This view of High Tor and Matlock Dale was photographed from near St. John's Chapel. It was possibly taken at bank holiday time, although there are few leaves on the trees, because there were quite a number of people walking along; they are presumably admiring the scenery. However, the road wasn't exactly congested!

The imposing building below the Tor was known as the High Tor Private Hotel by the time the picture was taken^[1] (see the advertisement below), although has since changed its name. In the nineteenth century it was called Tor Cottage and was a private residence and in the Aikman's time it became Tor Dale.

The very first sale notice was in printed in 1831 and announced that "this elegant residence has been erected within the last three years^[2]". Four years later, in 1835, so some one hundred and twenty years before this picture was taken, visitors to the Dale enjoyed a delightful surprise:

"We had one of the greatest treats in a pyrotechnic way that we remember to have experienced for some time on Wednesday evening last, at Matlock. The means we were told were extremely simple, but the effect produced was certainly most singular. Most persons have seen or heard of a majestic rock at Matlock, known by the name of the High Tor, and this bold crag was illuminated on the above evening by means of immense masses of light being thrown upon it from the hill on the opposite side of the valley. As we casually passed through the romantic dale of Matlock, without any previous intimation of what was about to take place, the scene to us appeared perfectly magical. On arriving at a gothic cottage near the bridge we were (as strangers) politely invited to view the imposing scene from its terrace, and were further gratified by the performances of a fine band of brass instruments, and the excellent singing and playing of "Matlock's mysterious guest," "Leader, the wandering minstrel." We quitted the Torr Cottage with a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure with regard to the amusements afforded, as well as to the urbanity and kindness of its public spirited proprietor^[3]".

This undated postcard is very similar to the photograph and was quite probably taken the same year. The trees are now in leaf, so the hotel is less easy to see. Dale Road was almost deserted.

It is amazing what some people have done over the years to avoid paying their hotel bill. In December 1956 one couple, who had stayed for a fortnight, climbed out through the library window in the early hours, taking cash, blankets and towels. The male took more cash, razor blades, cigarettes, matches and a necklace before they left. He subsequently broke into a cafe in Rowsley and stole a bottle of mineral water^[4]. The pair were apprehended whilst driving in Macclesfield, which shows how good the local police forces were in alerting neighbouring forces.

When Mr. Grant passed away in December 1958 his obituary listed his many interests. He had been a President of the District Chamber of Trade, the Rotary Club and the Amateur Operatic Society. He also served on other bodies as well as being an accomplished amateur magician and conjuror^[5].

In 1969 the "Matlock Mercury" published a query from the son of one of the former owners, the Laws, who was hoping to return to the U.K. from his home in the U.S.A. and wished to buy a property - possibly the High Tor Guest House. Mike Goodwyn confirmed that the hotel was not for sale, though dryly added that "if someone came along with a wonderful offer it might not be turned down"^[6]!

References:

^[1] Colin Goodwyn believes the photograph dates from the mid 1950s when the Grants were still running the guest house because two trees, formerly on the drive, have gone but the tulip tree hasn't been cut back and the new streetlights haven't arrived.

^[2] "The Derby Mercury", Wednesday, 27 July, 1831. Sale of Torr Cottage by Edward Payne.

^[3] "The Derby Mercury", Wednesday, 26 August, 1835. The article was written anonymously by "a Correspondent of the Derbyshire Courier".

^[4] "Belper News", 4 January 1957.

^[5] "Derby Daily Telegraph", 30 December 1958. Hubert E. Grant was born in 1898.

^[6] "Matlock Mercury", 26 April, 1969. Mr. Law had written to the Chamber of Trade and the request was sent to a number of Matlock estate agents.