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Dear Mr. Fearn,
As a retired teacher I enjoyed your recent article on ‘Lessons through time’ and I must confess that I knew nothing of Latin House in Risley and nor did I know of the Moravian foundations of Ockbrook. My interest was captured because I had the privilege of spending all my teaching career at Netherthorpe School in Staveley, which was founded in 1572 and financed initially by the Frecheville and de Rodes families and later the Sitwell and Cavendish families.
While the first two families have ceased to exist, as far as we know, the latter are still active and the current Duke of Devonshire is represented on the Governing Body and is most supportive.
I look forward to seeing future copies of Derbyshire Life and in particular the Christmas edition. I hope that you continue in your success and above all that you enjoy yourself as much as I did in my career.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Townsend
Hi Nathan,
As my wife has been a subscriber to Derbyshire Life for many years, she passes on the magazine to me and I enjoyed reading the article in Derbyshire Life’s July copy about the industrial heritage of Derbyshire, particularly about Richard Arkwright and his strong Cromford links.
I am privileged to be the Honorary Secretary of the Cromford Fly Fishers Club, which has been in existence since 1874.
In the late 1940s we bought the Fishing Rights for Cromford Meadow and included in that purchase was the Fishing Temple on Cromford Bridge, completed circa 1794, by the son of the first Richard Arkwright, for his river keeper. Landscape Designer and Architect John Webb built the Fishing Temple/ Pavilion as part of extensive landscaping work at Willersley Castle.
The building was an accurate replica of the Fishing Temple built by Charles Cotton at Beresford Dale in 1694, for his fishing companion Izaac Walton, author of the Compleat Angler.
It stands next to the remains of the 15th century Bridge Chapel, built when the bridge was made of wood.
Unfortunately, time has taken its toll on the Grade 2-listed Building, particularly the roof. We recognise the importance of the building, as part of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, and our club is spending a substantial amount of money to secure the preservation of the building for future generations.
The work is being undertaken by specialist Heritage Roofers and Builders following specialist advice and guidance from Derbyshire Dales District Council to comply with the regulations regarding repairs to Grade 2-listed Buildings.
Best regards,
Vic Beresford
