Bamford
OS Grid ref:- SK207835
The characterful Peak District village of Bamford (also known as Bamford with Thornhill) is situated 11 miles west of Sheffield and 25 miles east of Manchesterand is surrounded by high moorland; to the north are the Gritstone edges of Derwent and Bamford, and to the west lies the peak of Win Hill.
The village is of ancient origin and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Banford, most likely deriving from the Anglo-Saxon Beamford meaning "tree-trunk ford". It remained a small agricultural village until the corn mill, which was burned down in around 1780, was converted to a water powered cotton spinning mill.
Bamford has a sculpture trail, commemorates the Millennium, and consists of a walk of around 5 miles which circles the village. There are four public houses, the award winning Yorkshire Bridge Inn in the village was once home to former Blue Peter presenter Peter Purves.
Bamford hosts a village carnival, which is usually held on the third week of July. The carnival takes place throughout the week, various events are held for each day, the carnival being centred around the ancient Derbyshire custom of well dressing. The blessing of the well takes place on the Sunday and is followed by the crowning of the Queen, Princess and Rosebud in the church.
The following Wednesday hosts the Senior fell race, other events include the junior fell race, teen group challenge, car treasure hunt, village history fair and pub quiz. The Saturday hosts the actual carnival day. The procession parades through the village ending at the recreation ground, where there are games and entertainment. The queens arena is a huge and popular event.
Ladybower Reservoir
The village church of St John the Baptist dates from circa 1860. The churchyard also contains some re-interred graves from the nearly villages of Derwent and Ashopton which were drowned following the creation of Ladybower Reservoir.
Across the valley sits Thornhill Hall, which was once the seat of the Eyres a local gentry family. Further up the valley are the Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs.
Nearby places of interest
Upper Derwent Valley-spectacular valley containing some of the most stunning scenery in the Peak District National Park
Kinder Scout, a moorland plateau, rising to 636 metres (2,087 ft) which is highest point in the Peak District.
Lyme Park is situated in a spectacular moorland setting at Disley near Stockport on the edge of the Peak District National Park. The house and surrounding estate are owned by the National Trust. The lavishly decorated Italianate house has spectacular seventeen acre gardens, which include the Victorian Garden and Edwardian rose garden.
Mellor Iron Age Fort Iron Age settlement discovered in the 1990's, occupied from the Bronze Age to the Romano-British period, featuring a reconstructed Iron Age roundhouse.
Dunge Valley Gardens are situated just to the west of Windgather Rocks and are well worth a visit, especially in April and May when the rhododendron's are in bloom.