South Darley

The oldest quarter of Darley Dale, centred on the lovely church of St Helen, with its famous yew tree and fascinating stonework, such as the weaver’s tomb carved with his tools of trade. The Derwent may not seem far away but in old time winters it used to flood this far, bringing sheets of ice with it. Sir Joseph Whitworth, the brilliant engineer whose inventions changed the face of industry, lies buried here. The lane past the church is known locally as Ghost Lane, the spectre in question being a Scottish pedlar who was murdered hereabouts.