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| Peak Forest does not have many trees, for it is named after the Royal Forest of the Peak, which in this area was probably simply open country rather than forest in the normal sense of the word. North-west of the village lies Chamber Farm, where the Swainmote (one of the courts of the Royal Forest) used to meet, but the present building dates from the eighteenth century, long after the forest was abolished.
The current church dates only from the late 19th century, but the church on this site has an interesting history. It was founded in 1657 by the Countess of Devonshire (at a time when the Commonwealth had forbidden churchbuilding), and is one of a very few in the country dedicated to Charles the King and Martyr - so it is clear where the Devonshires' sympathies lay! Until the late eighteenth century the vicar had the right to conduct marriages between 'any persons', 'from anywhere' and 'at any time'. The village hence became a sort of local Gretna Green.
A less accessible feature of Peak Forest is Eldon Hole, one of the seven wonders of the Peak. It is the deepest local pothole; an alarming, evil-looking chasm in the side of Eldon Hill to the north of the village. Access from the village is via Eldon Lane, and is a half-hour walk. The hole is approximately 60 metres deep, but was probably once much deeper, having been part-filled by stones over the years. It was first descended in 1780 and is now quite regularly descended by potholers.
The village has a shop and a pub, the Devonshire Arms. There is a well-dressing in mid-July. |
Nearby Places of Interest| Bagshaw Cavern | Bagshaw Cavern, a cave system in Bradwell, Hope Valley, Derbyshire. A largely natural cave system discovered by lead miners in 1806. Open to the public on summer weekends as a show cave and for Adventure Caving. | | Blue John Mine | Blue John Mine, Mam Tor, Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire is a popular cavern which was once mined for lead and Blue John. | | Chestnut Centre, Chapel-en-le-Frith | The Chestnut Centre otter and owl sanctuary has otters, owls, wild cats, foxes and other animals. Based near Ford Hall, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire. | | Eldon Hole | Eldon Hole is one of the seven wonders of the Peak. It is the deepest local pothole; an alarming, evil-looking chasm in the side of Eldon Hill to the north of the village of Peak Forest, Derbyshire. | | Mam Tor | Mam Tor is an Iron Age fort overlooking Castleton and Hope Valley, Derbyshire. It has the remains of impressive Iron Age ramparts and a splendid view. | | Peak Cavern | Peak Cavern (the Devil's Arse) Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, is the largest and most famous cavern at Castleton and the only totally natural one. | | Peveril Castle | Peveril Castle, Castleton, Hope Valley. A Norman and mediaeval castle founded in 1080 by William Peveril - an illegitimate son of William I - in what was then the Royal Forest of the Peak. | | Speedwell Cavern | Speedwell Cavern at Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire is the most popular cavern in the Castleton area and boasts several large chambers and an underwater canal. | | Tideswell Church | Tideswell Church, Derbyshire, is known as the 'Cathedral of the Peak' because it is the largest and most beautiful church in the area. It has several fine carved tombs. | | Treak Cliff Cavern | Treak Cliff Cavern, Mam Tor, Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire is a popular cavern famous for its Blue John. | | Winnats Pass | Winnats Pass, Castleton, Derbyshire, is a long collapsed limestone cave system which now forms a steep sided and craggy valley. |
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