Matlock Walk: Town Centre【4K】

Located in the county of Derbyshire, and around halfway between Derby and Sheffield, is the town of Matlock.

The name 'Matlock' derives from Old English 'mæthal' and 'ac', meaning 'oak tree where meetings are held'. Initially the area was a collection of small villages lying alongside the River Derwent. This changed around the end of the 17th century.

In 1698, thermal springs, with a constant temperature of 20 degrees Celsius/68 degrees Fahrenheit, were discovered and a small establishment called 'The Matlock Bath' was established. This supplied what became the Old Bath Hotel (later the Royal), with the waters being used to remedy aches, pains and other ailments.

Matlock Bath (which is actually the name of the neighbouring village a mile south of the town of Matlock) quickly developed as a popular spa resort. In 1745 the 'New Bath' was opened as 'the cure' became increasingly popular with visitors. In 1832 Princess Victoria visited Matlock Bath five years before becoming queen. A number of hydros (i.e. curative bath houses) were built, the largest of which came in 1853 courtesy of local textile industrialist John Smedley. In 1862 Riber Castle was built, also by Smedley, overlooking Matlock from a hill.

The railway arrived in Matlock in 1849. It was opened by the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midland Junction Railway. This brought about an influx of new visitors to the town. In 1968 services north of Matlock were withdrawn, effectively making Matlock the northern terminus of the Derwent Valley Line to Derby. However, a preserved railway line consisting of over three miles of track remains in place, running between Matlock and the village of Rowsley. This is run by Peak Rail who provide steam train rides for special events for rail enthusiasts.

In 1893 Matlock Cable Tramway opened. This was the earliest non-horse tramway in the country and, at the time, the steepest tramway in the world. It closed in 1927.

In the 1950s, Smedley Hydro closed. It was purchased by Derbyshire County Council, where to this day it has become their headquarters. Matlock is the county town of Derbyshire.

Whilst the hydrotherapy spas have long since closed, Matlock and the neighbouring village of Matlock Bath remain popular with tourists. The latter is home to the Heights of Abraham - a hilltop park accessible via either cable car or a steep zigzag path. Matlock Bath is also home to the theme park, Gulliver's Kingdom.

Matlock is represented in sport by Matlock Town Football Club. Founded in 1878, they play their home games at Causeway Lane - featured at the end of the walk.

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Filmed: 24th January 2022

Link to the walk on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/YnqeFBmvTe4PFHad6

Filmed on a Sony FDR-AX700 with a Zhiyun Crane 2 and a Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 River Derwent
0:06 Dale Road
3:48 Snitterton Road
4:00 River Derwent
4:17 Snitterton Road
5:02 Bakewell Road
7:08 Bank Road
9:12 Causeway Lane
10:25 Firs Parade
12:05 Causeway Lane