Christmas in England 2006

DAY 17: Sunday 7 January

Monsal Head

Monsal Head provides a superb view across the valley of the River Wye as it turns round a large meander. A disused railway viaduct transects the valley. In summer the area is popular with walkers.

The view downstream on the Wye from Monsal Head

The view upstream with the railway viaduct

Ashford in the Water

From Monsal we drove the short distance to Ashford in the Water to view the old stone "Sheepwash" bridge. Apparently the sheep were herded to the bridge, penned and the ewes and lambs separated. The lambs were taken over the bridge into a paddock downstream and then the ewes were driven into the river, to swim across to rejoin the lambs. They were thus well washed and ready for shearing.

Description of the Bridge

The bridge from upstream. The sheep pens are to the left

The view from downstream

Magpie Mine, Sheldon

Just above Ashford in the Water is the small(er) village of Sheldon. It is surrounded by disused mines, mostly lead mines. In some cases, there are only piles of rock left but the Magpie Mine was one of the last to remain operating and much of it has been preserved. It is a cold, bleak place, high on the hills, and is a favourite photograph when covered in snow.

The Magpie Mine from the road

The mine head

A replica horse gin that powered the mine in earlier times.

Eyam

The village of Eyam is well known as the "plague village" for its self-sacrifice in containing the plague in 1665. But it was also the home of several Froggatt families.

The sign by Mompesson's Well above Eyam	The well	A Mompesson's well.
The church at Eyam	Another view of the church	The complex sundial on the wall of the church
The Celtic Cross by the church door	The Great War cross, with a Froggatt name recorded.	One end of a raised coffin at Eyam
The side of the stone with a pot of tulips	The other side	A Froggatt headstone
The large Froggatt stone. In memory of John Froggatt and Ann, his wife. Also Mary, their daughter, wife of Thomas Gregory	The stained glass window from the outside	The Window from the inside. The face is reputedly that of Thomas Froggatt, an elder of the church for many years.

Froggatt Edge & The Chequers Inn

Our last location of the day was another visit to Froggatt Edge. The rain had gone but there was a strong cold wind blowing up and across the edge. We then dropped down to the Chequers Inn for another pleasant stay at this wonderful rural pub.

The view from near Eyam across to Froggatt Edge	The village of Froggatt	The path along the top of Froggatt Edge
View north along the Derwent Valley	Across Curbar Gap to White Edge	Trees and rocks on the Edge

The Chequers Inn at Froggatt Edge

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Last updated: 30/06/2017