Regular readers of this blog will remember that Ashover was known in Saxon times as Essovre ('beyond the ash trees'). It was probably in existence during the first taxation survey of England by King Alfred in 893. However, the first written reference to the village occurs in the Domesday Book of 1086.
All Saints Parish Church was erected between 1350 and 1419. Thomas Babington built the tower and the graceful spire which at 128ft has been a familiar landmark in the valley for around 600 years.
We headed south west out of Ashover and made a swift sharp climb to Overton Hall
The Hall was built in the early 18th century and was once the home of Sir Joseph Banks the celebrated naturalist. He was an English naturalist, botanist and patron of the natural sciences and took part in Captain James Cook's first great voyage (1768–1771). Banks is credited with the introduction to the Western world of eucalyptus, acacia, mimosa and the genus named after him, Banksia. Approximately 80 species of plants bear Banks's name.
From below Cocking Tor there were signs of the lead mining industry that was once prevalent in the area
There were also spectacular views across the valley to Milltown Quarry ...
... and Ogston Reservoir - both of which we would see later at much closer quarters
Even though the group were advised of this notice ....
... they nevertheless decided to run the risk and partake of "elevensies" ...
... and the odd bit of banter
In woodland near Highoredish we came across the ruins of “Trinity Chapel”. These are the remains of a sixteenth century replacement of the original chapel. On Trinity Sunday there is a pilgrimage to this Chapel from Brackenfield village. Although this tradition had lapsed in recent years, it was picked up again in 2010 when a church walk stopped in the chapel for a short service.
The aforementioned Jake
Through Brackenfield and its old School House ...
... and Church - whose foundation stone was laid in 1856 by Mrs Ellen Turbutt, wife of Gladwin Turbutt of Ogston Hall. He had given the site for the new church and a considerable donation towards the cost.
... to Ogston Reservoir which is operated by Severn Trent Water and takes its water from the
River Amber. It was originally created to supply the National Coal Board's
Carbonisation Plant at Wingerworth. The reservoir now supplies water for the local area and is used as a
holding ground for water for nearby Carsington Reservoir.
The valley was flooded in 1958 and completely submerged farmland, roads
and part of the Ashover Light Railway. The reservoir also destroyed most of the
village of Woolley, including the Woolley House Hydro, the village store, the
blacksmiths, the joiners, the laundry, the sheep-dip and 'Napoleons Home', the
local public house. The villagers were relocated into council houses built in
another local hamlet, Badger Lane, which eventually became known as the village
of Woolley on the Moor, which subsequently became the present village of
Woolley Moor.
We took lunch on the benches overlooking the reservoir in Woolley
One of the Reservoir's claims to fame is that Ellen MacArthur - best known as a solo long-distance yachtswoman who, on 7 February 2005, broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe - trained to become a yachtswoman here.
We now had the wind in our sails and we sallied forth to Milltown ...
... and its quarry ...
... before adjourning for a pint of Ashover's finest ales
