The Register of Parks & Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England was first compiled by English Heritage in the early 1980s. The purpose of the register is to help ensure that the features and qualities which make these landscapes of national importance can be safeguarded during ongoing management or if any change is being considered which could affect them. Registration is undertaken by English Heritage and not the District Council.
The historic parks and gardens on the register are graded – I, II* and II, however their inclusion on the register does not in itself bring additional statutory controls but local authorities are required to make provision for the protection of the historic environment in their policies. Registration is a material consideration in planning terms. Procedurally, to ensure that applications for development, which may affect a registered park or garden, are determined with appropriate advice, local authorities are required to consult English Heritage (for grade I and II*) and the Garden History Society (all grades).
Within the Derbyshire Dales District (outside the National Park) there are currently nine registered historic parks & gardens – they are:
- Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath – Grade II*
- Lover's Walks – Matlock Bath – Grade II*
- Derwent Gardens, Matlock Bath – Grade II
- High Tor, Matlock Dale – Grade II*
- Ednaston Manor, Brailsford – Grade II
- Sudbury Hall, Sudbury – Grade II
- Sydnope Hall, Two Dales – Grade II
- Whitworth Park, Darley Dale – Grade II
- Willersley Castle, Cromford – Grade II
Each of the above registered park or gardens has a written description and a map indicating its extent/boundary. Both the written descriptions and the maps are available to view, by prior appointment, at the District Council office at the Town Hall, Matlock (during normal office hours). Contact Main Reception on 01629 761 190.
