Above: Rev Evans had to fight a battle with church authorities to extend the graveyard. But today it’s as overcrowded as the old one across the lane. I’ve visited Taxal Church quite a few times over the years, but it’s only recently that I discovered...
Above: Taxal churchyard – where Rev Sam Evans lies buried. Was he to blame? This website was hacked over a week ago. And it’s taken me this long to get things back as they were. If I could get hold of the bastard that did it… but perhaps it’s...
Above: The main photo shows Taxal Church before the new south window was installed. So it would have probably have been taken in the late 1880s. Today, the foreground is overgrown, muddy and crowded with grave stones. Under one of which lies Rev Evans (inset). An 1888...
Above: I found this photo of Rev. Evans, alongside a young boy captioned as Lomas, on the Whaley Bridge History website. It’s clear from the previous post that the ‘remarkable rector’ of Taxal Church, Rev. Samuel Evans, was not a man to back down in...
Above: Rev. Samuel Evans pictured outside Taxal Church with the newly recast bells. He was said to have been a generous benefactor of the church and may have paid for these from his own pocket. I was taking photos inside Taxal Church last week and came across a copy...
Above: Roly Smith was formerly Head of Information Services for the Peak District National Park, when he was known as “Mr Peak District.” He is the author of over 90 books on the British countryside, vice-president of the Outdoor Writers’ and Photographers’ Guild, and...
Above: Walkers of all ages set out from Buxton at a cracking pace at the start of the 25-mile route. I have to admit that I’m a bit of a fair-weather stroller when it comes to walks. A gentle eight miles with blue skies and picturesque views is my perfect day....
Above: Click to enlarge a map of the route. And click here to view step-by-step instructions and photos. With the nights drawing in and winter fast approaching, I thought I’d take advantage of a recent break in the weather to capture the glorious...
Above: The quarry is quite a magical place, with trees and large boulders covered in thick litchen. Above: The quarry in 1933 (click to enlarge). There are more photos on the Whaley Bridge local history website. A few people on the Goyt Valley Facebook Group have...
Above: Work started on Fernilee Reservoir in 1932 and was completed in 1937. I’d guess this photo showing The Hollows still standing in the midst of the construction site would have been taken around 1934. Above: I’ve circled The Hollows, and shown where I...
