Chapel en le Frith
Chapel en le Frith is a town located in the county of Derbyshire in the English East Midlands. The town lies at the edge of the Peak District and is often referred to simply as Chapel by local residents. The town is often also called the ‘Capital of the Peaks’ due to its position in the Peak District area.
It is thought that Chapel en le Frith was initially set up by the Normans. The settlement here was originally established as a hunting lodge in the Forest of High Peak in which the area of the town was then located. The name of Chapel en le Frith probably came from the French for Chapel in the Forest to refer to the church that the Normans also built here to meet the needs of the local population. This church is now the town’s St Thomas Becket although the church today is mainly of 18th century build.
During the 17th century Chapel en le Frith saw action in the English Civil War. Soldiers from the Scottish army who had moved south to fight for Charles I were captured in Preston and brought to Chapel en le Frith where they were held in the church. The conditions that they were kept in were so bad that around forty of them died and many were buried in the church’s graveyard. This led to the church being known locally as ‘Derbyshire’s Black Hole’.
In terms of industry, Chapel en le Frith is perhaps best known with its connections with the Ferodo motor parts company. This company opened up in the town in the 1890s. The town was also used as a stopping point for people transporting goods and products in the area due to its central location.
Walkers, nature lovers and hikers who are visiting the area can take advantage of the proximity of the Dark Peak near the town. Popular locations here include Eccles Pike, Chinley Churn, Kinder Scout, South Head and White Peak. A visit to the old town centre will include the chance to take a look at the town’s market cross and the town stocks which are still in place! These stocks are held to date back to the days of Cromwell. The town centre is also still home to a horse trough that was set up to commemorate Queen Victoria. Chapel en le Frith also hosts a Carnival every year in July which includes the local tradition of well dressing.
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