Took a drive over to Derbyshire on Sunday afternoon and managed to get to Crich Stand. This is the Memorial to the Sherwood Foresters, otherwise known as the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment. It really is quite an imposing structure in an absolutely beautiful setting as i hope the photo’s will show.
There is, on the approach, a Memorial to General Sir Horace Lockwood Smith-Dorrien who, as can be seen, was obviously held in the highest esteem.
Above the doorway to the Memorial Tower is the following inscription. Quite sobering when you look at the numbers involved.
A view from one of the windows about halfway up the Tower. My legs wouldn’t take me all the way to the top which was perhaps a blessing with the walk that came later.
I even had my own private airshow…..
A view from the base of the Tower. The buildings in the foreground are the tea rooms and at £1.50 to park and 20p to climb the tower it is well worth the visit. The Church spire visible is the village of Crich and down to the right of the tower and out of sight is the Tramway Museum.
More to follow.
Regards,
kev35
By: richw_82 - 30th October 2012 at 20:31
Didin’t get chance to get a photo of the other plaque due to being involved in too many other things at work. I will however… just not as soon as I want!
I like this thread… its reminded me not to take where I live for granted.
By: charliehunt - 30th October 2012 at 13:59
Indeed and from the mid-1850s to the mid-1950s, roughly, something like 80% of the UK’s raptors were wiped out by gamekeepers and others killing for sport. The kings of the avian world for me and like you I have enjoyed the majesty of eagles in Scotland.
This organisation is marvellous and can be seen all over the county during the summer at shows and galas and festivals. Wonderful for youngsters to be in such close contact with these hansdome creatures.
By: Lincoln 7 - 30th October 2012 at 13:54
Charlie. Several yrs ago, I was up in the Highlands, Scotland, and I spent more time looking at Eagles soaring on the thermals,Fascinating, just don’t cut it, But no doubt Al, a forum member, will tell us what the farmers do to them,to kill them, a subject close to Als heart
Went to Morrisons Store the other day, and I saw several Owls, on their perches, with their owners, showing them off, you could put a glove on, hold an Owl on your arm,and be photographed with one, and the money went to the Owls upkeep.You later receive your photograph.
I never realised just large they can grow.And the way they can seemingly turn turn their heads 360 degrees.
Jim.
Lincoln .7
By: charliehunt - 30th October 2012 at 12:44
From what can be seen of the colouring and the wing shape I would guess at Kestrel. They are two a penny, compared with Kite. And, Lincoln, it is indeed encouraging to see the re-growth in Buzzard numbers to the extent that I think they are now the most common raptor in the UK.
By: kev35 - 30th October 2012 at 12:32
I don’t know Jim. All I can tell you with any certainty is that it was a bird.
Regards,
kev35
By: Lincoln 7 - 30th October 2012 at 12:30
Jim.
Most of the photo’s are of Matlock. Masson Mills (Arkwright’s) are just up the road at Matlock Bath.
Regards,
kev35
I love that area, and have spent many happy hours up there, the last time, about 2 yrs ago, I saw a Buzzard, they seem to be moving further North, as there are many in Cornwall, last seen near Bristol, until I saw that one in Derbyshire.
Was it a Red Kite, or Kestral, you photographed?.
Jim.
Lincoln .7
By: kev35 - 30th October 2012 at 11:41
Jim.
Most of the photo’s are of Matlock. Masson Mills (Arkwright’s) are just up the road at Matlock Bath.
Regards,
kev35
By: Lincoln 7 - 30th October 2012 at 10:31
A drive through the lanes down to Matlock Bath takes you through some stunning countryside and provides some glimpses to the area’s rich heritage. Driving through Lea, Lea Holloway, Starkholmes, Wirksworth and Cromford is a real treat with the autumn colours at their absolute best in the warm Autumn sunshine.
At Lea is a reminder of John Smedley’s first mill, built in 1784.
Matlock itself has more of Smedley’s influence with his hydrotherapy spa which dominates the town and is now partly used by the Local Council for office space.
The hydro is the long building in the centre of the photograph.
The street behind this building reveals the bridge joining the two parts of the hydro. If I remember the frontage seen previously was the accommodation and the treatment areas were across the bridge in the next image.
This is the view under the bridge. The road passing directly in front is the main hill down to Matlock Town.
More of Smedley’s influence can be seen in the form of Riber Hall. This was built by the family to be the family home. Later turned into a zoo it fell into disrepair. If I remember correctly it is now being completely rebuilt internally to produce apartments. The views of the town from up there must be spectacular.
From here I moved on to the War Memorial on the hill overlooking the town. It’s quite a trek through the Churchyard till we come to the gate leading to the Memorial itself.
It’s become clear to me over the years that just as the Great War introduced killing on an industrial scale, the same can be said for the Memorialisation of those who remain forever in ‘some corner of a foreign field.’ Through the gate and you are faced with yet another climb to this…..
And this….
And it is well worth it.
Coming back down through the Churchyard are yet more wonderful views and I include these last three images for no reason other than that I like them.
All in all an absolutely grand afternoon out.
Regards,
kev35
Did you go into Matlock itself?. if not, you should have paid a visit to Sir Richard Arkwrights Mill, looking at all the weaving machinery there, it must have been bedlam when all the machines were all working, with the noise of the shuttles going back and forth.
What was the bird, a Kestrel, or Red Kite?. Nice day out, and nice photos.
Jim.
Lincoln .7
By: richw_82 - 29th October 2012 at 17:11
I can just about see my house from there… 😀
There’s another plaque to the Sherwood Foresters that is a twin of one of those on Crich Stand, but not in a location many people get to see it. I’ll try and get a shot of it tomorrow and a couple of other bits.
By: Andy in Beds - 22nd October 2012 at 17:48
Hi Kev.
Good stuff boy.
Horace Smith-Dorrien didn’t do his future career prospects any good when he chose to fight at Le Cateau on 26th August 1914.
He probably saved the B.E.F. from destruction though.
Another famous Sherwood Forester was Albert Ball–attached RFC.
Just to think, it’ll all soon be 100 years ago.
I’ll be back out there a few times before that though–if I’m spared.
Andy
By: EGTC - 22nd October 2012 at 15:30
Very nice photos, Kev. Looks like some lovely areas. 🙂
By: kev35 - 22nd October 2012 at 11:49
A drive through the lanes down to Matlock Bath takes you through some stunning countryside and provides some glimpses to the area’s rich heritage. Driving through Lea, Lea Holloway, Starkholmes, Wirksworth and Cromford is a real treat with the autumn colours at their absolute best in the warm Autumn sunshine.
At Lea is a reminder of John Smedley’s first mill, built in 1784.
Matlock itself has more of Smedley’s influence with his hydrotherapy spa which dominates the town and is now partly used by the Local Council for office space.
The hydro is the long building in the centre of the photograph.
The street behind this building reveals the bridge joining the two parts of the hydro. If I remember the frontage seen previously was the accommodation and the treatment areas were across the bridge in the next image.
This is the view under the bridge. The road passing directly in front is the main hill down to Matlock Town.
More of Smedley’s influence can be seen in the form of Riber Hall. This was built by the family to be the family home. Later turned into a zoo it fell into disrepair. If I remember correctly it is now being completely rebuilt internally to produce apartments. The views of the town from up there must be spectacular.
From here I moved on to the War Memorial on the hill overlooking the town. It’s quite a trek through the Churchyard till we come to the gate leading to the Memorial itself.
It’s become clear to me over the years that just as the Great War introduced killing on an industrial scale, the same can be said for the Memorialisation of those who remain forever in ‘some corner of a foreign field.’ Through the gate and you are faced with yet another climb to this…..
And this….
And it is well worth it.
Coming back down through the Churchyard are yet more wonderful views and I include these last three images for no reason other than that I like them.
All in all an absolutely grand afternoon out.
Regards,
kev35
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October 22, 2012 at 11:28 am