Bakewell History

HISTORY

Tracing History Back to The Saxon Times

Bakewell can trace its history back to Saxon times when King Edward the Elder built a fort overlooking the River Wye in 924 AD.  The Normans later built a motte and bailey castle on this site to guard the important river crossing, now known as Castle Hill.  During this time an important church was founded on the hillside to the west of the River. 

This Saxon settlement was known as Badequella or “bath well” after the numerous springs that rose in the area.  A wealth of artefacts remains from this period including two Saxon preaching crosses and a large collection of carved stones.  All Saints Church stands on the site of this Saxon Church, its octagonal tower and sharp spire rising high above the rooftops.  It dates mainly from the 13th & 14th Centuries, although heavily restored in Victorian times, and is noted for its many fine monuments, particularly in the Vernon Chapel.

By the early 14th Century, Bakewell had been granted a charter to hold weekly markets and annual fairs, which are still held to this day.  During the late 17th Century the Duke of Rutland decided to develop Bakewell as a Spa town to rival nearly Buxton and built a Bath House above a chalybeate spring in the town centre.  This was short lived as the spa was not as popular as the warmer waters of Buxton but it did herald a period of prosperity for Bakewell.  There are several historic buildings around All Saints Church including the Old Town Hall and the Almshouses of St John’s Hospital along King Street, both of which were built in 1709.

In the town centre you will find the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop that still makes Bakewell Puddings (not tarts) from the original recipe (yummy with custard!).

This famous delicacy was inadvertently invested during the 1850’s at the Rutland Arms when the cook poured the pastry mix over the jam instead of the other way round!