Pictures of Holbrook

About Holbrook

Holbrook is a pretty hill top village typical of the many charming Derbyshire villages lying close to the edge of the Peak District National Park.

It is noted for its fine views over the Derbyshire countryside and for 17th century Holbrook Hall and St.Michaels Church of the 18th century which originated as a private chapel for the family of Holbrook Hall.

The village history is steeped in Roman times, as is evidenced by the finding of two Roman kilns discovered in the village in the 1960's, and the ancient Roman Portway which runs through Holbrook. Later turnpike roads were introduced, the toll-house of one can still be seen on the road to Makeney.

Little seems to have altered around here since H.P.Channon described the place as a quiet, pleasing village. It has a quintessential Englishness with a collection of old traditional properties and some of a newer build. Of the older properties Holbrook Hall is the best known, this was built in 1646, numbered amongst its illustrious residents have been the mother of Sarah, the Duchess or York and prior to this it was the home of Mrs.C.E. Arkwright whose husband was a direct descendent of Richard Arkwright. Another famous family living in the town was the Bourne's, owners of Denby Pottery, they built Southwood House in the 1880's, this is now the Holbrook Centre.

In 1835 St.Michael's Church passed from being the private chapel to Holbrook Hall to become the village's parish church. Despite much restoration work during the 19th century there remain many fine features to be seen, including interesting tombstones in the churchyard.

There are some ancient Almshouses, and a few old inns including the Dead Poets Inn of the 19th century and the noted Spotted Cow and The Wheel. Holbrook is ideal for exploring the wider Derbyshire area, it has a heritage of stocking manufacture, indeed stockings from here went to the Royal houses of England and Spain. Framework knitting was a one time cottage industry, but this had vanished by the time of the Second World War.

Holbrook lies on the River Derwent between Milford and Makeney, it gives easy access to the fine City of Derby, Nottingham City and the towns of Ilkeston and Ripley.