TIDESWELL, Derbyshire - Extract from National Gazetteer, 1868

"TIDESWELL, a parish, post and market town, in the hundred of High Peake, county Derby, 3 miles N.W. of Great Rowsley, 7 N.W. of Bakewell, and 33 N.W. of Derby. It is situated in the moors on the road from Chesterfield to Manchester, and is watered by a rivulet which supplies the inhabitants with water. The parish includes the chapelries of Litton, Whestone, and Wormhill. It is a place of great antiquity, and was held by the crown in royal demesne at the time of the Domesday survey, but subsequently came to William Peveril, the Meverells, Cromwells, Eyres, &c., and belongs to the honour of Tutbury.

It is said that the town derived its name from an ebbing well which still exists, but has long ceased to ebb. The land, comprising some of the most barren tracts in the county, is chiefly devoted to pasture. Many of the inhabitants are employed in the neighbouring cotton-mills, mining, weaving, and in agriculture. In the neighbourhood are Monsall Dale, Millers Dale, and Chee Tor. It is a polling place for the county elections, and a petty sessions town. A court leet and court baron occur twice a year.

The living is a vicarage* in the diocese of Lichfield, value £230, in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter. The church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is of the 14th century. The interior contains brasses and tombs, one of which is dated 1358, and a chancel screen. In 1829 the church was reseated, the old oak benches being destroyed. Efforts are now being made by the Rev. S. Andrew, the vicar, to restore this fine old church. Anciently there were chantry chapels in the transepts enclosed in carved oak screens. The old stalls in the chancel are much dilapidated.

There is a district church at Wormhill, the living of which is a perpetual curacy* The parochial charities produce about £300 per annum, including an endowed grammar school, founded in 1560, and a National school. The Independents, Wesleyans, Roman Catholics, and Primitive Methodists have chapels. The Duke of Devonshire is lord of the manor. Market day is on Wednesday. Fairs are held on 24th March, 15th May, last Wednesday in July, second Wednesday in September, and 29th October for cattle, horses, and sheep."

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Transcribed by Colin HINSON ©2003]