Hathersage, Derbyshire

 

Hathersage is an attractive, prosperous and busy village situated in the Derwent Valley, Derbyshire, and the Peak District National Park, 12 miles north east of Buxton on the A625 Buxton to Sheffield road and part of the Sheffield commuter belt. It is well served with all the modern shopping and accommodation facilities but at the same time seems to retain its Peak District character.

Hathersage has notable historic connections. Little John, friend of Robin Hood who himself was thought to have been born at Loxley, 8 miles away, is believed to be buried in a 10ft long grave in the churchyard. Little John is supposed to have been a native of Hathersage and in 1784 a 30 inch thigh bone was exhumed from the grave. It has since disappeared. Charlotte Bronte is known to have stayed with her friend Ellen Nussey at Hathersage Vicarage in 1845 and it is generally believed that she based Morton, in her novel, Jane Eyre, on the village and probably the heroine's surname, from the ancient Eyre family, who had been lords of the manor here for 800 years. 

Stanage Edge overlooks the village and can be reached by a minor road that leads up Hood Brook. This road passes quite close to North Lee Hall. The edge is a magnet for rock climbers who come from all parts of the country, including many novices as the edge offers all grades of climbing difficulty. 
 

St Michael's Church is thought to date back to the 12th century though building work has been recorded from 1381. It sits in a superb position high up in the village, commanding extensive views of the Derwent valley. It has a Perp west tower and a crocketed recessed spire and contains a collection of brasses to the Eyre family. 
 

Hathersage boasts a superb outdoor swimming pool, open to the public during the summer months and there are several pubs and hotels in the village.

 

 

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