Darley Dale Town Council - History

The Name of Darley

Darley Dale is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Dereleie, part of the Wirksworth Hundred. However, evidence suggests that an Anglian settlement may have been established at Darley Dale as early as 800AD and that 'Darley' is derived from the Anglo Saxon deor-lean meaning 'clearing frequented by animals'. 'dale' is a later nineteenth century addition to the placename.

The original settlement developed in the vicinity of the parish church and in the Domesday survey, a population of seven villagers and a priest was recorded in the Manor of Darley, which included the settlements of Farley, Cotes and Burley.

Darley Parish

Over time the ancient parish came to include the settlements of Wensley, Snitterton, Okerside and Oker End, all part of the Wirksworth Hundred - while Hackney (Upper and Lower), Two Dales, Northwood, Little Rowsley and Tinkersley, along with Darley itself became part of the High Peak Hundred. The small settlement of Darley Bridge sat astride the boundary line, half in each Hundred. In total, these communities covered an area of some 6,000 acres.

Originally under the Anglian Diocese of Mercia, in 1086 Darley became attached to the 'see of Lichfield'. In 1093 the advowson came into the hands of the Dean of Lincoln and it remained so until 1884 when Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire were combined as the 'see of Southwell'. The parish now stands in the deanery of Wirksworth and the diocese of Derby.

There has been a church recorded at Darley since 1086 and the current building - St. Helen's - dates mainly from the 14th century with evidence of earlier and later additions to the structure.

The yew tree in the churchyard is reputed to be 2000 years old, although some experts have suggested that it may be nearer 700 years of age.

 

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