The History of Earl Sterndale

Wheeldon Trees Cottages sits on the outskirts of the village of Earl Sterndale – so what’s our history?

The village dates back to the prehistoric period, with evidence of early settlements in the area. However, it was not until the medieval period that the village began to take shape.

Royal Forest of the Peak

During the 12th century, the area was part of the Royal Forest of the Peak, a vast forest expanse covering much of the Peak District. The monarch used it for hunting and was subject to strict forest laws that restricted access to the land. Earl Sterndale was one of several villages that were established within the forest during this period.

Earl of Derby

In the 14th century, the village was granted to the Earl of Derby, who gave it its name. The village grew and prospered during this period, with the construction of several large farms and manor houses. In the 16th century, the village became a centre of the lead mining industry, with many of its inhabitants working in the mines.

Industrial Revolution

Earl Sterndale continued to grow during the Industrial Revolution, with the construction of several mills and factories. The village became a centre for the manufacture of textiles, with many of its inhabitants working in the mills.

Earl Sterndale today

Today, Earl Sterndale is a small, picturesque village with a rich history and a strong sense of community. Its residents are proud of their heritage and work hard to preserve the village’s historic buildings and landmarks.

Wheeldon Trees History

Until the late 1980s Wheeldon Trees was a working dairy farm. In the large barn, the downstairs accommodation would have been where the cows used to sleep whilst the first floor was used as a hay loft for winter feed.

‘Wheldontees’ appears in the 1607 Star Chamber records for the first time.  It is also shown on Haywards 1614 Survey of Hartington Manor as Whildon tree.  The same survey records a Whildon family in Earl Sterndale.  Edward Whildon was described as a copyholder with arable land in Old and New Field in Earl Sterndale.  There are other Whildons mentioned in the 1614 survey.

The survey plan shows a group of three buildings within the boundary of Whildon Trees and in the possession of Elizabeth and Richard Goodwin, apart from a small close occupied by Thomas Aire (presumably Eyre).

The fact that Whildon was a locative surname in 1614 implies there were residential buildings here sometime before this date. At the front of the Wheeldon Trees Farmhouse, you’ll see a blocked–up doorway above which is the date ‘1682’.

Historic Cottages with Dramatic Views

Wheeldon Trees has 10 cottages within our luxury retreat to choose from. Our VisitEngland 5-Star Gold Farmhouse has its own Swedish wood-burning hot tub. Sheldon Cottage is fully accessible and has the best views in the house. Nadin Cottage sleeps five has just been totally refurbished and, Lomas Cottage for visitors who wish to bring a dog.

Our luxury Derbyshire retreat has everything you need for your break away – free EV charging, an honesty shop packed to the brim with goodies, a fantastic games room where you can play pool, air hockey or ping pong and a range of new electric bikes for you to borrow to explore the local area.

Wheeldon Trees is packed full of amenities and was recently named by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10% of places to stay in the world. The award is based on reviews by our amazing customers.

You can view our availability and pick your perfect cottage by following this link – view our availability.