Barlow

Over a century ago there were at least 14 coal mines and as many open cast sites in and around Barlow. Now the mining industry has gone completely, though it helped, over the years, to shape the village. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and was the home of Robert Barlow, the first of Bess of Hardwick’s four husbands. Although situated outside the limestone area, Barlow has been dressing its main well for longer than most. It is not known for certain when the custom began in the village, though it is known that, like Tissington, the well here provided water throughout the drought of 1615, which may have marked the start of this colourful practice.

Another theory suggests that the tradition in Barlow could date back to the days of Elizabeth I’s reign, as the church register of 1572 states that the festival of St Lawrence was celebrated. Whatever the origins of the well-dressings in the village, it is known that they have continued unbroken, even through two World Wars, throughout living memory. The wells are dressed during the second week of August every year.