This page contains information on

• Old books about the Matlocks
• New and more recent books* (Scroll to Item 5 for details of "The Bath at War")
• Possible availability and reading reviews
• Other publications (CDs, Floppies, Microfiche and Videos*)
  *See Disclaimer

1. Adam, W. (1840) "The Gem of the Peak" London; Longman & Co., Paternoster Row MDCCCXL
   There are several editions of this, the first being published in 1838.
   • Matlock extracts from the 1840 edition are on site
     
     
2. Allen, John (1848) "Matlock. A poem." Whittaker & Co.: London: William Bemrose: Derby, p. 69.
   A second edition, with other poems.
   Allen, John (1860?) "Matlock. A poem." Whittaker & Co.: London, [1860?] p. 135.
   
   
3. Barker, H. Esq. (1827) "The Panorama of Matlock and Its Environs; With the Tour of the Peak", Longman & Co., London
   • Transcript of the 1827 edition is on site
     
     
4. "Black's Tourist Guide to Derbyshire" (1888) pub. Adam and Charles Black Edinburgh (quoted on site)
   
   
5. Bradbury, Edward (1884) "All about Derbyshire." Simpkin Marshall, London : Richard Keene, All Saints', Derby
   • Transcript of the Matlock section, with illustrations, is on site
     
     
6. Bray, W (1778) "Sketch of a Tour into Derbyshire and Yorkshire"
   
   
7. Bryan, Benjamin (1903) "History of Matlock - Matlock, Manor and Parish" London by Bemrose & Sons, Limited (widely quoted on site)
   
   
8. John Britton and Edward Wedlake Brayley, (1802) "The Beauties of England and Wales" Vol III, published Cumberland, Isle of Man, and Derbyshire
   • Matlock extracts pp.504-512
   • More extracts pp.512-526
   • Engraving of Willersley Castle
     
     
9. Cardin, Joe Hall (1907) "Visitors' New Guide to the Surroundings of Matlock & Matlock Bath, with diagrams of walks and byeways. Also an introduction to its geology, minerals & flora", J. C. Goodall: Matlock pp. 87.
   
   
10. Cox, J Charles (1877) "Notes on the Churches of Derbyshire Vol II" Chesterfield: Palmer and Edmunds, London: Bemrose and Sons, 10 Paternoster Buildings; and Derby (quoted on site)
    
    
11. Croston, James (1863) " Buxton and its Resources: with excursions to Haddon, Chatsworth, Castleton, Matlock and Dove Dale", Simpkin, Marshall & Co.: London
    
    
12. Davies, David Peter (1811) "History of Derbyshire" pub. S. Mason, Belper.
    • Derbyshire's Parishes, 1811 is based on this book and is a searchable alphabetical listing on site. There are descriptions of parishes in the county, including Matlock and Matlock Bath
      
      
13. Defoe, Daniel (1724-6) "A Tour through the Whole Island of Great Britain"
    • Extract about Matlock [Bath] onsite
      
      
14. Firth, J.B. (1908) "Highways and Byways in Derbyshire" MacMillan & Co., London
    There are a number of extracts on this website
    
    
15. Glover, Stephen [of Derby] (1830) "The Peak Guide; containing the topographical, statistical, and general history of Buxton, Chatsworth, Edensor, Castleton, Bakewell, Haddon, Matlock, and Cromford; with an introduction" ... Edited by T. Noble. pub. Derby
    
    
16. Gomme G.L. (ed) "The Gentleman's Magazine Library, English Topography Part III, Derbyshire - Dorsetshire". (1893) A collection of articles submitted to the magazine between 1731 and 1868.
    • Full transcription of Derbyshire is on site and Matlock is included
      
      
17. "Guide to the Grand Cavern within the Mountain of Abraham’s Heights, Matlock Bath." (1818) Mark Wardle: Manchester, pp. 12.
    
    
18. Hall, Spencer Timothy (1863) "Days in Derbyshire ..." With sixty illustrations by J. Gresley (artist), Dalziel Brothers (illustrators). Simpkin, Marshall and Co, Stationers' Hall Court, London, and printed by Richard Keene, All Saints, Derby.
    • Transcript of the Matlock section, with illustrations, is onsite
      
      
19. Heywood, Abel: "Abel Heywood's Guide Books, With Cycling, Walking and Driving Routes.
    Matlock Illustrated." Abel Heywood & Son, Manchester & London (one of Abel Heywood's series of penny guide books)
    
    
20. Henricus (1838) "The Matlock Tourist; and Guide through the Peak, embracing Matlock Bath, Haddon, Chatsworth and C"
    • Transcript of the Matlock section is onsite
      
      
21. Hicklin, John (about 1869) "Bemroses' Guide to Matlock, Bakewell, Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, &c" pub. London, Derby and "The Library", Matlock Bath
    • Transcript and engravings of the Matlock section from Bemroses' Guide are onsite
      
      
22. Hilder, J. W. (1896, also 1898) "A New Guide to Matlock Bath". Edited by J. W. Hilder. W. E. Smith: Matlock Bath, pp. 27.
    
    
23. "Holmes Hand Book to Matlock Bath & Neighbourhood, including Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Dovedale &c." (1866) London : G. Vickers, Strand. Matlock Bath : T. H. Holmes
    • Transcript of the Matlock section is onsite
      
      
24. Jeayes, Isaac Herbert (1906) "Derbyshire Charters in Public and Private Libraries and Muniment Rooms." pub. London Bemrose & Sons Ltd., 4 Snow Hill, E.C. and Derby.
    • Matlock section and other Matlock references onsite
      
      
25. Jewitt, Llewellynn Frederick William (?1860) "The Matlock Companion and Visitor's Guide to the Beauties of the Peak of Derbyshire ... " pub. Derby Telegraph Office: Derby (quoted on site)
    
    
26. Lewis, Samuel (1848) "A Topographical Dictionary of England", 7th Edition, in Four Volumes.
    • The Matlock section can be read on the Wirksworth Web site
      (typed by Sonia Addis-Smith)
      
      
27. Lipscomb, George "A description of Matlock-bath, with an attempt to explain the causes of the heat, and of the petrifying quality of the springs; to which is added some account of Chatsworth and Kedleston, and the mineral waters of Quarndon and Kedleston". (1802) pub Birmingham.
    
    
28. Lysons, Rev Daniel and Samuel Lysons Esq. (1817) "Topographical and Historical Account of Derbyshire" London: Printed for T. Cadell, Strand; and G. and A. Greenland, Poultry (quoted on site). This is the Derbyshire section of their "Magna Britannia".
    
    
29. Mason, Charlotte M (1882) "The Forty Shires"
    • Read the onsite extract
      
      
30. Moore, Henry (1818) "Picturesque Excursions From Derby to Matlock Bath, and its Vicinity ; Being a Descriptive Guide to the Most Interesting Scenery and Curiosities in that Romantic District, With Observations Thereon", published by H. Moore, Drawing Master; Printed by T. Wilkinson, Ridgefield, Manchester.
    • A transcript, with illustrations, is on this website
      
      
31. Peach, Lawrence du Garde (1954) "John Smedley of Matlock and his Hydro", Bemrose Publicity Co.: Derby & London
    
    
32. Rhodes, Ebenezer (1824) "Peak Scenery" pub. London, Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green, Paternoster Row (quoted on site)
    
    
33. (1916) "Smedley's Hydropathic Establishment, Matlock", pub. John Heywood : Manchester & London
    
    
34. "Souvenir of Matlock Bath", 4th edition (about 1897). Pub.Boots Cash Chemists, Nottingham.
    24 page booklet costing 1 penny.
    • Scanned images can be seen onsite
      
      
35. Statham, W. N. (1925) "History of Matlock Parish Church", Geo. Hodgkinson: Matlock (quoted on site)
    
    
36. Steer, Henry (1897) "The Smedleys of Matlock Bank", E. Stock: London
    
    
37. "The Victoria History of the English Counties. A History of Derbyshire Vol. I." Constable & Co., Pall Mall, London (1907) : (Ed. 1970) University of London. ISBN 0 7129 0447 6
    
    
38. Ward, Rev R (1814) "The Matlock, Buxton and Castleton Guide, containing concise accounts of these and other remarkable places ... in the ... County of Derby", Derby
    
    
    

Although some of these titles may be out of print and are not longer available to buy, 'out of print' does not mean that the book is out of copyright. If they are out of print and you live in the UK you could try obtaining a copy to read through the inter library loan service at your local public library.
*See Disclaimer

1. Arkle, M. J. (1983) "Tuppence Up, Penny Down", printed by Geo. Hodgkinson (Printers) Ltd - booklet sold in Aid of All Saint's School. Some copies are still available directly from the School. Telephone 01629 583949 and speak to either Joan Millward or Chris Reeve
   • Bank Road & the Tram
     
     
2. Bayles, Freda and Ede, Janet (1997) "Matlock Bath Walks Then and Now", ISBN 095-2576 333
   Peter Aspey writes that it also contains some interesting old photos, as well as bits of history
   
   
3. Barton, David A. : Collected by (1993) "Around Matlock in Old Photographs", Alan Sutton Publishing, Stroud. ISBN 0-7509-0502-6
   
   
4. There is also a slightly different version of the above:
   Barton, David A. "Around Matlock in Old Photographs", (1998) part of a series called "Britain in Old Photographs", Budding Books, ISBN 1-84015-076-9
   Photographs including pictures of the Royal Hotel, Bank House Hydro (now the Record Office), Matlock Bath Ladies Cricket Team ca. 1930 and the Ernest Bailey's Rugby Team ca.1950. There are even photos of the deep snowfalls that occurred in the winter of 1946/7, when Matlock was particularly badly affected.
   
   
5. Beresford, Charles "The Bath at War, A Derbyshire Community and the Great War" (2007). Country Books/Ashridge Press. ISBN 978 1 901214 91 8. Limited Edition *New*
   
   

   Available directly from either the publishers (details below), via the author, in selected local shops and at Derbyshire County Local Studies Library in Matlock. Order from: Country Books Courtyard Cottage Little Longstone Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1NN 01629 640670 Email address available from the webmistress Hardback, 5284p, £20 P&P (UK) £5.00 Thoroughly researched book from archived material and various family collections. Coverage includes the experiences of the men who served, the stories of those who died, food shortages and the resort's economy. Charles Beresford has obtained information from various parts of the world, including Canada. The Canadian Convalescent Officers' Hospital was in Matlock Bath. The author has visited many of the graves - one quite moving touch is that soil from the Derwent Gardens was sprinkled beside a War Grave in Poland.

   Please note: Whilst I don't normally include details of how to obtain copies, I have made an exception in this case as I (webmistress) have provided a little material along the way and know how much effort has had to go into the research.
• Read Julie Bunting's Review on the Genuki site
  
  
6. Bower, Alan (1985) "The Water Cure". Derbyshire Heritage Series, pub.J H Hall & Sons Ltd, Siddals Road, Derby. ISBN 0 946404 55 0
   
   
7. Buckley, Joseph (1888) "Recollections of the late John Smedley of Matlock, and The water cure." "First published in 1888 by John Heywood, Manchester and London, with a new introduction by David A Barton, now re-published by the Arkwright Society, c/o Tawney House, Matlock, reprinted by G. C. Britain and Sons Ltd., Ripley, Derbyshire." (1973)
   
   
8. Bunting, Julie (2002) "Matlock and Matlock Bath", Tempus Publishing Ltd., The Mill, Brimscombe Port, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2QG 128pp. 220 illus. ISBN 0-7524-2455-6. - RRP £10.99

   Available either direct from the publishers or in local shops. 'This new collection of images offers a fresh perspective of this beautiful area of the Peak District'. Covering all aspects of Matlock and Matlock Bath life and developments through the images, some of which have not been published before, Julie Bunting's supporting text is well researched.The authoress is a very well respected local journalist. All the above information supplied by and reproduced with the kind permission of Tempus Publishing Limited -

   • Read Tom Bates' Review on the Genuki site
   • Other book reviews on Derbyshire Genuki
     
     
9. Buxton, David (1992) "Derbyshire of One Hundred Years Ago", Alan Sutton Publishing Limited Stroud Gloucestershire and Derbyshire County Council ISBN 0-7509-0216-7
   Large, clear photographs of life in the county a hundred years ago ranging from pictures of school children to coal miners and workers at Chatsworth. The text includes extracts from the High Peak News and extracts from Alison Uttley's work. This well known writer was brought up in the nearby village of Cromford. A really excellent book.
   
   
10. "Cable Tramway from Matlock Bridge to Matlock Bank" (1972) pub. Arkwright Society ISBN 0-90314903-6
    
    
11. Cameron, Kenneth (1959) "The Place Names of Derbyshire", Part II - English Place-Name Society Volume XXVIII Cambridge University Press. Covers Scarsdale Hundred, Wirksworth Hundred, Morleyston & Litchurch Hundred. Matlock and Matlock Bath
    Names and their derivations, including dates. Also lists field names
    
    
12. Clay, David : Transcribed by (1992) "The Free and Voluntary Present 1661 Derbyshire", © Derbyshire Family History Society - ISBN 0-947964-20-7
    Transcript for the whole county of PRO document reference E179. 245/6 Free and Voluntary Present, Derbyshire. 45 Matlock names are listed and also what sum they gave towards the gift to King Charles II which enabled him to return to England and be crowned. The list includes the Woolley surname (see Riber above). Excellent.
    • You can buy a copy from DFHS web-site
    • Matlock Names in 17th Century Lists - Free and Voluntary Present
      
      
13. Craven, Maxwell and Stanley, Michael (1991) "Derbyshire Country House."
    Has a section on Riber Castle
    • Info about Riber Castle
      
      
14. Daniel, C. (1978) "Derbyshire Portraits"
    Has a short account of John Smedley
    • About John Smedley
      
      
15. "The Derbyshire Village Book" published by the Derbyshire Federation of Women's Institutes & Countryside Books, 1991. ISBN 1 85306 133 6 [now out of print, but quoted on site]
    
    
16. "The Derwent Valley Mills and their Communities", published by The Derwent Valley Mills Partnership, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG, 2001. ISBN 0-9541940-0-4 - RRP £14.90
    

    'An historical account of Masson, Cromford, Belper, Milford, Darley Abbey and Lombe's Mills and the communities which grew up around them. The story of the historical events during the eighteenth century which took place between Matlock and Derby in the Derwent Valley as the factory system was born'. Produced by a Steering Panel that includes English Heritage, The Arkwright Society and several councils. Sponsored by the University of Derby and The Derbyshire. Over 100 pages, beautifully illustrated and wonderfully informative; this is a really well researched book. There are descriptions of all types of listed buildings in the area, from the mills and the workers' cottages to the outside privies. Biographies of the leaders in the mill trade are included. This was part of the successful bid for World Heritage status.

    
    Available from
    The Arkwright Society, Sir Richard Arkwright's Cromford Mill, Mill Lane, Cromford, DE4 3RQ Price £14.90 + £2.50 p&p (UK)
    Cheques to the Arkwright Society
    The County Library County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG Price £14.90 + £2.50 p&p (UK)
    Cheques to Derbyshire County Council
    
    All the above information supplied by and reproduced with the kind permission of The Arkwright Society -
    
    
17. Duggins, Ron (2006) "Echoes of the Dales", pub. Landmark ISBN 1-84306-306-9, £9.99.
    Pictures from the 1950's, using photgraphs taken by the late Harry Gill.
    • Read an article about Harry Gill
    • Read a review of this book on Derbyshire GENUKI
      *See Disclaimer (The first print run ran out, so more were printed shortly before Christmas 2006)
      
      
18. Edwards, David G. (edited by) (1982) "Derbyshire Heath Tax Assessments 1662 - 70", pub. The Derbyshire Record Society Volume VII. [now out of print, but being republished]
    Hearth Tax assessments for Matlock in 1670 are to be found under the entries for the Wirksworth Hundred (pp.188-190). 120 Matlock names in that year had to pay the annual tax which was levied on the number of fire hearths they had. This was also referred to as 'chimney money'.
    An alphabetic list of Matlock surnames can be found on the page of
    • Matlock Names in 17th Century Lists - Hearth Tax
    • Go Link to The Derbyshire Record Society under 'Derbyshire'
      
      
19. Glover, Catherine and Riden, Philip (edited by) (1981) " William Woolley's History of Derbyshire" Derbyshire Record Society Volume VI. Although Woolley's "History" was written in 1712 it has not been published before
    
    
20. Hardy, Clive. (1999) "Around Matlock", Waterton Press, Bridgend
    ISBN 1-84125-107-0.
    Reproductions from the Francis Frith Collections. Frith was a Victorian photographer and the book includes clear photographs from the 1880's. Photographs of Willersley Castle, Lea Hurst and Cromford are included
    
    
21. Henstock, Norman (?) 'Matlock Congregational Church 1848 - 1972 - Its Origin and Its History'.
    • See onsite list of Pastors
      
      
22. Hornsey, Brian (1997) "Ninety Years of Cinema in Buxton, Matlock, New Mills" pub. Fuchsiaprint ISBN 1873969422
    
    
23. Innes-Smith, Robert (1978 and 1993) "Matlock Bath", pub. Derbyshire Countryside Ltd., Lodge Lane, Derby DE1 3HE ISBN 0-85100-113-0
    Useful and inexpensive booklet.
    
    
24. Johnson, Marion (1970) "Derbyshire Village Schools in the Nineteenth Century", pub. David & Charles, Newton Abbot ISBN 0-7153 4757 8
    
    
25. "Matlock, Ashbourne, Bakewell, Wirksworth" (1999) ISBN 1859826954
    
    
26. Merrill, John N. (1994) "Matlock" pub. Trail Crest Publications ISBN 1874754276
    
    
27. Mitchell, Ian (2000) "A History of All Saints' Church Matlock Bank (1876-2000)", pub. All Saints' PCC, pp v + 72, price £3.00. There is no ISBN number, but copies are available from Rev. Mitchell at All Saints' Vicarage, Matlock. The book also has some information about All Saints' School
    All Saints' Church web site is not on line at present.
    Also:
    "A Matlock Bank Miscellany, Essays by Members of the All Saints' Local History Group" (2002) price £1.00
    • About All Saints' Church
    • About All Saints' School
      
      
28. Naylor, Peter (November 2003) "History of Matlock", Landmark Collector's Library ISBN: 1 84306 081 7 £15.95
    • Read a review of this book on Derbyshire GENUKI
      *See Disclaimer
      
      
29. Porter, L & Fowkes, D. (1979 reprinted 1986) "Bygone Days in the Peak District", Morland Publishing Co. Ltd., Ashbourne Derbyshire. ISBN 0-86190016-2 (paperback)
    Photographs and short descriptions. Includes Matlock Bath station building and Matlock's Tram
    
    
30. Robinson, Arnold (1995) "Cycling Around Matlock" pub. Footprint ISBN 1874754365
    
    
31. Rodgers, Frank (1992) "Curiosities of Derbyshire and the Peak District", pub. Derbyshire Countryside ISBN 0-85100-112-2 (paperback).
    Matlock's Curiosities (Riber Castle and the Wishing Stone at Lumsdale) are included
    
    
32. Scollins, Richard and Titford, John (2000) "Ey Up Mi Duck! Dialect of Derbyshire and the East Midlands" pub. Countryside Books, Newbury, Berkshire ISBN 1 85306 658 3
    
    
33. Smith, Martin (1998) "Walks Around Matlock" pub. Dalesman ISBN 185568148X
    Paperback for hikers and walkers
    
    
34. Smith, Roly "Matlock Photographic Memories" from the Francis Frith Collection, Series of Photographic Memories ISBN 1-85937-676-2 (paperback)
    
    
35. Turbutt, Gladwyn (1999) "History of Derbyshire" pub. Merton Priory Press, Four large volumes.
    An extremely impressive history of the county that has been highly acclaimed by the critics
    
    
36. Willis, Lynn and Parker, Harry (1999)" Images Of England: Peak District Mining and Quarrying", pub. Tempus Publishing Limited, Gloucester  ISBN 0-7524-1710-X
    Includes pictures of members of the Barmote Court, some of whom were from Matlock and Matlock Bath, and a history of the Nestus Mine
    
    
    

• Books that are out of print
  Availability of the older titles or more recent out of print books on-line.
  
  Or try emailing
  , Dale Road, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3LU to see if what you require is available from Mr Barratt
  
  

• Availability of the modern titles on-line:
  Try the independent at the old Hassop Railway Station, Derbyshire
  Countrybookshop
  
  
• Derbyshire Book Reviews & Summaries
  Read Julie Bunting's reviews of books about the county on Rosemary Lockie's page