Birchover is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 - where it was recorded as belonging to Henry de Ferrers and being worth eight shillings. The Rowtor Rocks lie just outside the village of Birchover, where caves, rooms, tunnels, steps and even an armchair have been carved into the stone. Victorian tourists were led to believe these were the work of an ancient Druid community - but were carved by a local man some 300 years ago.placeholder image
Birchover is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 - where it was recorded as belonging to Henry de Ferrers and being worth eight shillings. The Rowtor Rocks lie just outside the village of Birchover, where caves, rooms, tunnels, steps and even an armchair have been carved into the stone. Victorian tourists were led to believe these were the work of an ancient Druid community - but were carved by a local man some 300 years ago.

These historic villages across Derbyshire and the Peak District are perfect to explore this autumn – with each having been mentioned in the Domesday Book

By Tom Hardwick
Published 19th Oct 2026, 10:56 BST

These historic villages are perfect to visit if you’re looking for charming places to explore across Derbyshire and the Peak District this autumn.

If you’re searching for places to visit across Derbyshire and the Peak District, look no further than the historic villages listed here.

The historic spots were all recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 – and they are perfect to explore over the coming weeks.

This Peak District village is recorded as ‘Banford’ in the Domesday Book of 1086.

5. Bamford

This Peak District village is recorded as ‘Banford’ in the Domesday Book of 1086. Photo: Brian Eyre

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Bonsall is recorded in the Domesday Book and has a long history of lead mining.

6. Bonsall

Bonsall is recorded in the Domesday Book and has a long history of lead mining. Photo: Brian Eyre

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Tissington is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Tizinctun.’ The owner of the village is Sir Richard Ranulph FitzHerbert, 9th Baronet, whose family have lived at the Grade II* listed Tissington Hall for centuries. The mansion house that remains there today was built back in 1609 - with the FitzHerbert family acquiring Tissington through marriage in 1465.

7. Tissington

Tissington is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Tizinctun.’ The owner of the village is Sir Richard Ranulph FitzHerbert, 9th Baronet, whose family have lived at the Grade II* listed Tissington Hall for centuries. The mansion house that remains there today was built back in 1609 - with the FitzHerbert family acquiring Tissington through marriage in 1465. Photo: Brian Eyre

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Eyam has a history of lead mining dating back to at least the Roman era, and there is evidence of people living in the area earlier than this. The village's name derives from Old English and is first recorded in the Domesday Book as ‘Aium.’ It later became known as the plague village, after residents quarantined themselves to stop the spread of a plague outbreak in the 17th century - and remnants of this tragic history can be found across Eyam. Eyam Hall, pictured here, is a Grade II* listed country house that dates back to the 1670s.

8. Eyam

Eyam has a history of lead mining dating back to at least the Roman era, and there is evidence of people living in the area earlier than this. The village's name derives from Old English and is first recorded in the Domesday Book as ‘Aium.’ It later became known as the plague village, after residents quarantined themselves to stop the spread of a plague outbreak in the 17th century - and remnants of this tragic history can be found across Eyam. Eyam Hall, pictured here, is a Grade II* listed country house that dates back to the 1670s. Photo: Brian Eyre

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