A TO Z HIGHLIGHTS OF SOUTH DERBYSHIRE - PART 10

Old Market Hall, Swadlincote
Old Market Hall, Swadlincote

SWADLINCOTE

In 1086, at the time of the Domesday Book, Swadlincote was just a small manor and part of Church Gresley. Today, it is the largest town in South Derbyshire with a population of over 30,000. The town is made up of three separate settlements – Swadlincote, Church Gresley and Newhall. These combine with the parishes of Woodville and Castle Gresley.

During the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, the principal industries were coal mining, brick-making and the manufacture of clay products, including pottery. These industries have largely disappeared and have been replaced by a variety of engineering, manufacturing businesses and service industries. The loss of major industries inevitably led to a decline in the area, but thanks to various initiatives, Swadlincote is now well on the way to recovery. The planting of the Woodlands Park has extended The National Forest right into Swadlincote. The forest has been Britain’s most ambitious environmental project for over 1,000 years. It covers 200 square miles and combines new planting with existing woodland. During the first ten years over six million trees have been planted and the wooded cover increased from six to sixteen per cent. Access has been improved and over 20 new tourist attractions opened.

SWADLINCOTE – SHARPE’S POTTERY MUSEUM

The museum and visitor centre at Swadlincote, tells the story of the South Derbyshire Pottery industry from the 16th to the 21st century. Ranked second only in status to that of Stoke-on-Trent for pottery manufacture. The town in the early part of the 19th century exported vast quantities of household pottery to the USA. In the mid-19th century, Sharpes patented the ‘box rim’, a new way of flushing the toilet. Once, the new toilet flush was introduced, Swadlincote was at the forefront of manufacturing the new invention. It was found that the high aluminium content of the local clay made it especially suitable for ‘salt glazing’ giving the clay a tough, virtually indestructible finish, ideal for sewage pipes. Sewerage pipes made in the town are in use all over the world, including in the Houses of Parliament.

Sharpe’s Pottery closed in 1967, after a working life of 146 years. Six years later a fire caused extensive damage. Fortunately, the kiln and enough of the building survived to make rescue possible. In the 1990s, it was part of a regeneration project to create a museum and visitor centre. Today, the museum exhibits cover the period from the 16th century to the present day. The latest interactive technology enables visitors to discover the fascinating facts of South Derbyshire pottery, with video clips, old newsreels and photographs. The premises house a Tourist Information Centre. Undoubtedly, the whole complex is one of South Derbyshire’s gems.

Sharpe's Pottery Museum
Sharpe's Pottery Museum, Swadlincote
Alexandra Street, Swadlincote
Alexandra Street, Swadlincote

SWADLINCOTE – SNOW SPORTS CENTRE

One of South Derbyshire’s most unusual attractions is the popular Swadlincote Snow Sports Centre. Built on a spoil tip of coal mining waste, it was opened by five-time Olympian and Ski Sunday presenter Graham Bell, in 1987. The leisure facility offers dry ski slope skiing, snowboarding, toboggan and snow-tubing. Everyone is welcome from experienced skiers to complete beginners and those who want to enjoy the other facilities. 

Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards warmed the hearts of the nation when he competed for Great Britain in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, despite coming last in both the 70m and 90m events. He learned to ski at Swadlincote on the dry ski slope and still visits from time to time. His story of true British spirit was made into a film and proved a popular box-office attraction. He remains a well-known figure. 

SWADLINCOTE – WOODLANDS AND PARK

The 80-acre woodland park, with 40,000 new trees, brings the National Forest right to the edge of Swadlincote town centre. Developed on a former landfill and open cast site, the park offers play and picnic areas and a climbing rock. A network of footpaths also crisscrosses the site with information panels along the way to help you enjoy the arts and heritage features.

Snow Sports Centre, Swadlincote
Snow Sports Centre, Swadlincote
Woodlands Park, Swadlincote
Woodlands Park, Swadlincote

SWARKESTONE

This small, quiet South Derbyshire village with a population of less than 200 is set on the banks of the River Trent. Over 275 years ago it was the scene of one of the most momentous incidents in English history, often referred to as the ‘45’. From the time when James II, the last Stuart King of England went into exile in France in 1688, the Jacobites had attempted several times to regain the throne. All had failed and in 1745, it was the turn of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, frequently known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, to try to overthrow the English Monarch. Support for the cause was half-hearted, but enough clansmen were raised for the march south.

The English though were unprepared for an invasion, most of the troops were abroad and King George, fearing the worst, was preparing to return to Germany. On 4 December 1745, Charles Edward Stuart and his army reached Derby and made arrangements for the capture of the strategically important Swarkestone Bridge. It was the only bridge on the River Trent, between Burton and Nottingham. Charles and his supporters were unaware of the panic the uprising had caused in London, and with no signs of help coming from France or a revolt in support of the campaign. A meeting was held at Exeter House in Derby, when the Jacobite generals decided to retreat, despite the protestations of their leader. If the march had continued, it would probably have been successful and the whole course of British history changed. In memory of this important event, a cairn has been erected at Swarkestone Bridge, in the gardens of the Crewe and Harpur Arms. It marks the southernmost point reached by an advanced party of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army. 

SWARKESTONE BRIDGE AND CAUSEWAY

At a length of three-quarters of a mile, it is the longest stone bridge in England and holds Grade I listed building status. There has been a bridge here for 800 years, and at one time a bridge chapel and toll house stood partway across the bridge. It is still today an important crossing place and has become increasingly busy with traffic in recent years. The narrowness of the bridge has led to frequent accidents often requiring repairs to the bridge wall.

According to local legend, the building of Swarkestone Bridge in the 13th century is attributable to two sisters who saw their lovers drown trying to cross the River Trent on horseback. They crossed the flooded meadows safely, but then either missed the ford altogether or were swept off by the strong current. The horrified sisters saw all this happen through a hall window and vowed to ensure no one else met the same fate. They spent the rest of their lives having the bridge built and died penniless as a result.

Summer House, Swarkestone
Summer House, Swarkestone
Swarkestone Bridge and Causeway
Swarkestone Bridge and Causeway