Matlock
Bath: Steps and Woodland Walk on Lovers' Walks |
Matlock Bath : Twentieth Century Photographs, Postcards, Engravings & Etchings |
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Lovely autumnal photograph, taken at least eighty years ago,
of the steps that go up the hill from close to what is today
the children's play area by the [former] arched tufa shelter*
on the eastern side of the River Derwent. They are often
referred to as Birdcage Walk. There are several similar paths
that climb up the steeply wooded slopes. The five hectares
of Lovers' Walks are Grade II listed these days[1].
William Bray, writing in 1783, described the steps in his "Sketch
of a Tour Into Derbyshire and Yorkshire":
"Returning towards the landing place is an ascent
to the top of the rock by about 220 steps, besides several
gradual slopes ; this is so well managed by different turnings,
that tho' the rock is here almost perpendicular, little
difficulty is found in gaining the summit ; and the wood
grows so close to the edge of the path, that there is no
room for the least apprehension of danger. About half way
up is a seat overlooking the river and country. At the
top is a fine pasture ground, sloping from the very edge
of the rock
down to a little
valley, where a small bend in the river is seen, tho' from
the situation of the ground, ground, it appears to be a different
one from that which you left below"[2].
*Disappointingly, about three years ago (so circa 2018/19)
a tree fell over the arched structure and demolished it. It
was deemed to be in a dangerous state and the Council has demolished
it, removed all the stone and there is no sign that it ever
existed. This is particularly sad as the shelter had been on
the Lovers' Walks for 300+ years. Whilst the stone is said
to be in safe keeping there is currently (2022) no indication
about when it will be rebuilt.
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"Matlock Bath : Lovers' Walk". Celesque Series, Photochrom
Co Ltd, London and Tunbridge Wells, No. 49111. All British Production.
Not posted.
In the collection of, provided by and © Ann Andrews.
Researched, written by and © Ann Andrews.
Intended for personal use only.
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References:
[1] English Heritage maintain a Register
of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England
(Matlock Bath Conservation Area Appraisal, July 2006).
[2] Bray, William (1783) "Sketch
of a Tour Into Derbyshire and Yorkshire" (Second Edition)
London, Printed for B. White at Horace's Head, in Fleet-Street.
The first edition was published in 1778.
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