Darley Dale Town Council - History

Manorial Parish

In 1086, the parish of Darley was a royal property but by the reign of Edward I (1272-1307), it was divided into two manors under the control of the Kendall and Darley families. From this date on, the manorial history of Darley becomes complex with the manors being further divided among families with owners including the Duke of Rutland, Sir Henry Hunloke and the Columbells. In 1370 Nether Hall Manor (or Whitwell Hall Manor) became the seat of the Columbell family and remained so until 1673 when the owner became Herbert Greensmith Beard of Lincoln.

By the early 17th century, records mention North and South Darley and the 1670 hearth tax documentation implies that at least 75% of the population would have been classed as the 'poorer sort' with just one or two hearths. Meanwhile Nether Hall Manor boasted 12 hearths, Stanfield (now Stancliffe) Hall had 10 and rector John Pott had 5.

By the close of the 17th century, the population stood at around 560 people.

Famous People, Famous Buildings

In the 18th century Two Dales (Toadholes - 'fox earths') came to be dominated by the Dakeyne family who went on to establish a spinning mill in the village and to build both Ladygrove House and Holt House. Sir Joseph Whitworth, the Victorian mechanical engineer, purchased Stancliffe Hall in 1854 and took up permanent residence there in 1872 with his second wife, Mary Louise. Whitworth extended the hall, extensively landscaped the gardens and built a large conservatory and a number of cottages for his estate workers.

The estate contained a gritstone quarry supplying stone for many important buildings, from railway stations to stately homes, including Chatsworth House. Even the paving slabs in Trafalgar Square came from Darley Dale.

After Whitworth's death Lady Whitworth paid for the building of the Whitworth Hospital and the Whitworth Institute and Park, as well as establishing scholarships at local schools.

Another famous resident was Joseph Paxton who owned Darley House. It is said that the conservatory that he added to the property was an early inspiration for the design of Crystal Palace.

In 1796 Sir Richard Arkwright also left his mark on the area with the construction of Darley (New) Hall.

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