WINSTER

Years ago, Arthur Mee said that 'Winster hides itself from the world' - and nowadays, that is largely true. But there are several fine houses that point to its' former prosperity as a lead-mining centre.

Historically, Winster was a main crossing point for many roads and trackways, one of the most important being The Portway, an ancient trading route that passes close to the village. Salt routes from Cheshire came through the village, as did the main turnpike from Nottingham to Newhaven in later years.

The village has one of the most impressive street scenes in the area and the main street is an array of attractive buildings which merge with a jumble of cottages up the bank on the southern side; foremost being the Old Market Hall, dating from the 17th century, together with The Old Hall and Dower House. There are 69 listed buildings in the parish, and the entire village centre has been declared a conservation area in an effort to maintain its architectural heritage. 

The old Market Hall, which stands in the middle of the main street of this ancient lead mining village, was the first property acquired by the National Trust in Derbyshire, back in 1906. The lower arches of stone are thought to be about 500 years old, whilst the upper portion of brick and stone was rebuilt in 1905 using old material. Some of the arches had to be filled in to strengthen the building.