Eckington
Eckington is a small town in the county of Derbyshire in the East Midlands region of England. It is thought that the name of Eckington has its beginnings in the Saxon language where it was known as Ecca’s Town.
Eckington was registered in the Domesday Book in the 11th century. The town at this point was referred to as being called Echintune. The area was listed as a manor that was ruled by Ralph Fitzhubert. Although relatively small for many years, Eckington saw a specific period of growth when coal was discovered in the area. As with many Derbyshire towns in this area Eckington had its own mine. The town also relied a lot on other traditional local industries such as the manufacture of sickles and scythes. There was also some nail making in the town area.
Visitors to Eckington should take the time to take a good look at the St Peter and St Paul church in the town. You can still see some original building from the 12th century in the structure of the existing church such as the door way to the church entrance which is the original Norman construction. At the back of the church you can also see the old Priest’s Well by the river. It is also worthwhile doing the Town Trail which takes in some of the Eckington’s more historic and interesting buildings including the church, the only thatched cottage in the town (Coldwell’s Cottage) and a historically interesting 16th century Cruch barn.
Renishaw Hall which is about a mile away from the town itself is also recommended for a visit. This original manor house is now a well known stately home which was originally built in the 17th century. The Hall has been the home of the Sitwell family for centuries and is still owned by the family today. Notable residents of the family here have included Osbert, Edith and Sacheverell Sitwell.
Nature lovers and walkers should take a walk to the well known Eckington Woods. These woods lie at the western end of the town and are part of the Moss Valley Conservation Area which contains the town’s river, The Moss. The woods are particularly known for their bluebells which are well worth a visit in the Spring. Eckington holds its market every Friday close to Market Street and the town also runs an annual Christmas Fayre in December every year.