Haddon Hall
This is a continuation of the previous post, on our long weekend away in the Peak District.
Another fine day exploring the area around Baslow. In summary: Peak Village, Haddon Hall, Baslow Pottery, David Mellor Design, short walk around Eyam Village, overnight in Fischer’s Hotel Baslow.
Denby Pottery at Peak Village
I recently started taking more care of my indoor plants, creating grouped displays on tables and large trays. The plants seem to like each other’s company and have done well, so I am always on the lookout for more plant pots. Peak Village consists of a small collection of individual shops. Surprisingly it was open at 10am on a Sunday, so we looked around for a few minutes before heading to Haddon Hall. Denby Pottery is still made in England, on its original site in Derbyshire.
Haddon Hall (Historic Houses)
Fans of British historic drama might recognise Haddon Hall as a film location, including three versions of Jane Eyre. This is a magnificent property, and one I will be keen to show to visiting guests.
First views of Haddon Hall (exterior)
The Long Hall
The gardens
I have always liked hand-made pottery. I had an uncle who lived in the Southern Malaysian state of Johor and once, on the way to Singapore, he brought my mother and me to visit Aw Pottery. I was allowed to buy one item – a pottery fruit (I think it was a mangosteen or a pumpkin) with a slot on top so I could save my pocket money coins.
Towards the end of the Covid lockdown I took some pottery courses, which made me appreciate how hard it is to a craft a plate, or anything, without it going way out of shape on the pottery wheel. People often ask why I do not continue to attend lessons, and the simple answer is a) that it really is cheaper to buy a piece of pottery than to take long courses and b) this way I get to have a variety of serving plates and bowls.
I bought two plates made by the potter Ray Gridley, which I shall call my River Plates. The glaze in the middle of the plates reminds me of a river bisecting a city, perhaps Paris or London.
David Mellor Design, Heathersage
David Mellor cutlery is manufactured in a purpose-built factory called the Round Building. Guided factory tours are given on Sundays, booking required. Their on-site cafe is excellent.
I learnt an interesting fact about the everyday street furniture found on our high streets up and down the country.
Given our recent experience of the Covid pandemic, it was very sad to walk along the row of cottages in Eyam village where multiple occupants died in quick succession from the Great Plague of 1665 – 66. Decisive action was taken to isolate the village from surrounding areas in order to contain the Plague.
Each year a Plague commemoration service held is in the local church on the last Sunday in August, this year being the 360th anniversary of the start of the Plague. A stained-glass window inside the church tells the story of the Plague in Eyam Village.
This weekend away was the idea of Travel Couple, who were on their way back from Scotland. It was a last minute decision on our part to meet up with them so we managed to get one night only at tonight’s hotel, Fischer’s Baslow Hall. This is located across the road from last night’s hotel. I preferred Fischer’s on account of the bigger room, better table service and above all, the beautiful gardens.
Overall this was a leisurely day. Steps done: 8,236. Photos of the house and garden at Fischer’s Baslow Hall below.
