Mayfield in 1817

Description from A Topographical History of Staffordshire by William Pitt (1817)

MAYFIELD.

Mayfield is a fertile parish, in a pleasant situation in Dove vale. The village of Mayfield is two miles north-east of Ellastone, and two miles distant from Ashbourn, in Derbyshire.

The river Dove, which is the boundary of the two counties, flows near the village; and on the opposite bank there is a very extensive cotton manufactory, belonging to Messrs. Cooper & Co. An ancient stone bridge of five arches near the village, presents an easy communication between Derbyshire and Staffordshire: the whole country affords a beautiful view of well-built houses, and well cultivated fields, enlivened by a considerable population. The number of houses in Mayfield parish, including the township of Butterton, is 195, inhabited by 202 families, of which 405 are males, and 531 females: total of inhabitants, 936.

The village of Mayfield contains several well-built modern houses of brick and stone. The Church is a handsome Gothic structure of stone, with a strong and high square tower, adorned with eight pinnacles. It was built by Thomas Rolleston, AD 1616, as appears from an inscription above the arched entrance at the west end. This church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and is a vicarage; the Rev. Belcher, who resides at Ashbourne, is curate.

The roof of the edifice is supported by six large Gothic arches; the east window is beautiful; and a number of elder trees, which grow close to the church walls, give it a rural appearance. There are but few records of longevity in the church yard. One tomb-stone is inscribed with the name of Benjamin Thompson, who died in 1809, aged 88 years.

From the eminence about midway between Ellastone and Mayfield, the prospect of Dove-vale is beautiful beyond description. The country exhibits all the variety of meadows, pastures, cornfields, and woodlands; numerous herds and flocks grazing securely; the river Dove gently flowing and winding amid the verdant meadows; a village, with its picturesque church and tower, skirted by a wood on an eminence, on the Derbyshire side of the river, and the extensive vale stretching for several miles to the south, with a distant but indistinct view of Uttoxeter; the lofty spire of its church; and the smoke of the town carried away like a large cloud by a brisk north-west breeze.