Matlock is recorded as Meslack in the Domesday book comprising a lead mine, eight acres of meadow and woodland.
Its name is thought to mean "the oak where the moot was held."
Matlock grew in stature when John Smedley, owner of the textile factory at Lea Mills, bought hydrotherapy to the town.
Hydrotherapy was the use of water to apply hot or cold treatments to the body.
Soon the Smedley's Hydropathic Establishment w
as in full swing. Treatments included an ascending douche, immersion and steambox baths.
A strict regime was imposed on patients which included a ban and dancing and limited intake of alcohol.
Smedley's success helped other businees in the town such as ironmongers who were commissioned to create things such as copper chest warmers, bath seats and leg baths.
Many other hydros opened up in the town including Lilybank, now a residental home, Bank House hydro, later the Ernest Bailey Grammar School and now the Derbyshire Records Office and the marvellously situated Rockside.
John Smedley built Riber Castle in 1862 - 1868 as a family home. It later became a zoo but now its fate waits to be decided.
Here is Crown Square. This post card is hand tinted and in the middle of the square is a tram terminus with a sign advertising that cars arrive every ten minutes.
Behind that is the old Crown Hotel.
To the right you can see the tramline heading up Bank Road to the Hydro which is now the headquarters of Derbyshire County Council.
The half mile tramway was the first single line cable tram in Europe.
The tramway ceased operations in 1927 and the main section of the shelter was relocated on Park Head.
This picture was taken on June 22nd 1911 and shows Matlock residents celebrating the Coronation of King George V.
Here is Dale Road, a thriving hub of businesses. This view is looking towards what is now the Monk Bar.
Then it was Hunters offering tea blends.
To the right is what is now Oxfam. Then it was a teashop offering a table waiting service. Next to it is a chemist with a dark room.
In the foreground to the left, what is now the Strand restaurent was then a hardware store, a little sign points to the plumbing department.
The Old English Hotel is in existance next to it with a sign for the Vaults.
This picture is of the bandstand at Hall Leys park and was produced by The Loca-Vu Photo Co from Sheffield. On the post card the park is called Haw Lees.
Hall Leys park and pleasure gardens were created in 1889 when the river side site,former water meadows, were purchased by the town council.
The ornate bandstand was erected by the town council in 1914.
Another picture of the bandstand in the park. Again it is called Haw Lees park.
