|
|
Abney
ABNEY
Abney is a secluded cluster of cottages nestling in a hollow, sheltered and protected from the surrounding high moors by an arboreal shield of trees. Located high above the Hope Valley, Abney is not far from the Great Hucklow Gliding Club on Camphill, and is close to Offerton Moor which is a beautiful heather-clad expanse containing rare and beautiful forms of wildlife. Abney Clough on the other hand is a secret wooded valley where paths and tracks wind down to cross over peat rich streams. Abney (Habenai in the Domesday Book) belonged to William Peverill also known as the ‘Peveril of the Peak. The settlement probably derives its name from Abba’s ey which means island, and it certainly appears as an oasis in the vast expanse of moorland which surrounds it. A censure in 1821 stated that the hamlet of Abney contained 23 houses, as many families and 143 inhabitants. There were 20 families employed in agriculture and 3 in trade. A footpath on the outskirts of the villages leads up to Smelting Hill and access to the moor which can be like walking through a purple haze when the heather is in flower. In the skies above it is sometimes possible to see marlins , harriers and hawks preying for their next meal! From Smelting Hill there are wondrous views down onto the Hope Valley and across to the summits of Win Hill and Lose Hill with Kinder and Bleaklow in the distance away to the north. Over to the east there are The Surprise and Longshaw Lodge, and if the weather is clear you should even be able to make out the air ventilation shaft for Totley tunnel away on the horizon. Not far from Abney is Offerton Hall. The present building dates from 1658, although a house is thought to have stood on this site as far back as the 12th century. It is a classic north Derbyshire manor house with twin projecting gables and mullioned windows. The soot-blackened chimney stack is said to have a massive girth of forty feet. Highlow Hall and its fabulous range of contemporary farm buildings can be found on the outskirts of Abney on the road to Hathersage . Set behind a ball-topped gateway, Highlow is quite spectacular. Not vast in size, but with its battlemented façade and two-storey porch, Highlow has a most romantic appearance. Little wonder that this reputedly haunted hall has a romantic attachment. Highlow was once the home of a family called Archer, but then passed on to the Eyre family through the marriage of one of two sisters. Nicholas Eyre was betrothed to the elder sister, but in true fairytale style he shifted his attentions to the younger sister. On finding out that her intended husband had become her intended brother-in-law, the heartbroken girl fled, never to be heard of again, apart that is from the occasional spectral visitation on the stairs of the Hall when she is said to curse Nicholas for his adulterous deed. She is also said to have foretold the downfall of the Eyre empire, and strangely enough the Eyre family did lose its power and strength as she predicted. However, this was not enough to appease the poor girl’s soul and the ‘white lady of Highlow’ is still said to appear from time to time, crossing the courtyard and ascending the oak staircase with a rustle of skirts and petticoats. In Abney Clough there is a lovely crossing of Highlow Brook at Stoke Ford. At this point the brook changes its name and becomes Bretton Brook upstream to its source. Here there are woodlands and rough pasture with larch, spruce and pine, but this was in fact cultivated and farmed to some extent a couple of centuries ago. In the 19th century Bretton Clough had five farms. Gotheredge Farm which was of 17th century construction was last owned by a man called Billy Bingham who stayed there until around 1860, after which the farm fell to ruin. Gotheredge Barn however can still be found on maps. Gotheredge Farm was the setting of a vicious murder about 1785. An Abney man named ‘Blinker’ Bland came with accomplices one night with the intention of robbing the farmer of his savings. Unknown to them his money was safely banked. When the farmer recognised Blinker as one of the intended robbers ransacking his home, he was hit over the head with a milking stool and fatally wounded. His wife ran for help in her nightdress to neighbours at Fairest Clough Farm (also now demolished). The villains were later caught and it is said brought to justice. On the side of Abney Low is Cockey Farm which was the birthplace of William Newton in 1750. Born the son of a carpenter, he acclaimed fame as a poet and became known as the ‘Minstrel of the Peak’. William later became manager of Cressbrook Mill.
|
|
|
| Latest News |
|---|
|
30th July
4 star rated Sheldon Barn is offering a week from Friday 13th August, including a fully cooked breakfast, delivered to your door. For more information give us a call on 01629 813067/07976 965092... |
|
30th July
Eastview Cottage, Eyam Sleeps 5, Available 4 nights commencing Monday throughout August ; 2nd / 9th / 16th /and 23rd. Two people £280 parties of 4 and 5 £350. Contact Andrew on 07900 192838 or ... |
|
30th July
When the sun is shining, the sights, sounds and smells of outdoor dining on a balmy English summer evening are pretty hard to beat. For a limited time, multi award-winning East Lodge hotel and restaur... |
|
27th July
Set in stunning countryside, Meadow Suite offers a unique bed and breakfast experience for two people. The suite has four ground floor rooms with an added feature of having a well equipped kitchen. Y... |
|
26th July
Get up close to a range of owls, falcons, hawks as well as the awesome Golden Eagle, Cuddles. Flying displays will take place at 1pm and again at 3pm enabling visitors to see these beautiful birds in ... |
|
26th July
Gingerbread Cottage, Bakewell - late availability for w/c 7 August and 14 August. Delightful 4* cottage in the heart of Bakewell, sleeps 4 people. £540 per week. Short breaks available. ... |
|
26th July
Peaceful edge of village location, sleeps 5, ideal base for exploring the Peak District. Reduced rates throughout September for smaller groups: 4 people - 10% discount; 3 people - 15% discount; 2 peop... |
|
23rd July
See one of our fantastic reviews from a group of 20 University friends who rented all 3 properties for exclusive use. [li... |
|
22nd July
Toad Cottage 17th Century Two Bedroom, Two Bathroom cottage lots of character is available from 3.00pm on Tuesday 17th August until 10.00am on Friday 20th August now only £230.00 was £295.00. If you a... |
|
22nd July
The Lodge @ Dale End House - Sleeps 2, is now unexpectedly available from Friday 23rd until Tuesday 27th July 2010. Found on a quiet lane between Elton and Youlgreave, the Lodge enjoys unspoilt count... |
|
20th July
Located in the beautiful village of Winster where you can discover little lanes and alleyways on leisurely walks. The accommodation provides two double rooms with kingsize beds and one twin bedded ro... |
|
20th July
FRI 30TH JULY - FRI 6TH AUGUST 20% OFF!! 3 nights (Fri - Mon) 4 nights (Mon - Fri) or go wild and stay for the 7 nights!! Luxurious accommodation for 2 in quiet village location 10 mins drive fro... |
|
20th July
Albertine Barn (sleeps 8)- Fri. 20th August 2010 - 7 nights £1060 Fri. 27th August 2010 - 7 nights £1060 Maigold Cottage (sleeps 4) - Fri. 27th August 2010 - 7 nights £496 [link=http://www.pe... |
|
20th July
It's lights, camera and action as multi award-winning Peak District hotel and restaurant East Lodge launches its all new Exclusively Yours wedding DVD. ... |
|
15th July
AVAILABILITY Fri 23rd JULY (first week school holidays) - NOW £600. HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN CENTRE OF BAKEWELL. Beautifully furnished cottage for up to 6 adults right in the centre of Bakewell with court... |
|
15th July
A small taste of heaven in the popular village of Castleton is opening for business on Saturday. The Food Angel Coffee Shop offers freshly made sandwiches, fresh paninis, jacket potatoes, Salad boxes... |
|
15th July
Fed up of going away with the family and going to bed with the children. Brand new family Suite comprising of separate double and bunk bed room with private bathroom. All self contained. Call for fu... |
|
14th July
A wonderfully romantic cottage for two (ETB 5 star grading). Fantastic location (Manifold Valley and Dovedale), stunning views and great walking straight from the door! 25% late availability dis... |
|
13th July
Matchcroft Well equipped barn conversion in an ideal location for the Hope Valley ; Friday and Saturday 2 people £140 , 4 people £200. Eastview , Eyam sleeps 5 , 2 people £140, 4 people £200. See ww... |
|
13th July
Shamble Cottage, Ashford in the Water. Four star rated, Grade 2 listed ex stocking mill reduced 33% for 2 people staying 7 days to £400. If required for 4 people cost is £450. Contact Andrew on 07900 ... |
|
Newsletter |
Please enter your email address below to receive our newsletter emails
|
|
|
|
