Staveley
Staveley is situated in the county of Derbyshire in the East Midlands region of England. The town lies by the River Rother. The town was originally known as Staveleie and it is thought that settlers have lived here since the times of the Saxons.
In the Domesday Book the area is listed as belonging to Ascuit Musard, a Norman knight who was given lands in the area following the Norman invasion. At this point Staveley was listed as having its own church and a priest which marked it out as a significant settlement at the time. This was, in fact, one of Derbyshire’s most valuable areas at this point in history.
The Musards remained in charge of the area until the 14th century when it passed into the Frecheville family through female members of the Musard family. At this point the well known Staveley Hall was originally built and the family also founded a Grammar School and developed the local area.
During the English Civil War the ruling Frecheville lord, John, was a Royalist supporter and it is said that Charles I actually spent some time here at Staveley Hall. The Hall itself saw action shortly after the fall of Bolsover Castle in the area. After the restoration of the monarchy the Frechevilles sold their land to the Dukes of Devonshire.
In industrial terms Staveley was best known for its coal mining activities. During the heyday of coal mining there were various coal mines dotted in the town’s surrounding area. The town also became known for its iron smelting and casting activities and for its chemical manufacturing industries.
Visitors to Staveley should take some time to visit Staveley Hall itself. Today’s hall dates back to the 17th century and it is marked as a Grade II listed building. It is also worth taking a visit to The Chantry which is held to be the oldest building still standing in Staveley.
Many visitors also enjoy taking a look at the local church, St John the Baptist. It is thought that a church has stood here since the 11th century and the current church has some fine examples of architecture through the centuries including a 12th century font, a 14th century alter and alter tombs and a 17th century stained glass window. Slightly outside the town itself you can also find The Hagg which is a Jacobean house built by the Frecheville family that is now worked as a farm.