Historical tour of Old Dronfield

The weather was dire as we set out but it stopped raining for most of the tour - miracles do happen! Seven of us met at Dronfield Library (former Manor House) where one of the librarians was an ex-Aston NWR member. It’s a small world.

The highlight of the visit was the chance to enter the Old Grammar School (endowed in 1567 by Henry Fanshawe, Remembrancer of Elizabeth 1’s Court of Exchequer). We traced the initials and dates carved by generations of school boys on the dressed stone. On the first floor we saw the stone fireplace dated 1579.

Fortunately the Church of St John the Baptist was open and we were all struck by its many beautiful and ancient features. Jane was quick to spot the remains of an early preaching cross in the churchyard.

Carole led the way to a lovely tea room where we had the chance to hear about Sue’s recent photograph taken with the Hollywood star Henry ‘The Fonz’ Winkler at Swallownest school .

Eileen & Margaret noticed buildings and a foundry bearing their surnames - possible ancestors? Christine was able to share in retelling the story of the bleak time in 1883 when Dronfield became a deserted village after the transfer of its major foundry employers to Workington.

Luckily, prosperity came back to Dronfield and it now has a wealth of handsome old buildings. It looked very attractive with its eye catching floral displays. So did we with our bright cagoules and umbrellas!