Wirksworth

Wirksworth is a market town in Derbyshire, England. It has a population of approximately five thousand. Historically it grew up as a centre for lead mining (see derbyshire lead mining history). Perhaps the finest building in Wirksworth is St. Mary's Church, which was one of the first centres of Christian teaching in England and is believed to date back to around 653AD. The ancient Wirksworth hundred was named after the town.

Related Topics:
Town - Derbyshire - England - Lead - Mining - Derbyshire lead mining history - Wirksworth - Hundred

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Many of the institutions in the area have connections with the Gell family, whose most famous member was Sir John Gell. One of his predecessors, Anthony Gell, founded the local grammar school, and one of his successors, Phillip Gell, opened the curiously-named Via Gellia, from the family's lead mines around Wirksworth to the smelter in Cromford.

Related Topics:
John Gell - Cromford

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;Events

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• Early June: The Wirksworth Well Dressing and Carnival
• First Sunday after the 8th of September: The clypping of the church. An ancient custom, still observed, where the congregation joins hands to completely encircle the church.
• Late September: The Wirksworth Festival

Some visitor attractions in Wirksworth include:

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• Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
• Steeple Grange Light Railway

The Peak District National Park lies just north of Wirksworth.

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Wirksworth: External links ►