Whatstandwell

On Burdett’s Map of 1791 Whatstandwell is shown as “Hottstandell Bridge”, probably a literal spelling of the local dialect. A mid-19th century Ordnance Survey map shows it as “Whatstandwell Bridge” which was the name given to the railway station. This tiny village, of which it has been said ‘the loveliness of the English countryside is always here,’ was once owned by the monks of Darley Abbey and nestles in the valley of the River Derwent. To the south and on the west bank of the Derwent are the Shining Cliff Woods, and along the steep lanes lie grey stone cottages and farmhouses, built of stone from local quarries, which merge gently into the background of woods and cliff. The area supports an abundance of wildlife and because of its value as a natural habitat, it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Florence Nightingale knew and loved the village, and took a keen interest in its people. Ellen MacArthur, the round-the-world yachtswoman, was brought up in the village.