SOUTH WINGFIELD, Derbyshire - Extract from National Gazetteer, 1868

"SOUTH WINGFIELD, a parish in the hundred of Scarsdale, county Derby, 2 miles W. of Alfreton, 10 S. of Chesterfield, and 14 N. of Derby. It is a station on the North Midland railway. The manor was held by the Peverells at the time of the Domesday survey, and came through the families of Heriz and Bellers to Lord Treasurer Cromwell, who built the castle or manor. house in the reign of Henry VI., some portion of which remains adjoining the modern mansion.

It was here that Mary Queen of Scots was retained prisoner nine years, under the charge of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Sir R. Sadler; and during the civil war of Charles I. the manor-house was garrisoned for the parliamentarians, but was taken by the Earl of Newcastle in 1643, and retaken by Gell in 1646, when it was dismantled. The manor afterwards came to the Haltons, and now belongs to several proprietors, but that of Oakerthorpe belongs to the Duke of Devonshire, who is the principal landowner.

The parish, which is watered by the river Amber, includes the hamlet of Oakerthorpe, and the collieries of Oakerthorpe, Wingfield, and Highthorpe. The principal employment is in connection with the collieries, framework knitting, and a twist manufactory. The living is a vicarage* in the diocese of Lichfield, value £1,022. The church, dedicated to All Saints, is situated in the hamlet of Oakerthorpe, and has a monument to Halton, the mathematician. The Wesleyans have a chapel. The charities produce about £60 per annum, including Strelley's charity at Oakerthorpe."

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Transcribed by Colin HINSON ©2003]