Birchover

infobox UK place
country = England
latitude= 53.15
longitude= -1.65
official_name= Birchover
map_type= Derbyshire
population = 362
shire_district= Derbyshire Dales
shire_county = Derbyshire
region= East Midlands
constituency_westminster= West Derbyshire
post_town= MATLOCK
postcode_district = DE4
postcode_area= DE
dial_code= 01629
os_grid_reference=

Birchover is a village and civil parish in the Peak District National Park, in Derbyshire, England. It is about five miles north-west of Matlock, and according to the 2001 UK census had a population of 362. It also has a small village store.

History

Birchover has a rock formation called Rowtor Rocks consisting of several tunnels, carvings and caves. It is situated close to several prehistoric monuments, including Doll Tor, and several stone circles on Stanton Moor. The horror writer Joe Rattigan based a story here, 'A Room of his Own' in his first book "Love Stories of the Undead", and written an article based on real-life eerie events in the nearby areas, which has seen publication in both "Saccade" magazine, and a charity anthology called "Dog Tales".

Some people believe that the area was once used by Druids as a ceremonial worship site. This theory is supported by the local stone circle and the strange carvings to be found in the rock formation by the village.Fact|date=February 2007

Birchover was mentioned in the Domesday book as belonging to Henry de FerrersHenry was given a large number of manors in Derbyshire including Doveridge, Linton, Breadsall and Great Longstone.] and being worth eight shillings"Domesday Book: A Complete Translation". London: Penguin, 2003. ISBN 0-14-143994-7 p.748] .

Notable people

*Eddie Shimwell - former Blackpool football player; first full-back to score at Wembley

External links

* [http://www.birchovervillage.co.uk/ Birchover Village]
* [http://www.ukvillages.co.uk/ukvillages.nsf/villages/birchover-derbyshire Birchover village directory ]

References