Matlock

Matlock Victorian Christmas 2005

Over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th December Matlock Town Council are promoting parades, entertainment and the switching on of the Christmas Lights. The provisional programme includes: Santa's grotto, over 100 craft and food stalls with entertainment from 10am. On the Saturday it is planned to have a torch light parade from the Red House Stables with the Christmas lights switched on at 16:45. This is followed by Christmas entertainment. On Sunday the programme is similar with, again, a torch light parade from Red House Stables. For further information, contact the Town Council on 01629 57488

Matlock

This is a small town with ample shops to store up on provisions and fuel.

Matlock was noted for its many hydros. None of them are in use today, although some buildings remain. The largest, Smedley's, is now used for the offices of the Derbyshire County Council. Probably the most ornate is Rockside, which is now part of the College of Education.

Hall Leys Gardens, between the River Derwent and the A615, can be accessed from both sides of the River Derwent. This River used to flood badly in years gone by, but modern flood prevention measures have been installed which has reduced the damaging effects. On the bridge over the river nearest the bandstand there are plaques to mark the height of previous floods. On Sunday 8th December 1960 the river rose to 1 metre above the bridge; on Thursday 9th December 1965 it rose to 1.7 metres (nearly 6 foot) above the bridge. These particular floods caused an immense amount of damage to shops and houses in the area.

On the other side of the Gardens, access from the road to the park is via ramps and gaps in a low, but long wall. These gaps can be closed off in times of flood to confine the water to the park area and thus prevent damage to building in the town.

In the floods of December 1991, the walls prevented the water flooding the town. The water rose ??? above the normal river level (??? below the top of the walls).

By the walls are a refreshment kiosk and public conveniences.

Hall Leys Gardens have one of the best views of Riber Castle, which dominates the area.

Matlock has a British Rail terminus station. Trains to Matlock run from Derby. It also has a Peak Rail station. Peak Rail is building a line along the route of the old Matlock to Buxton line. On 18th April 1992, the Matlock Riverside Halt was opened and trains now run from Matlock via Darley Dale to Rowsley South.