Derbyshire Places (3) : Matlock Bath

Matlock Bath is a relatively recently formed community especially compared to nearby Old Matlock. However people have lived and worked in the area for thousands of years, with mines on the hills overlooking Matlock Bath having been worked in Roman times. These hills are known as the Heights of Abraham and a cable car takes visitors up to them.

The discovery of warm springs in 1698 on a road alongside the Derwent river near Matlock led to the construction of a bath house. A village began to be built up around the springs which had royal patronage in the early nineteenth century and became a fashionable Victorian spa. Matlock Bath was called Little Switzerland thanks to Lord Byron comparing it with Alpine retreats. The Swiss feel is reflected in some of the architecture of station buildings at Matlock Bath railway station which are clearly inspired by Alpine chalets!

Matlock Bath remains a tourist destination well known for it's many fish and chip shops and arcades. It is also home to the Peak District Lead Mine Museum.

Leicester and the King

Although I have been to Leicester station quite a lot, especially lately, it has been usually to change trains and I have only actually left the station once before! So yesterday I ventured into Leicester again, the main objective being to see the tomb of King Richard III who was famously found in an ex-car park a few years ago and finally reburied in the cathedral.

Leicester cathedral and the Richard III exhibition are both excellent and well worth a visit. I like the city too, I must go more often. You can see my photos here.

BGLR : Departure

It has been a quiet week at Birches Green though the third (and final) coach for the heritage train has been ordered. We have been playing about with an iPhone tripod to record video that's not as shaky. The effect isn't bad.

Manchester rails and trams

Of course during the trip to Manchester there was some rail photography, at the two main Manchester railway stations. There was also some travelling on the Metrolink tram. You can see my photos of railways and trams here.

Ashton canal

It is always good to visit a new canal and in my trip to Manchester on Monday I did just that. Manchester (like Birmingham) has plenty of canals but while i had walked the Rochdale and Bridgewater canals already I hadn't been on the Ashton canal. I only walked a short way but still took in two arms, two basins and an aqueduct! You can see my Ashton Canal photos here.