Baslow: A Beautiful Village on the Edge of Chatsworth

History and Heritage

There has been a settlement in this location since Anglo-Saxon times. Visitors will still find a wealth of ancient buildings lining its maze-like streets, including a distinctive toll house on the stone bridge. This tiny 17th Century building was once staffed by villagers who took payment from those wanting to cross the river.

The pretty church of St Anne’s dates back to the 13th Century and is well worth a visit, in its tranquil riverside setting. There are several interesting artefacts inside, including a whip once used for clearing the church of dogs, and an unusual clock commemorating the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.

The Old Ford & Bridge

In the case of Baslow, the early packhorse roads from Calver to Bakewell and from Chesterfield to Bakewell converged on the river crossing, close to where the medieval stone bridge was built.

The old ford started at the steps close to the wall of the churchyard and traversed the river diagonally downstream to St Anne’s Close on Bubnell Lane. Some of the old ford’s stones are still visible today, especially when the river is at its lowest during the summer months.

Baslow is first recorded in the Domesday Book as Basselou, an Anglian name meaning the mound or hill of Bassa. Historians suggest that the village names have been in use since around 700AD and it is likely that the ford would have been in use from the early medieval period.

The first bridge on this site was recorded in 1366, with the present bridge built in 1603. It is a sturdy structure and the oldest surviving bridge over the River Derwent. A unique feature is the Watchman’s Hut, where every able-bodied man in the village had to take his turn keeping watch through the night.

By the 1920s its narrow carriageway was inadequate for the increasing traffic and the new Devonshire Bridge was completed in 1925. The weir downstream adds to the picturesque scene, particularly after rainfall when the water rushes over the stones.

Goose Green

Baslow has a picturesque central village green, Goose Green, around which is clustered a range of interesting shops and a lovely tea room, as well as the village hall and park. Also worth exploring here is a quiet lane that leads off Goose Green and runs past a row of quaint thatched cottages and into the oldest part of the village. It eventually crosses a bridge over Bar Brook and into the parkland of the Chatsworth Estate.

Eating and Drinking

The Devonshire Arms and the Cavendish Hotel can also be found close to Goose Green, two of a number of excellent pubs in the village. Baslow also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, Fischer’s, which is situated in Baslow Hall, set in beautifully-landscaped grounds on the outskirts of the village.

Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge

Overlooking Baslow are the magnificent gritstone edifices of Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge, running down from the high moors to the north of the village. Both offer magnificent views over the valley and down into the Chatsworth Estate.

Look out for the Eagle Stone on Baslow Edge, a freestanding 6-metre high block of gritstone. Local tradition was that eligible bachelors had to climb the rock to prove themselves worthy of marriage. Close to the Eagle Stone is the Wellington Monument, erected in 1866 to commemorate a visit by the Duke of Wellington to the moor.

Watch out for the herds of beautiful Highland Cattle that can often be found on Baslow Edge. They are very photogenic and usually placid, but please do exercise caution when walking near to them, particularly if you have dogs or if the cows have calves.

Both Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge are easily accessible from the National Trust car park at Curbar Gap, which is located between the two edges. There are picnic benches and information boards nearby.

Where to Stay in Baslow

Baslow offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From the luxurious Cavendish Hotel to charming guest houses and self-catering cottages, there is something for every visitor.

For more information about visiting the area, explore the official Peak District National Park visiting guide and plan your adventure in this remarkable part of Derbyshire.