Alfreton
The town of Alfreton is located in the county of Derbyshire in the East Midlands region of England and it is part of the Amber Valley Borough Council. The town has been a settlement site for centuries. In the Domesday Book, for example, Alfreton was listed as being called Elstretune. Many people believe that the modern day name of Alfreton is based on a reference to King Alfred the Great who is reputed to have lived in the town area at some point.
For many years Alfreton was primarily involved with rural and agricultural industries. The town was given a charter to hold a market, probably in the 13th century. In later years other industries came to the fore including framework knitting. The town was also particularly well known as a coal mining centre although the mining industry here mainly closed down in the 1960s. As with many coal mining towns Alfreton is well known for its traditional male voice choirs and many choirs still exist in the area even though the mines have now all been closed down.
Visitors to Alfreton should take the opportunity to visit Alfreton Hall which is a famous 18th century building in the area. The building was constructed in the 1720s by George Morewood of the Palmer-Morewoods who were prominent mine owners in the Alfreton area. As well as the hall itself visitors can also visit the grounds which are now a public park.
The town’s church (St Martin’s) is also worth a visit - the church dates back to the 12th century and also has some fine examples of 14th century work. Alfreton House is perhaps the oldest house in the town - this house dates back to the mid 1600s. Carnfield Hall which is sited in South Normanton near Alfreton is also particularly interesting. This mansion house was originally the home of the Revell family and was built in the 15th century.
Whilst visiting Alfreton visitors should also make sure to visit the odd little prison lock-up which was used as a house of confinement in the 19th century. The Wingfield Manor English Heritage Centre is built around the remains of a large and important medieval manor house which was, for example, the site of the imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots at various times. The centre can be found in the South Wingfield area of Alfreton and makes an interesting visit for all the family.
Links: