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Barlow
Barlow is found on the extreme western edge of the coal measures, about four miles north west of Chesterfield along the B6051, and a similar distance due south of the county boundary with Yorkshire. From the south the main road passes through Newbold village, and will take you along a rolling, twisting lane of high, thick hedges, and through a mile and a half of delightful countryside all the way to Barlow.
Almost a century ago there were fourteen pits and as many open-cast sites turning coal in Barlow, providing work for the growing population who, for countless preceding generations had relied almost exclusively on agriculture for their livelihood. Now there is no sign of the once thriving mining industry and tourism is becoming an increasing way of life for many.
A popular and impressive structure in the village is the Peacock Hotel, whose stable block and smithy are parts of some original 17th century construction. The Peacock stands proudly on the crown of the hill leading up from Brookside into the oldest part of the village. This popular old coaching inn has excellent modern en-suite facilities and is the perfect stop for all visitors to Barlow; from those attracted to the Peak District Walking and Peak District Cycling to the many taking part in Peak District Fishing.
The sign of the Peacock, nearby Rutland Terrace, and the ancient pinfold up on Wilkin Hill - a gift to the parish council in the 1890's from the Duke of Rutland - remain as clues to the fact that the Duke was a major landholder here until the recent years of the twentieth century. North of the restored pinfold is Bole Hill, Barlow's only officially designated `ancient monument', and the highest point in the village.
The original centre of the village is marked by a ring-fenced tree inside a low protective circular wall which was planted at the Coronation of George V on June 22nd 1911. Opposite to this is the village pump of 1840 which is one of three wells dressed every August during the `Barlow Feast' - celebrated following the patronal festival of St.Lawrence on 10th August since at least 1572 when the earliest surviving church register was begun.
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