Stoney Middleton, Derbyshire

Description
Stoney Middleton, a township and an ecclesiastical parish in Hathersage parish, Derbyshire. The township stands at the entrance of Middleton Dale, on an affluent of the river Derwent, 4 1/2 miles N by E of Bakewell, 4 from Rowsley station on the M.R., and 162 from London, and has a post office under Sheffield; money order and telegraph office, Eyam. It is a very picturesque place, with some houses at the foot of cliffs, and others on successive ledges of steep rock, and a warm spring with baths. The spring is supposed to have been known and used by the Romans, was covered by erections of old date, and is now enclosed in baths rebuilt by the late Lord Desman. The township comprises 1181 acres; population, 423. The Duke of Devonshire is lord of the manor. Stoney Middleton House is the seat of Lord Denman. Middleton Dale is a highly romantic glen. The rocks are chiefly limestone, and they abound in lead ore. Several lime-kilns are in the dale, and there are places for smelting ore and manufacturing barytes. The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Southwell; gross value, £177 with residence. Patron, the Vicar of Hathersage. The church was rebuilt about '1767, retains a tower of more ancient date, and is in the form of an octagon. There is a Wesleyan chapel, and a cemetery formed in 1878.