Killamarsh
Killamarsh is located in the English county of Derbyshire in the East Midlands region. Killamarsh was listed in the Domesday Book where its name was given as Chinewolde/Chinewoldemaresc. It is thought that the name means Cynewalds Marsh. By the 13th century the town was going by the name of Kinewaldsesmers before it ultimately changed to the modern day name.
In its early years Killamarsh was predominantly an agricultural community. Following the Industrial Revolution the town, like many others in the region, became well known for its coal mining industries and the population boomed here as workers moved into the town to take up new jobs. The arrival of the Chesterfield Canal and rail lines and stations ensured that Killamarsh became quite an important town in the area. In its heyday the town had working mines, iron forges and brickfields operating in its boundaries. It was also serviced by three rail stations and railway companies.
The town’s industries declined as the mines all closed down and the final rail link was closed. Nowadays Killamarsh residents are more likely to live in the town and then commute for work in larger places than to work here.
If you are visiting Killamarsh then a visit to the town church of St Giles is recommended. Here you can see some Saxon gravestones and some of the church’s masonry work dates back to the 12th century. The Crown Inn pub close to the church is also worth a visit. This is considered to be the oldest pub in Killamarsh.
Walkers may also enjoy exploring the area around the old Chesterfield Canal. There are many footpaths set up around the route of the canal here. The Trans Pennine Trail also runs close to the town along an old railway line.
The Rother Valley Country Park which lies just north of the town is also popular with walkers and people looking to relax. The park was constructed on the site of previous mines in the area and is also popular with nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. The park has a series of lakes and ponds, a nature reserve, a water bird sanctuary and some water sports facilities such as sailing, fishing and windsurfing. Visitors can also cycle and horse ride in areas of the park. There are around 750 acres in the Country Park and it is popular with both tourists and residents alike.