Dronfield’s Historic Buildings
Free public exhibition in The Gallery, Dronfield Hall Barn
Thursday 6- 28 March 2025
9-3pm
Who lived at that interesting-looking old house on Dronfield’s High Street? The one we always wonder about when we pass by. What did the owner who lived there leave in his will? Did they have children?
If you have ever been curious about some of the town’s oldest buildings, along with the people who lived in them, look in at a major new free exhibition coming soon to Dronfield Hall Barn. ‘Dronfield’s Historic Buildings’ is open from 6 March 9am – 3pm on Thursdays – Sundays until 28 March.
The town’s rich legacy of historic buildings owes much to its location on the edge of the Peak District’s lead-ore geology, the local mineral wealth of coal and iron, and particularly to the entrepreneurship of individuals such as Ralph Burton and John Rotheram in the 18th century and later of the Lucas family in the 19th and 20th century.
This exhibition is being curated by the volunteer historians for the charity The Dronfield Heritage Trust (DHT) and looks at the buildings left behind and the people who lived, worked and used them.
Local historian John Harvey is the project lead: “Walk round Dronfield and you can see how each decade, and century, has changed the built environment from a small 16th century village to an expanding 20th century town. As local historians we have a fascinating time going through residents’ wills and home ownership records to forensically uncover who lived where and why. I hope visitors will be as excited as we are at discovering the stories behind the front doors of the old houses we still see today.”
Cllr Steve Pickering, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place at North East Derbyshire District Council said: “The depth of this work by the DHT Archives team demonstrates how listed buildings are a repository of cultural, economic and social history as well as a fragile resource. Research of this kind enables us to make informed decisions when managing change to Dronfield’s historic environment. It is also hoped that it will lead to a greater awareness of the town’s listed buildings, encouraging appropriate stewardship and safeguarding the associated traditional building craft skills.”
DHT Chair of Trustees Alan Powell says: “It is most appropriate that this exhibition is being held in one of Dronfield’s oldest buildings. Dronfield Hall Barn dates back to 1430 and was brought back to life for the community in 2015. I am very grateful to the team of archivists who give their time to research and present fascinating findings to the public.”
The exhibition is staged with the kind support of North East Derbyshire District Council, Dronfield Civic Society and Drone Valley Brewery.
Details of the Exhibition and associated talk by John Harvey can be found on the website www.dronfieldhallbarn.org.
Dronfield Hall Barn, High Street, Dronfield S18 1PX
Media contact: Louise Third MBE, Trustee
07773 288342 / louise@louisethird.com
North East Derbyshire District Council and Dronfield Heritage Trust have collaborated on this project but they are independent organisations with differing roles and responsibilities in the management of the historic environment.
About Dronfield Heritage Trust
Dronfield Heritage Trust is the custodian of the Dronfield Hall Barn, a historic Grade II* listed building dating back to 1430. The Barn was restored and extended with the support of a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and generous public donations. The work was completed in 2015 and the building opened to the public in 2016. In addition to the Barn Coffee Shop, the venue runs a varied events programme covering artisan markets, exhibitions, festivals, weddings, wakes, parties, and corporate gatherings.
Local community groups regularly use the space and the surrounding grounds provide a beautiful setting for special events and casual visitors. A team of volunteers and partners works year round to create a vibrant historic community hub for Dronfield and district.
Dronfield Heritage Trust is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Board of Trustees has overall strategic responsibility for the project.