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Coordinates: 53°06′03″N 1°35′19″W / 53.1009°N 1.5885°W / 53.1009; -1.5885
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
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{{infobox UK place|
{{short description|Village and civil parish in Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire, England}}
⚫
{{Infobox UK place
|country = England
|country = England
|static_image=[[File:Middleton-by-Wirksworth_426707_a54ca84e.jpg|250px]]
|static_image=Middleton-by-Wirksworth_426707_a54ca84e.jpg
|static_image_width=250px
|static_image_caption=View of the eastern end of Middleton village, from the [[High Peak Trail]]
|static_image_caption=View of the eastern end of Middleton village, from the [[High Peak Trail]]
|coordinates = {{coord|53.1009|-1.5885|display=inline,title}}
|latitude= 53.08333
|official_name= Middleton
|longitude= -1.583333
|official_name= Middleton-by-Wirksworth
|civil_parish = Middleton
|map_type= Derbyshire
|map_type= Derbyshire
|population =
|population = 775
|population_ref = (2011)
|shire_district= [[Derbyshire Dales]]
|shire_district= [[Derbyshire Dales]]
|shire_county = [[Derbyshire]]
|shire_county = [[Derbyshire]]
Line 18: Line 22:
|os_grid_reference= SK277559}}
|os_grid_reference= SK277559}}


'''Middleton-by-Wirksworth''' is an upland village lying approximately one mile NNW of [[Wirksworth]], [[Derbyshire]], formerly known for its [[lead]] mines and high quality [[limestone]] quarries, including the remarkable underground quarry site at Middleton Mine. ‘The Middleton Mine is so remarkable because it networks underground for approximately 25 miles with tunnels on three different levels running under Middleton Moor to the [[Hopton Wood stone|Hopton Wood quarry]] works at the other side of the hill below Ryder Point Works’. Part of the tunnel collapsed in the 1980s leaving a noticeable depression in the ground above on the eastern side of Middleton Moor.
'''Middleton''' or '''Middleton-by-Wirksworth''' is an upland village and [[civil parish]] lying approximately one mile NNW of [[Wirksworth]], [[Derbyshire]], England. Middleton was, in 1086, a berewick (a supporting farm) of the town and manor of Wirksworth. Middleton was formerly known for its [[lead]] mines and high quality [[limestone]] quarries, including the underground quarry site at Middleton Mine. The Middleton Mine networks underground for approximately {{Convert|25|mi}} with tunnels on three different levels running under Middleton Moor to the [[Hopton Wood stone|Hopton Wood quarry]] works at the other side of the hill below Ryder Point Works’. Part of the tunnel collapsed in the 1970s leaving a noticeable depression in the ground above on the eastern side of Middleton Moor. The population of the parish as taken at the 2011 Census was 775.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=11126533&c=Middleton&d=16&e=62&g=6413799&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1459162500605&enc=1|title=Civil Parish population 2011|accessdate=28 March 2016|publisher=Office for National Statistics|work=Neighbourhood Statistics}}</ref>


The attraction towards Middleton-by-Wirksworth becoming a village had much to do with the fact that it is one of the few Derbyshire villages in the limestone area that has a ‘perched’ water table due to the impervious volcanic rock and shale formations within its topology. The availability of water was the incentive behind it becoming a choice of settlement. Middleton formed originally in the Saxon times as a small farming hamlet which settled around a very high spring.
The attraction towards Middleton becoming a village had much to do with the fact that it is one of the few Derbyshire villages in the limestone area that has a ‘perched’ water table due to the impervious volcanic rock and shale formations within its topology. The availability of water was the incentive behind it becoming a choice of settlement. Middleton formed originally in the Saxon times as a small farming hamlet which settled around a very high spring.


The former [[Cromford and High Peak Railway]] passes close by the village. The local quarries were linked to this line by a short branch spur, Killer's Branch, part of which now forms the track bed of the [[Steeple Grange Light Railway]]. The branch line was operational until the late 1960s.
The former [[Cromford and High Peak Railway]] passes close by the village. The local quarries were linked to this line by a short branch spur, Killer's Branch, part of which now forms the track bed of the [[Steeple Grange Light Railway]]. The branch line was operational until the late 1960s.


In the 1970s, the disused track bed of the Cromford and High Peak Railway and some surrounding land were purchased by the Derbyshire County Council and the Peak Park Planning Board, who then worked collaboratively to turn the former railway into the 17-mile [[High Peak Trail]] for walkers and cyclists. Middleton Top lies near the southern end of the trail, which starts at [[High Peak Junction]]. There is a car park and visitor centre at Middleton Top, where cycles may be hired.
In the 1970s, the disused track bed of the Cromford and High Peak Railway and some surrounding land were purchased by the Derbyshire County Council and the Peak Park Planning Board, who then worked collaboratively to turn the former railway into the {{Convert|17|mi|adj=on}} [[High Peak Trail]] for walkers and cyclists. Middleton Top lies near the southern end of the trail, which starts at [[High Peak Junction]]. There is a car park and visitor centre at Middleton Top, where cycles may be hired.


[[Middleton Top Engine House]] ({{gbmapping|SK275552}}) houses a preserved steam engine formerly used to haul trains up the 700-yard long 1-in-8 (12.5%) gradient of [[Middleton Incline]]. The engine, built by the [[Butterley Company]] of [[Ripley, Derbyshire|Ripley]] in 1829, still runs for demonstration purposes and is occasionally open to the public.
[[Middleton Top Engine House]] ({{gbmapping|SK275552}}) houses a preserved steam engine formerly used to haul trains up the {{Convert|700|yd|adj=on}} long 1-in-8 (12.5%) gradient of [[Middleton Incline]]. The engine, built by the [[Butterley Company]] of [[Ripley, Derbyshire|Ripley]] in 1829, still runs for demonstration purposes and is occasionally open to the public.


The northern part of the village on the west side of the main road out towards New Road is called 'The Hall' due to the location of the now demolished Middleton Hall.
The northern part of the village on the west side of the main road out towards New Road is called 'The Hall' due to the location of the now demolished Middleton Hall.


The cold winter of 1947 combined with the exposed nature of Middleton meant that snow was present even during the summer following the heavy snowfall.
The cold winter of 1947 combined with the exposed nature of Middleton meant that snow was present even during the summer following the heavy snowfall.

Middleton is dependent on the market town of Wirksworth for many of its services, such as its health centre, leisure centre, high school (the Anthony Gell School) and nearby shops, petrol and so on. The closest railway station to Middleton is Wirksworth on the [[Ecclesbourne Valley Railway]].


==Literary connection==
==Literary connection==
In 1918-19, [[D. H. Lawrence]] and his wife Frieda rented Mountain Cottage, which stands below the [[B5023 road]] on the NW side of village as the road descends towards the [[Via Gellia]]. Lawrence also reputedly spent time at Woodland Cottage (formerly known as The Woodlands) on the opposite side of New Road. While living in Middleton during the bitter winter of 1918-19, Lawrence wrote the short story ''A Wintry Peacock'' (published in 1921), which is set in the immediate locality.
In 1918-19, [[D. H. Lawrence]] and his wife Frieda rented Mountain Cottage, which stands below the [[B5023 road]] on the NW side of village as the road descends towards the [[Via Gellia]]. Lawrence also reputedly spent time at Woodland Cottage (formerly known as The Woodlands) on the opposite side of New Road. While living in Middleton during the bitter winter of 1918-19, Lawrence wrote the short story ''A Wintry Peacock'' (published in 1921), which is set in the immediate locality.

==See also==
*[[Listed buildings in Middleton-by-Wirksworth]]


==References==
==References==
===General references===
^ ''D. H. Lawrence: Triumph to Exile, 1912-1922'' by Mark Kinkead-Weekes (1996, CUP, Cambridge, England). ISBN 0-521-25420-5
''D. H. Lawrence: Triumph to Exile, 1912-1922'' by Mark Kinkead-Weekes (1996, CUP, Cambridge, England). {{ISBN|0-521-25420-5}}

===Inline citations===
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.goingloco.neave.com/highpeak/part1.html Notes on the Cromford and High Peak Railway]
*[http://www.goingloco.neave.com/highpeak/part1.html Notes on the Cromford and High Peak Railway]
*[http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/countryside/parks_sites/country_parks/middletontop.asp Middleton Top Countryside Centre (Derbyshire County Council)]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927202746/http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/countryside/parks_sites/country_parks/middletontop.asp Middleton Top Countryside Centre (Derbyshire County Council)]
*[http://www.archive.org/details/wintrypeacock00lawrrich Downloadable .pdf and .txt files of the entire text of ''A Wintry Peacock'']
*[https://archive.org/details/wintrypeacock00lawrrich Downloadable .pdf and .txt files of the entire text of ''A Wintry Peacock'']
*[http://www.bgs.ac.uk/foundation-web/MiddletonMine.html British Geological Survey page on Middleton Mine]
*[http://www.bgs.ac.uk/foundation-web/MiddletonMine.html British Geological Survey page on Middleton Mine]
*[http://www.bgs.ac.uk/foundation-web/WhiteWalls.htm British Geological Survey page on 'White Walls' with aerial photo showing the many stone-walled field enclosures surrounding the village.]
*[http://www.bgs.ac.uk/foundation-web/WhiteWalls.htm British Geological Survey page on 'White Walls' with aerial photo showing the many stone-walled field enclosures surrounding the village.]
*[http://www.middletonbywirksworth.co.uk/ Village website with details of annual festival, archive photos and historical background.]
*[http://www.middletonbywirksworth.co.uk/ Village website with details of annual festival, archive photos and historical background.]
*[http://owdman.co.uk/middtn/archive/images/middleton1.jpg Aerial photo of village looking E towards Dene Quarry, Cromford.]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110823221250/http://owdman.co.uk/middtn/archive/images/middleton1.jpg Aerial photo of village looking E towards Dene Quarry, Cromford.]
*[http://www.brooksfamily.name A genealogy of the Brooks family of Middleton by Wirksworth ]
*[http://www.brooksfamily.name A genealogy of the Brooks family of Middleton by Wirksworth ]


{{Commons category}}
{{commonscat}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Villages in Derbyshire]]
[[Category:Villages in Derbyshire]]
[[Category:Towns and villages of the Peak District]]
[[Category:Towns and villages of the Peak District]]
[[Category:Civil parishes in Derbyshire]]
[[Category:Derbyshire Dales]]

Latest revision as of 20:19, 5 January 2024

Middleton
View of the eastern end of Middleton village, from the High Peak Trail
Middleton is located in Derbyshire
Middleton
Middleton
Location within Derbyshire
Population775 (2011)
OS grid referenceSK277559
Civil parish
  • Middleton
District
Shire county
Region
LandEngland
Sovereign stateVereinigtes Königreich
Post townMATLOCK
Postcode districtDE4 4
Dialling code01629
PoliceDerbyshire
FireDerbyshire
AmbulanceEast Midlands
UK Parliament
List of places
UK
England
Derbyshire
53°06′03″N 1°35′19″W / 53.1009°N 1.5885°W / 53.1009; -1.5885

Middleton or Middleton-by-Wirksworth is an upland village and civil parish lying approximately one mile NNW of Wirksworth, Derbyshire, England. Middleton was, in 1086, a berewick (a supporting farm) of the town and manor of Wirksworth. Middleton was formerly known for its lead mines and high quality limestone quarries, including the underground quarry site at Middleton Mine. The Middleton Mine networks underground for approximately 25 miles (40 km) with tunnels on three different levels running under Middleton Moor to the Hopton Wood quarry works at the other side of the hill below Ryder Point Works’. Part of the tunnel collapsed in the 1970s leaving a noticeable depression in the ground above on the eastern side of Middleton Moor. The population of the parish as taken at the 2011 Census was 775.[1]

The attraction towards Middleton becoming a village had much to do with the fact that it is one of the few Derbyshire villages in the limestone area that has a ‘perched’ water table due to the impervious volcanic rock and shale formations within its topology. The availability of water was the incentive behind it becoming a choice of settlement. Middleton formed originally in the Saxon times as a small farming hamlet which settled around a very high spring.

The former Cromford and High Peak Railway passes close by the village. The local quarries were linked to this line by a short branch spur, Killer's Branch, part of which now forms the track bed of the Steeple Grange Light Railway. The branch line was operational until the late 1960s.

In the 1970s, the disused track bed of the Cromford and High Peak Railway and some surrounding land were purchased by the Derbyshire County Council and the Peak Park Planning Board, who then worked collaboratively to turn the former railway into the 17-mile (27 km) High Peak Trail for walkers and cyclists. Middleton Top lies near the southern end of the trail, which starts at High Peak Junction. There is a car park and visitor centre at Middleton Top, where cycles may be hired.

Middleton Top Engine House (grid reference SK275552) houses a preserved steam engine formerly used to haul trains up the 700-yard (640 m) long 1-in-8 (12.5%) gradient of Middleton Incline. The engine, built by the Butterley Company of Ripley in 1829, still runs for demonstration purposes and is occasionally open to the public.

The northern part of the village on the west side of the main road out towards New Road is called 'The Hall' due to the location of the now demolished Middleton Hall.

The cold winter of 1947 combined with the exposed nature of Middleton meant that snow was present even during the summer following the heavy snowfall.

Middleton is dependent on the market town of Wirksworth for many of its services, such as its health centre, leisure centre, high school (the Anthony Gell School) and nearby shops, petrol and so on. The closest railway station to Middleton is Wirksworth on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

Literary connection

[edit]

In 1918-19, D. H. Lawrence and his wife Frieda rented Mountain Cottage, which stands below the B5023 road on the NW side of village as the road descends towards the Via Gellia. Lawrence also reputedly spent time at Woodland Cottage (formerly known as The Woodlands) on the opposite side of New Road. While living in Middleton during the bitter winter of 1918-19, Lawrence wrote the short story A Wintry Peacock (published in 1921), which is set in the immediate locality.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

General references

[edit]

D. H. Lawrence: Triumph to Exile, 1912-1922 by Mark Kinkead-Weekes (1996, CUP, Cambridge, England). ISBN 0-521-25420-5

Inline citations

[edit]
  1. ^ "Civil Parish population 2011". Neighbourhood Statistics. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
[edit]
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