Set at a key crossing point on the river Derwent and Bar Brook, the village today is home to a clutch of well-regarded hotels, pubs, and cafés and even a Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as a selection of exclusive shops.
But its story stretches back long before the rise of the visitor economy, all the way to archaeological evidence of a prehistoric settlement, and markers of Baslow’s development through the centuries can still be found in many quiet corners.
1. Baslow
Baslow has offered a warm welcome to all kinds of visitors over the years. Photo: Brian Eyre
2. Baslow
The location of the village made it a crossroads for travellers and a focus for ancient trade routes, notably from the rich salt deposits in Cheshire and then later textiles, coal and agricultural products. Photo: Brian Eyre
3. Baslow
Built around 1603, the Old Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge anywhere on the Derwent and is constructed from locally quarried sandstone and gritstone. Photo: Brian Eyre
4. Baslow
First recorded in 1710, this building housed a carpenter, grocer and ostler, shoemakers, butcher, wheelwright and the village mortuary before becoming The Prince of Wales Inn around 1861. Photo: Brian Eyre