Calver is a pleasant , small, stone built village, situated in the Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park, 5 miles north of Bakewell. The River Derwent flows through the village, and is crossed by a fine 18th century bridge. The area is popular with tourists and walkers.
Calver |
Calver |
Calver Mill |
Calver Mill |
Calver |
Lead mining and lime burning were the earliest forms of industry in the village and evidence of an early Anglo Saxon settlement was revealed when skeletons were found in a limestone rock during exploration in 1860. Calver Sough Mine at the northern end of the village, and a boot factory, manufacturing metal capped boots used by the mining industry at home and abroad, provided locals with work. However the factory closed down in the late 20th century and is now home to several different units, a bowling green, and closeby is a garden centre.
In the centre of the village is an old cross, and there are several pubs, including the Eyre Arms, the Derwentwater Arms and the nearby Bridge Inn which is technically is in Curbar.
Calver Mill was first built in 1785 but destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1805 when it became a thriving cotton mill employing a large number of local people. It finished producing cotton in 1923 and has had a number of uses since then, including the role of Colditz Castle in the television series, Colditz. It has now been developed into modern flats.
Calver shares a school and a church situated in Curbar, with which it has close ties, as it does with Froggatt. It continues to be a thriving and lively community. Cliff College is a Christian theological college in Calver , that teaches Biblical Theology at the undergraduate level and a number of mission courses to postgraduates. Also
Stoke Hall , a Grade II* listed 30-room Georgian Palladian mansion is situated near the village. Stoke Hall is a handsome country house of considerable stature , described by the architectural historian Pevsner as ‘quite stately’. The Hall stands amidst mature grounds of approximately 22.5 acres with fine views over its own land and across the Derwent Valley.
Situated at Calver bridge is the Derbyshire Craft Centre, which boasts the largest selection of Pottery and crafts in the country. It also has a restaurant and a children's playroom. It is open every day except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, from 10am to 6pm. Tel Hope Valley 631231 for more details.
