| Administrative History | As holder of the estates of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Crown directly held the lead mines within the King's Field and was entitled to the mineral duties of the Soke and Wapentake of Wirksworth. The Manors of Wirksworth and Ireton Wood were also part of the estates of the Duchy of Lancaster and consequently held by the Crown. Stewards were appointed to look after the Crown's interests in these estates.
By the Derbyshire Mining Customs and Mineral Courts Act 1852, the Steward of the Wirksworth Barmote Court had the jurisdiction to preside at the Great and Small Barmote Courts, issue summons to attend, empanel jurors, advise barmasters and juries on points of law, and keep the judgements, verdicts, books, proceedings, books and seals of the courts. He was also able to be the steward of other courts, and this took place for the High Peak District Barmote Court for the period 1948-1963.
The names and starting dates of the Stewards of the Wirksworth Barmote Courts were:-
1852 William Eaton Mousley
1853 James Clifford Newbold
1862 Arthur Harwood
1882 Joseph Stone
1891 William Sealey Fisher
1927 Christopher Barker Symonds
1934 John Dudley Barker Symonds
1963 Philip Roland Cash
1972 M Brooke-Taylor
1983 M R Cockerton
From 1879, the Steward of the Wirksworth Barmote Courts was also the Steward of the Manors of Wirksworth and Ireton Wood. The two manors were separate entities, but had the same steward. |
| Custodial History | The records were deposited in the Derbyshire Record Office by the Steward in December 1962. |