Matlock
Bath: Woodbank (Cromford Court), 1912, exterior |
Matlock Bath : Twentieth Century Photographs,
Postcards, Engravings & Etchings |
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Three close up photographs of the building's exterior, and one from
some distance away, taken not long after the Co-operative Holidays
Association leased the mansion in May 1911. Their lease was for
five years[1].
The first two images were taken at a similar time but were published
by two different postcard companies. The impressive grand
entrance doorway at the rear of the house and facing the hillside
was approached through an elaborately carved stone arch on which
there are two shields, though ivy is beginning to cover the one
on the left. Neither seems to bear arms. The large window on the
right of both these images features in another
picture, of some soldiers in WW2.
The cards sender wrote the following: "Woodbank
Sept 1st... Have had two splendid days on the Moors over Masson
on to Winster and then above Riber & Ashover. This is our
front door which is at the back!"
In 1915 Woodbank was said to be a "large, artistic and
beautifully situated house"[2].
A sale's advertisement in 1917 described the property as sumptuously
appointed, with a long carriage approach, heated conservatories
(partly seen here) and motor garage. Its grounds were said to
be charming[3].
Possibly taken a few months after the top image
as the trees in the background have less leaves on them.
The plants in the window boxes above the door
are more mature, too. |
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This side of the Woodbank looks over the valley towards
Cat
Tor, with Masson Mill in the valley immediately below,
and
illustrates its elevated position with flights of steps
between the various levels of the grounds. |
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1911-12.
The message on this card reads "A near view of Woodbank,
as seen from the other side
of the Derwent". A pencilled additional note says:" Woodbank,
Matlock Bath (CHA Centre),
where I acted as Sec Nov 2012".
Later pictures from the same vantage point show more trees
around the main house. |
There is more about Woodbank (Cromford Court)
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1. [Untitled. Woodbank, Matlock Bath] Photographic postcard. No publisher.
British card. Posted in 1915 at Matlock. © Ann Andrews collection.
2. Untitled but "Matlock Bath, Woodbank", Photographic
postcard published by Hirst, Photo, Birch Vale, via Stockport. Another
card of this view was posted in 1912.
3. Untitled but "Matlock Bath, Woodbank", probably the
same publisher.
4. [Woodbank]. Published by Hirst, Photo, Birch Vale, via Stockport,
Ref: M. J. Written and posted the same day, 10 Nov 1912, at Matlock
Bath. © Ann Andrews collection.
Images 2 and 3 in the collection of, provided by and © Ken Smith.
Research provided by and © Ann Andrews.
Intended for personal use only.
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References:
[1] "Derbyshire Times", 6 May
1911.
[2] "Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal", 12 February 1915
[3] "Derbyshire
Advertiser and Journal", 20 and 21st April 1917.
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