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Tissington
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Magnificent Tissington Hall

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Leisurely stroll through the village on horseback!

Location: n/a
County: Derbyshire
Area Guides:
Tissington


Details: The by-road leading to the quaint village of Tissington is edged by a notable avenue of lime trees which were planted in 1970 by Sir John Fiztherbert of the Fitzherbert family, who have owned the Estate since the 15th century. The avenue of limes provides a suitably proud path leading on towards the picturesque village of Tissington itself.
Standing in the midst of the village is Tissington Hall, the centrepiece of the Tissington Estate. This impressive estate spans 2405 acres, and is comprised of 17 agricultural tenancies which are mainly used for dairy and livestock production. The estate is extremely pretty, with wide expanses of green pastures and picturesque cottages, most of which are 19th century buildings and have been described collectively as ”unintentional and unselfconscious architectural gems”. Indeed, out of the 55 residential properties on the estate, 70% are listed buildings.
The current Fitzherbert inhabitant and ninth Baronet Sir Richard Fitzherbert inherited the title and estate in 1989, and lives in the Hall with his wife Caroline and their children.
Although the family acquired the estate in the 1460s, it wasn’t until Tudor times that the current Hall was built. In the year of 1609 Francis Fitzherbert knocked down the original old fortified hall, and replaced it with the present house, which is considered to be an exemplary piece of architecture.
The Fitzherberts, who have lived there for the best part of five centuries, have added not only to the size of the Hall but also to the Estate domains throughout those years. The family funerary monuments can be seen in the small churchyard which can be viewed from the Hall to the north of the Church.
Although it’s hard to believe given the peaceful aura of the village, Tissington was once a site of historical dissention! There was a conflict here between royalists and parliamentarians: the FitzHerberts were for Church and King and Colonel FitzHerbert garrisoned the Hall for the Royalist cause!
Well Dressing is a big event here, as in many Peak District villages. It was actually revived here in the 17th century by Mary Twigg. It began as an act of thanks, that involved hanging garlands of flowers at wells as a thanksgiving for the wells not running dry in the severe drought of 1615. Nowadays, it is far more elaborate with each well having up to twenty people, mainly from the village, building large frames used to hold a picture composed of natural materials such as flower petals, moss, lichens, bark, and wool.
The Well Dressing in Tissington occurs in May on Ascension day. The Dressings always have a religious theme and only once have two wells been decorated with a similar design. On Ascension day a procession visits all the wells, starting at the Hall Well. When the throng reach each well, it is blessed by the Bishop of Derby. Well Dressing dates are around the end of May to the beginning of June.
There is plenty to see and do in the village, including a trout filled duck pond, a lovely coffee house, a plant nursery, several bed and breakfasts to choose from and a rather special craft shop, selling lots of beautiful products from scented candles, to mirrors, picture frames and other homely items.
The Hall is open to visitors for 28 days of the year, but organised groups such as historical societies can be taken round at any time of year.
Tissington Trail

Tissington Trail

- Ashbourne - Thorpe - Tissington - Alsop - Hartington - Parsley Hay (where it joins High Peak trail)

STARTING/JOINING THE TRAIL: Starts at Ashbourne car park. You can join the trail at a number of points en route: Thorpe, Tissington, Alsop (a mile or so from Alstonefield) Hartington, Parsley Hay (where Tissington Trail joins the High Peak Trail. There are car parks here).


MAIN FEATURES SUMMARY: Mostly level, smoothly surfaced trail with panoramic views. Slight uphill to Parsley Hay. 1/3 mile, illuminated tunnel emerging in Ashbourne. Excellent scenery. Refreshments and cafes at Ashbourne, Tissington, Parsley Hay and Hartington. Walking and cycling routes clearly signposted pointing to local places of interest. Info point at Hartington (open Sat, Sun, Bank Holidays). About 13 miles long.

CYCLE HIRE: From Ashbourne (01335 343156) , Parsley Hay (01298 84493).








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Another Peak District Tourist Guide listing created by Let's Stay Peak District - Tel: 01629 640 640.