The weather was not cooperating so what to do? I know, 'let's visit the nearest National Trust property.' This turned out to be "The Market House" in the lovely village of Winster, Derbyshire. Winster is set in a valley with 12th century origins based on lead mining and farming. Permission to hold weekly markets was tightly regulated by the Lord of the Manor, in this case the Earl of Massereene, Anthony Eyre. The Market House was constructed in 1570 as an elevated one floor structure made of rough blocks of local limestone. A second floor was added later in the 17th century and is now an information centre. The National Trust purchased the building in 1906 for fifty pounds, its first acquisition! The building has been extensively repaired by the Manners family (8th Duke of Rutland) of Haddon Hall. The Manners family have connections to the Dukes of Devonshire (Cavendish) of Chatsworth fame and indirectly "wrong side of the blanket" to Margaret Thatcher, snigger snigger!
Our short journey started with typical Derbyshire weather - cool and misty but brightened later so we could explore. I loved Winster especially the houses which were squeezed in higgledy-piggledy at all different angles. Some were grand and eloquent while some were small and simple, but they were all so solid! The houses seemed to say 'We've been here for generations and here we're staying'. Each house had their own special plaque.
Winston had come to fame and wealth through lead mining, but had suffered the fate of other villages losing its local shop. The residents were determined and together bought the shop and post office. It was vibrant with local products. Its worth zooming in to the shop window to see all the clubs and regular events they have. My kind of village.
The Market House was interesting as it had a history and model of the town, along with photos of the school, headmasters and pupils. 'Spare the rod and spoil the child' seemed to be the motto, with a thrashing each morning being part of the routine!
Bring back the good old days!
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