A guide to Barlow Village in Derbyshire

between

Chesterfield and Sheffield
Lat.53.16N   Long.1.29W  Elevation 137m (450 ft.)

Hunting, fishing and leisure   

Barlow pubs
The 1852 edition of White's Gazetteer of Sheffield & district lists only one pub in Barlow - The Peacock, run by William Mart. By the time  the 1868 edition came out, things were beginning to improve.  The Peacock had been joined by the New Inn, with John Simpson named as the landlord. Also listed were two beer houses at unspecified locations. George Needham and John Holmes are named as the beer house proprietors. 
This situation remained unchanged for the next 70 years. Kelly's Directory for 1936 lists the Peacock (with Sam Burton in charge) and the New Inn which was being run by Thomas Creswick. The two beer retailers were owned by George Jolley and John William Seston. 
All this changed when Kelly's brought out their 1941 edition. Sam Burton was still running the Peacock but the New Inn had been taken over by Edward Shawcroft.  1941 saw the Hare & Hounds make its first appearance in a directory. John William Seston, previously listed as a beer retailer, was named as landlord. However, there is photographic proof that the Hare & Hounds was trading under that name at least as early as the 1920s.   
 The Traveller's Rest  made its debut in 1941 with Clara Ellen Scoltock named as landlady.  George Jolley's beer house was not listed in 1941.
 The Peacock (Pump) and the New Inn (Trout) have undergone various name changes and refurbishments over the past few years and are committed to serving food.  The Hare and Hounds (pictured right) has seen fit to retain its original name and, remaining virtually unchanged, is regarded as a proper local drinkers' pub. The Traveller's Rest has recently been converted to a family house.

Riding
Riding is very popular in the area and, with agriculture proving economically difficult, many  farms have converted land and outbuildings  to livery. The Barlow Hunt Pony Club provides a lively outlet for local youngsters.
Less popular,  particularly amongst riders and dog walkers, has been the increased level of shooting during the past few years. This has led to the closure of many paths and bridleways that have been used by the villagers for generations.

The Barlow Hunt
Despite the Hunting Act of 2004, the Barlow Hunt seems to have coped with the ban and still meets on a regular basis, just as it has done for around the last 200 years.  The Barlow Hunt has been supported by members of the Sheffield snuff makers, the Wilson family, since the end of the 19th. century.  A previous master, Elsie Wilson, left a legacy which bequeathed the kennels and around 325 hectares of land surrounding them. One of the famous guests attracted to the hunt was the comedy actor, Jimmy Edwards, seen mounted on the left centre of the picture, although he is hardly recognisable in this small picture. The picture on the right shows Mr. Edwards in his more familiar attire in a scene from the comedy programme "Whack-o".   Jimmy died in 1988. It is not known when this picture was taken but, according to the licence plate above the door of the Peacock, the landlord was Henry William Herbert Coles. For those with long memories this should help to place the date of the event. 


Barlow Coarse and Fly Fishing
By far, the largest provider of leisure facilities in Barlow is Barlow Trout and Coarse Fishery. Their four trout lakes, four coarse lakes and fresh water brook cover an area of around 50 acres in the wooded valley at the bottom of Keeper’s Lane.  The Barlow lakes are popular with anglers throughout the land as the fishery is always well stocked and immaculately maintained.  Most of the coarse fish and all the trout are actually bred on site.

Refreshments and accommodation
Hackney House Antiques, at the bottom of Wilkin Hill, serve tea and refreshments from their tea-rooms and there is also a snack bar alongside Barlow Lakes at the bottom of Keeper’s Lane.
As a tourist spot, Barlow is ideally placed on the edge of the Peak District with easy access to its many attractions such as Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. 

Many of the farms and larger houses take advantage of the strong demand for bed and breakfast.  Mill Farm Holiday Cottages at Crowhole is a major provider of self catering accommodation in the area. Their converted outbuildings surrounding the farm yard are equipped to the highest standards.

e-mail:  contact crowhole@supanet.com