|
|
Print-friendly version
Hathersage
Hathersage is a charming and picturesque village situated in the famous Peak District in Derbyshire. Hathersage is situated on the lush and green banks of the River Derwent, and it lies just 10 miles from the city of Sheffield. Hatersage is a popular village for commuters who live there and then work in the surrounding cities thanks to excellent road and rail links, Hathersage is connected to the Hope Valley Line by its own station that runs regular services to surrounding locations. There are a number of beautiful buildings and special historic sites of interest in Hathersage that illustrate just how far back the site has been settled, the famous mediaeval church features an original Charles Kempe stained glass window that was restored after being discovered at the bottom of the Ladybower Reservoir, and the Camp Green earthen mound is assumed to be a Danish fortification built sometime around the mid 800's CE.
Hathersage is closely linked to the Robin Hood stories and "Little John" was allegedly buried in the churchyard. Robin Hood's Cave on Stanage Edge lies a short distance from the village, as does the village of Loxley where it is believed Robin Hood took his title. Hathersage is also proud to reflect back to the 1800's when Charlotte Bronte stayed in the village whilst writing Jane Eyre. Many of the locations in her novella can be matched up with places in and around Hathersage, and the famous "Thornfield Hall" in the text is widely thought to be North Lees Hall on the outskirts of the village. The moors surrounding Hathersage are spectacularly beautiful and there are a number of popular walks to famous sites such as the Carl Wark fortifications and Higger Tor. It is easy to understand why Hathersage is such a popular tourist destination, with the scenery of the Derwent and Hope valleys at their doorstep, many famous connections with historical figures and icons, easy access via car, train or on foot, open air swimming pool, climbing ridges near Stanage Edge, rambling walks, hill hikes and variety of pubs and restaurants to enjoy local residents have something to be rightly proud of.
Hathersage was even once a centre for industry in that most charming of crafts, button making. Prior to this it was a major centre for the production of pins and needles. This began in the mid 1500's when a German immigrant developed a new process for drawing wires. This became vital for nail making and the technique was later adopted for extruding pins and needles. Mechanised production in nearby Sheffield sadly put an end to this mix of cottage and industrial industries however this heritage can clearly be seen in the architecture and heritage of Hathersage.
|
|
