Renishaw
The village of Renishaw lies in the county of Derbyshire in the East Midlands region of England. The village is best known both historically and in the modern day for its iron making industry, its connections with the famous Sitwell family and its location close to the TransPennine Trail and the Chesterfield Canal.
The Sitwell family have lived in the area for centuries. Recent famous members of the family include Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell Sitwell. The family seat in the area, Renishaw Hall, dates back to the 17th century and lies just north of the village of Renishaw itself. The family still live in the Hall.
The Sitwells were also responsible for opening up a well known iron foundry in the Renishaw area which became well know for its works in the nail making industry. For many years the foundry here was the main source of employment for locals in the village and surrounding areas. It was closed down in the 1980s having ultimately been taken over by British Steel.
Renishaw was also once a fairly significant coal mining centre. Its location by the Chesterfield Canal and its proximity close to local rail lines and roads enabled this small village to ship products in and out of the locality relatively easily which helped foster its success.
Visitors to Renishaw generally recommend a visit to the Renishaw Hall gardens which were constructed in the Italianate style and which are designated as part of the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. This stately home is a Grade I listed building which was originally built in the 1620s by George Sitwell when he was the High Sheriff of Derbyshire. If you would like to see around the Hall itself then you will need to book on to a special guided tour. The gardens, however, are open to the public on specific times and on specific days.
Renishaw Hall is also home to a well known local guided walk that takes place in the evening and which is known as the Bat Walk. The walk includes the chance to learn more about the local bat population and, hopefully, to see it in action. The gardens of the Hall themselves also contain some charming lakeside walks. The Hall is also home to a variety of collections including the Museum of Sitwell Memorabilia, an art gallery dedicated to the artist John Piper and a costume gallery.