We have received the following enquiry from A. Jackson, regarding the history of Alsop Hall.
I have a query about Alsop Hall and the family that resided there.
I recently bought two books, both with inscriptions on the inside. The first (called Lost Gip by Hesba Stretton) has the following inside: “To John, from Mrs Heald, Alsop Hall, Derbyshire“. Could you tell me anything about both these names? Probably written around the 1900s (due to the age of the book).
The second book I believe to be from the same place, as they were purchased from the same stall, are the same age and by the same publisher. The second is inscribed: “Awarded to Jane Lamb for lessons and attendance in the year 1900.” Again (although the books may in fact not be linked), could anyone tell me anything of this Jane Lamb?
I realise family histories are hard to track, but I’m intrigued to know something of these three people: John, Mrs Heald and Jane Lamb.
I look forward to hearing from you!
If you are able to assist with this enquiry, please leave a comment or e-mail the blog team: parwich@hotmail.co.uk.
Alsop Hall (now Alsop-en-le-Dale Hall) was sold by the creditors of the original Alsop family in the late 1600s, after well over 500 years of continuous occupation. It passed through various hands (including Isaac Borrow of Derby, the Gells of Hopton, the Poles of Nottingham, the Beresfords and Brownsons, and others). During this period it was primarily a farm house rather than a principle seat.
In the 1880s Sir Henry Allsopp bought the Estate and tried to revive the title Lord Alsop of Alsop. He failed to demonstrate his descent from the original Alsop family. His principal seat was at Hindlip and eventually had to be content with the title Baron Hindlip of Hindlip and of Alsop-en-le-Dale when his peerage was conferred. I understand but have no confirmation of this, that he used it as a shooting lodge. He died in 1887.
There is some information to be found in back copies of the Parwich & District Local History Society newsletter (see their website http://parwichhistory.com/ ).
The Allsopp’s of Hindlip subsequently sold Alsop-en-le-Dale Hall and there seems to have been a rapid turn over of occupants of the house: Craven & Stanley in “The Derbyshire Country House” list Thomas Critchlow (a local farming family), John Hall, J N Heald and Edward Mark Philips who made alterations to the house in the early 1930s and died in 1936.
I am afraid I have no further information on the Heald family, perhaps current residents in Alsop-en-le-Dale will have further information.