wirksworth, with fine small and certain, are Freehold.
Lots 1,2,4,5,6,8, and 18, are in hand, and immediate Possession can be had.
The whole Property is of a very high character, and worthy of the attention
of Gentlemen requiring a good residence in a charming neighbourhood,
or Capitalists in search of a sound investment.
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----Anyone with more details for publication on this webpage,
please email  ----
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Received from Heather Eaton on 29jul2015
I can’t help with a photograph of ‘The Lees’ but have just spent a pleasant hour poutling around Wirksworth.
I noticed that you say the sale was triggered by the death of Arthur Harward, although he died in October
1880 & the sale was in May previous. His effects were listed as ‘under £200’ so suspect there is another
story to be unearthed here. I wonder if the house was sold as Arthur’s finances were ‘stretched’.
Being curious I have just searched for evidence & found the newspaper cutting which is attached,
revealing all!
Sincerely
Heather Eaton
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