crich area community news

Our theme on past pubs has run its course. Thank you to those people that responded to the queries raised, particularly regarding Chadwick Nick.

In the winter 2010 edition of the magazine I showed a modern photograph containing the remains of the adverts written on the wall for what used to be the Royal Oak pub. This pub has its name recorded in history, since that row of cottages on The Common is still named Royal Oak Terrace. This picture shows the pub in its heyday with what appears to be a handcart parked outside.
This photo is of Stephenson’s mineral railway and shows a diesel train crossing Chadwick Nick Lane on its way to Top Hagg and then down the “Steep”, laden with limestone destined for the lime kilns at Ambergate.
This picture has been taken looking down at Bull Bridge and also shows the Cromford Canal. Presumably the canal was used to carry limestone rock in its raw state as well as after it had been processed in the kilns.
This view is of Crich from Thorpe Hill Wood, with the Church and the old Stand visible on the skyline. The Hat Factory is in the middle of the picture with Hilts and Warners quarries in the background.
I will finish off this article with a question. This abandoned doorway is near the centre of the village. But do you know where it is?

As usual our thanks go to all those who have donated images to the Crich Photo Archive, and in particular to Ken Jackson and Brian Key.

Brian Gibbons