The arch mystery

The arch mystery

Above: Gary’s 1984 photo on the left clearly shows two arches, but the 1958 photo seems to show only the one. One of the things that mystified me about Gary’s 1984 photos of Errwood Bridge emerging from the waters was that they showed there were two arches. And...
Locating the bridge

Locating the bridge

Above: The main bridge in Goyt’s Bridge emerges from the water during the drought of 1984. The viewpoint shows where Gary was standing to take the photo. See the main text for a key to the numbered arrows  Above: This photo of the bridge was sent in by...
Goyt’s Bridge emerges

Goyt’s Bridge emerges

Above: Two wonderful photos showing Errwood Bridge, the larger of the two bridges at this important crossing point over the River Goyt, which once separated Cheshire from Derbyshire. Above: Gary is a passionate steam railway enthusiast and loco-driver at...
The valley in 1930

The valley in 1930

Above: This view is taken from Goyt’s Lane as it approaches the hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge. The packhorse bridge spans Wildmoorestone Brook, just before it flows into the Goyt.  Goytshead Farm lies at top right, and a barn belonging to Goytbridge...
Goyt’s Bridge dreamer

Goyt’s Bridge dreamer

Above: This scenic spot now lies under the waters of Errwood Reservoir. But it once drew visitors from far and wide. I came across this wonderful image during my search for the Stonyway Turnpike map at Matlock Public Record Office (see previous post). It’s a...
The long white road

The long white road

Above: Old Goyt’s Lane now vanishes beneath the waters of Errwood Reservoir. But in Vera and Rolands’ day this attractive walk would have ended in the picturesque hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge. It’s poignant to imagine the two lovers looking across...
Three new views

Three new views

Above: A close-up of the first card (click to enlarge) shows a pensive looking gentleman standing half-way across the stepping stones, with the picturesque packhorse bridge behind. Improved road and rail links during the late 19th century brought increasing numbers of...
Goyt Valley Story #1

Goyt Valley Story #1

Clifford Rathbone’s ‘Goyt Valley Story’ has been out of print for many years. But the current copyright holders, Willow Publishing, have kindly granted permission to publish the first chapter here. The book contains a series of articles written by...
New valley panorama

New valley panorama

Above: A wonderful view of the now-drowned hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge, taken from close to the Bunsal Incline. Errwood Cottage is in the centre, with Errwood Hall just visible in the distance. I’ve managed to obtain a photo I’d never seen before,...
Goyt’s Bridge video

Goyt’s Bridge video

Above: This suave gentleman features in the video (click to enlarge). He is Captain Preston, who married the younger Grimshawe sister, Genevieve, in 1891. He’s pictured on the steps leading up to the family’s hill-top cemetery – which is where he now...