Bakewell, Derbyshire

Bakewell is a beautiful, small market town situated on the River Wye in the Peak District National Park. The river is crossed by a 13th century five arched bridge which is still open to traffic. The bridge had been widened in the 19th century.

Bakewell was mentioned in the Domeday book as having a church and 2 priests signifying its importance even then.

The famous Bakewell pudding was invented accidentally at the Rutland Arms Hotel, when a cook misinterpreted instructions and poured egg mixture over the jam instead of mixing it in the pastry and what should have been a tart was now a pudding. Bakewell puddings can be bought at several shops in the town centre.

The tourist information centre is housed in the Old Market Hall. The lower part of this building had been open and the upper part a closed room. The upper floor was removed in 1858 and the gaps in the lower part filled in. It has been in constant use by the community as the town hall, wash house, school, magistrates court and library over the years

Behind the Old Town Hall are the Almshouses of St John's Hospital also dating from 1709. Well Dressing and carnival events take place in the week up to the first saturday in July which is carnival day.

The Bakewell Show takes place on the first Wednesday and Thursday of August on land adjoining the Agricultural Centre. The first local show took place in 1819. It is now a major agricultural and horticultural event with all sorts of animals being shown along with show jumping and exhibitions of local crafts and produce.

 

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