Winster

Four miles west of Matlock, Winster was once a busy place with its own market and prosperous lead mining industry.

Winster is very interesting old village hidden up in the limestone hills and surrounded by glorious scenery.

Lead mining, for which Winster is famous, may have had its origins here in Roman times. The boom in mining from the late 17th century turned the village into a prosperous town, one of the largest in Derbyshire.

Historically, Winster was also a main crossing point for many roads and trackways, one of the most important being The Portway, an ancient trading route that passes close to the village. Salt routes from Cheshire came through the village, as did the main turnpike from Nottingham to Newhaven in later years.

With more than 70 listed buildings, Winster has one of the most impressive street scenes in Derbyshire and the main street is an array of impressive buildings which merge with a jumble of cottages up the bank on the southern side. The Old Market Hall, which dates from the 17th century and is now owned by the National Trust, together with The Old Hall and Dower House, are particular highlights.

The cottages which huddle together on the hillside, known as Winster Bank, are more likely to have been the modest homes of the poorer miners, quarrymen and agricultural workers and their families. There is also a fine old inn, The Bowling Green in the village and another pub, The Miners Standard, a short distance away on the road to Grangemill. The Limestone Way footpath passes close by and there are good routes all around for ramblers.

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Things to do: The village of Winster has a close-knit community spirit and upholds some ancient traditions. Winster Wakes, especially on Wakes Saturday, which is usually the first in July (except when June 24, the feast of the patron St John the Baptist, falls on a Sunday, in which case Wakes Saturday is the last day of June). There are pancake races on Shrove Tuesday and groups of Morris Men and ""Guisers"" perform at various local events. There are also annual Well Dressings, a Carnival and open garden days.