Ashford
Jan 24th, 2009 by Peak District Tourist Guide
Staying in a one of the cottages in Ashford, a town which is located on the banks of the river is a great choice your Peak District holiday.
It is located north of Bakewell and is a very unique part of Derbyshire as well as the Peak District so there is plenty to do in easy reach of the village and many places that are worthy of a visit such as the Holy Trinity Church which like many others in the region is centuries old.
Some parts of the church go back to the 13th century but much of it was rebuilt in the 1800’s as it had become so old. Fortunately some of the original architecture has withstood the test of time.
The north arcade still stands, which originates from the 14th century. The west tower, south door, and lower section of the church still have the Norman tympanum which shows the tree of life with a hog and wolf face to face.
The church also has a number of artefacts that date from the 1600’s which include a chalice, a Jacobean pulpit, as well as a Perp style font.
In the 1700’s, a custom of hanging funeral garland made of paper that was attached to a wooden frame and carried in front of the procession and hung on the church roof, is still alive and well today. There are four of these garland pieces still hanging.
Ashford was once known as a village that made candles but that industry has long been obsolete and today, a house stands in place of the old factory that once stood, which is located on Greaves Lane.
One of the most picturesque things you will find here is the Sheep Wash Bride. Historically this was used as a packhorse bridge, and later on it became popular with sheep herders who were able to wash their flocks here before shearing.
Ashford has long been known for all of the black marble that is produces. Once the marble is polished to a shine, it is used in mosaics, jewellery, table tops, and clocks. You can find black marble tables in the Ashford Church and throughout the U.S., as this type of marble has become very popular.
One of the most fascinating things in Ashford dealing with the culture of the village of the well dressing that happens on Trinity Sunday. On this day, six wells are dressed, which means they are layered with leaves and other natural objects that can be found nearby. The objects are then placed on a bed of clay to create a picture.
This event is very popular and at least 12,000 people attend to watch so do expect the area to be a little busy.
Notable properties in the area include Ashford Hall which overlooks a beautiful lake that is part of the River Wye. Built in 1785 by Joseph Pickford, Ashford Hall has a lot of history and today it is privately owned and belongs to the Olivier family.
Just down the road from Ashford, you can also find a Georgian house that is T-shaped which is better known as Thornbridge Hall.
Until the middle of the 20th century, the hall continued to be privately owned but has had a succession of roles being a college for teachers in training, and then a conference centre and today, the hall is again privately owned and operates as an antique shop so is worth a visit if you want to pick up some local antiques.
If your not enjoying a holiday at one of the cottages in Ashford definitely make sure it is on your list of places to visit especially if you are taking a holiday during Well Dressing week.
