| History | Descent of manor
Wirksworth originally belonged to Repton Abbey. After its destruction by the Danes, it became vested in the Crown. It was granted by King John to William de Ferrers, Earl of Derby. After the defeat of Robert de Ferrers at the battle of Chesterfield in 1266, it reverted to the Crown. The manor was granted, with the wapentake, by King Edward I to Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, and subsequently formed part of the Earldom, then the Duchy of Lancaster, of which it has remained part ever since. It has been leased at various times, including to the Jodrell family (late 18th cent) and Richard Arkwright (early 19th cent).
Geographic extent
Its leet jurors came from several parishes and townships, comprising Fenny Bentley, Parwich, Ballidon, Bradbourne, Cromford, Wirksworth, Callow, Kirk Ireton, Ireton Wood, Lea, Wensley and Snitterton, Ible, Aldwick and Elton. Its copyhold jurors came from Hognaston, Wirksworth, Callow and Kirk Ireton. (Steward’s report, 1895, at Derbyshire Record Office, D163/18)
Nature of jurisdiction
Court barons were held twice a year, with court leets for the wapentake |