Monyash

Monyash, which is situated at the head of Lathkill Dale, can really only be experienced by walking along the path by the banks of the quiet river, is noted for its solitude and, consequently, there is an abundance of wildlife in and around the riverbank meadows. The upper valley is a National Nature Reserve; those who are lucky enough may even spot a kingfisher or two. One of the country’s purest rivers, the Lathkill is famed for the range of aquatic life that it supports as well as being a popular trout river. Renowned for many centuries, it was Izaak Walton who said of the Lathkill, back in 1676,  ‘the purest and most transparent stream that I ever yet saw, either at home or abroad; and breeds, ’tis said, the reddest and best Trouts in England.’ The River Lathkill, like others in the limestone area of the Peak District, disappears underground for parts of its course. In this case the river rises, in winter, from a large cave above Monyash, known as Lathkill Head Cave. In summer, the river emerges further downstream at Over Haddon.

Farming and tourism are its main industries now but it was once at the centre of the Peak District’s lead mining industry (from medieval times to the end of the 19th century) and had its own Barmote Court (one of the oldest industrial courts in the country). Its market charter was granted in 1340 and the old market cross still stands on the village green. Due to its isolated position, Monyash had, for many years, to support itself and this led to a great many industries within the village. As far back as prehistoric times there was a flint-tool ‘factory’ here and, as well as mining, candle-making and rope-making, mere-building was a village speciality.

The Parish Church of St Leonard was founded in 1178, though it has been much altered and added to over the years. Its parish chest is still preserved as one of its greatest treasures. It is 10-feet long and thought to date from the 13th century, when it was used to store the silver vessels and the robes worn during mass. Monyash was once a centre for the Quaker movement, and John Gratton, a prominent preacher, lived at One Ash Grange.