Dronfield
The market town of Dronfield lies in the East Midlands region of England in the county of Derbyshire. Dronfield lies on the River Drone close to the Peak District National Park and the Pennines.
Although it is thought that Dronfield has been inhabited for centuries there is not much recorded evidence about the town in its early years. The town church of St John the Baptist was constructed in the 1100s and there was a religious guild established in the 14th century which lasted in the area until the Dissolution of the Monasteries when its building was turned into an inn which still stands today (The Green Dragon Inn).
From the 16th century onwards Dronfield became more industrially orientated. The area, for example, was heavily involved in the coal mining and lead mining concerns that were dotted around the surrounding region. Sheep farming also played a major part in the town’s economy which had thriving spinning, weaving and cloth trading industries in the 16th century. The town also had a number of tanneries, dyeing and soap making factories. The town was granted a Royal charter to hold a market in the 17th century which lasted until the 18th century when the market closed down.
In the 19th century the arrival of the railway gave the economy and population of Dronfield a boost as was often the case. In this century the town also became home to an iron foundry established by the Lucas family which was to influence the area for many years to come. In the latter half of the century Wilson Cammell opened their steel rail manufacturing plant in the town which played a major part in the success of the town as well for many years.
Visitors to Dronfield should take a walk around the town centre which still has some interesting and historically significant buildings. The Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School, for example, was initially started in the 16th century and the library in the town was once an important Manor House. In the High Street you can also see a 16th century house which is called The Cottage - many people believe that this house was owned by Byron. The Peel Monument in the town was built in the mid 1800s to commemorate Sir Robert Peel’s repealing of the Corn Laws.
You may also find the James Slinn Gallery of interest if you are visiting the town. This museum and gallery hosts a range of objects and exhibits relating to the history of Dronfield and the surrounding area and is a great way to learn more about the town.