Dronfield

Possessing an interesting blend of old and new buildings within a town centre Conservation Area, Dronfield hosts a bustling weekly market that has since developed industrially. The prosperity of Dronfield in the early years of the Industrial Revolution was such that an unexpectedly large number of mansions were built in and around the town, leaving a legacy of many beautiful 17th- and 18th-century listed buildings. Chiverton House, built in 1712, and Rose Hill, dating from 1719, are fine examples.

In the town centre, in front of the early 18th-century Manor House (now the home of the town library), the Peel Monument, dating from 1854, stands on the site of the former town cross and stocks, as a tribute to Sir Robert Peel’s efforts in repealing the Corn Law in 1846. The Cottage, close to the monument, dates from the 16th century, and is reputed to have been owned by Lord Byron, though he never visited it. The Parish Church of St John the Baptist has a fine perpendicular tower, though much of it is 14th century. South of the church is a fine Cruck Barn. The Hall is also worth seeing as it has an attractive balustrade and a fine Queen Anne façade.