Ashbourne
The town of Ashbourne developed from a small Saxon village first mentioned in the Domesday Book. Here it is referred to under its medieval name of Esseburn.
This is from pre 7th century Olde English ‘aesc’ (the ash trees) plus ‘burna’ a stream or brook, the stream where the ash trees grew.
Bonny Prince Charlie proclaimed his father king of England when he was in Ashbourne on his abortive march on London, and Oliver Cromwell took a few pot shots with his artillery at St Oswalds Church but generally History, seems to have passed Ashbourne by.
It came to prominence in the 18th and 19th century with six coaching roads meeting here, including the route from London to Carlisle.
Ashbourne is home to the famous annual Shrovetide Football, game which has received Royal recognition by two Princes of Wales. The ball was ‘turned up’ by Prince Edward in 1928 and by Prince Charles in 2003. See full post.
The legacy of over 200 listed buildings, fine coaching inns and mellow town houses combine to create a unique atmosphere. Lying in a lovely green valley on the southern edge of the Peak District, the town attracts many visitors who come to enjoy a scene which has changed little in appearance since the 18th century.
With the advent of new railways in the 1840s, Ashbourne’s coaching traffic collapsed.
The town declined economically, becoming virtually fossilised as the Georgian town which survives today.
A branch line from Uttoxeter opened in 1852 and later extended to Buxton in 1899.
The major employers were the ‘stay works’ or corset factory, which was erected in the 1860’s, small malthouses and clockwork foundries.
Much of the population lived in terraced cottages in the many ‘yards’ such as Coxen’s Yard or Tiger Yard behind the main streets. In 1851 the town had some 35 -inns and public houses for a population of about 3,500.
A few hostelries are left clustered round the steep market place with the George & Dragon at the top and The Horns at the bottom – a short walk down Compton brings you toThe Bridge – more of a Gastropub than the others. At the top of Buxton Hill is The Bowling Green now offers a brilliant steak menu.
The town now attracts many visitors who come to enjoy a scene which has changed little in appearance since the 18th century, but offers todays visitors with a good selection of shops, restaurants and bars. Wandering down Church Street there are a good selection of antique and bric a brac emporiums. Spurior Smith’s have been established for 20years and offer an eclectic selection of ‘antiques’.
Ashbourne is home to the famous annual Shrovetide Football, a game which has received Royal recognition by two Princes of Wales. The ball was ‘turned up’ by Prince Edward in 1928 and by Prince Charles in 2003. See full post.
Location
- Ashbourne
- DE6 1AN