A Taste of the Peak District

Accommodation, activities and attractions of the Peak District of the UK

Site map >> Home >> Towns >> Winster

Winster - the village that boasts a double suicide, escaped murderer, haunted buildings, the first National Trust building, a Morris team and supplied a great deal of the labour for the last lead mine to close down in the Peak District.

Home Accommodation Towns Attractions Climbing Cycling Walking Peak Views General info Mining Geology Archaeology Contact

Click here for more information about lead mining in the Peak District

Stuffed full of fantastic traditional buildings, the Peak District village of Winster has a colourful history. I will begin with the murder of the local doctor (William Cuddie)  in 1821. The murder took place in Bank House which was built in the 16th century. The man accused of the deed was 27 year old William Brittlebank. Despite a large reward, he disappeared as effectively as Lord Lucan! The Brittlebanks were a rich local family who owned a lot of land and property in Winster.

Another of the oldest buildings in Winster is the Hall, built in 1628 by a local lead mine owner, Francis Moor. The present day Italian look was an 18th century addition. The forecourt is allegedly by a ‘White Lady’ghost, reputedly the spectre of the daughter who fell in love with a servant. Oops! Bad move, the relationship could never be allowed and the two leapt to their deaths from the parapet rather than face life without each other.

At the height of lead mining, the population of Winster was around 2000 and the community was served by many ale houses and shops. Few survive now, the Miners Standard pub at the top end of Winster (close to the restored ore house) is a reminder of times past. Millclose Mine near Wensley was one of the main mines in the area. Millclose was opened in the 17th century and finally closed in 1940 when no more ore veins could be located.

Winster Market House was the first building to be acquired by the National Trust, in 1906. The bottom part dates back to the 16th century, the upper part which was originally timber framed was added in the 18th century and the arches were blocked up when the market declined in the 19th century. The building now houses a National Trust information centre.

Folk music is alive and well in the Peak District. Winster has it’s own tune - ‘The Winster Galop’ and the Winster Morris Men are well known throughout the Peak District and beyond and are numbered amongst the oldest Troupes in the country.