Wirksworth
The market town of Wirksworth is located in the county of Derbyshire in the East Midlands of England. It is thought that the area may have been used by settlers since prehistoric times and the remains of a woolly rhino were found in the town’s nearby Dream Cave in the 19th century. Some people believe that the town was the location for the lost Roman town of Lutudarum although there is no proof as to whether this is the case. It is, however, widely believed that the Romans settled here to take advantage of the valuable lead deposits to be found in the area.
The town was given an entry in the Domesday Book in the 11th century where its lead mines were listed. By the 14th century Wirksworth was granted a Royal Charter to hold a weekly market in the town. And, by the time of Henry VIII the town was given the right to hold special courts in the town to manage specific mining issues.
Over time the town developed a stronger reputation for lead mining and limestone quarrying. During the time of the Industrial Revolution Wirksworth was one of the largest towns in the county as a whole. It is thought that there were many different mines in the town and its surrounding area. In the 18th century cotton milling also came to the town when Richard Arkwright opened a mill here that could use his revolutionary water frame milling method. It is believed by many that the production of red tape in the town at this time was enough to supply the whole of the political world in London.
Visitors to Wirksworth should make time to visit the local church, St Mary’s. It is thought that the church was originally built here in the 7th century and that it was one of the first teaching centres for Christianity in the country. This is also an ideal location to use if you want to visit the Peak District. To find out more about the town and its past many visitors particularly enjoy a visit to the Wirksworth Heritage Centre in the town centre itself. And, in June every year the town holds the Wirksworth Well Dressing and Carnival. The local tradition of well dressing takes place all over the area and is well worth seeing if you can. Visitors in September can also enjoy the Wirksworth Festival.
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