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Winster
Winster is one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in the Peak and was once the centre of the local lead mining industry. The village lies within the Peak District National Park, just to the east of the B5056 Ashbourne to Bakewell road and about three miles as the crow flies due west of Matlock. Located on the fringe of the White Peak, Winster is best approached from the A6 at Darley Dale where the B5057 leads first to Darley Bridge and then climbs up through Wensley before levelling out as it approaches Winster, giving visitors a wonderful look at the area.
The most prominent building is the Market House which was given to the National Trust in 1906. The lower storey, built of solid gritstone blocks, was constructed during the latter half of the 16th century, it's five arches being later filled-in when the market declined along with the lead mining in the early 19th century. The upper storey, originally timber - framed was added in the 18th century. The building is now a National Trust Information Centre, and recently refurbished, is still in regular use. Winster Hall is a three-storied structure of local gritstone built on Main Street by local lead magnate Francis Moore in 1628. It's balustraded roof, Tuscan columns and Venetian windows were all added in the 18th century. St Johns Parish Church sits snugly beside the graveyard almost at the foot of West Bank, with it's squat grey tower hidden from view at the end of Main Street by the Dower House. The tower was added in 1721 and the church was extensively rebuilt and enlarged twice during the 19th century.
The village is particularly famous for it's Morris Dancing and popular Shrove Tuesday Pancake races which attract many visitors from the surrounding areas.
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