| Administrative History | The ancient Parish of Wirksworth comprises: Wirksworth; Cromford; Middleton; Alderwasley; Idridgehay & Alton; Biggin; Callow; Hopton; Ible; Ivonbrook Grange; and Ashleyhay.
The Ancient Charities of Wirksworth were founded when, in July 1574, Agnes Fearn left 40/- yearly for people in the Bede House.
In February 1576, Anthony Gell of Hopton left money to build the Bede House and a Free Grammar School. By letters patent in October 1583, Queen Elizabeth granted that the latter be called the Free School of Anthony Gell, and Mr. Gell bequeathed for its upkeep, 153 acres of land in Wirksworth, Kniveton, and Kirk Ireton. The School was re-built in the churchyard in 1828 at a cost of £4664/6/3, replacing the original building.
While some of the other events significant to the formation of the Ancient Charities are as follows:
In 1729, a house on Greenhill was purchased with monies left by Robert Sage to help the poor get work.
In February 1683, George Summers left £3 yearly for the poor. It is believed that he owned Summer Lane.
In 1693 Anthony Bunting bequeathed £5 yearly to be paid to six poor men in the Armshouse , which was founded by Anthony Gell. He also left 26/- to be paid by 6d a week to poor people who would attend Church every Friday. While in the same year, Francis Bunting left £5 per annum to be distributed to 20 poor men.
In 1702 and 1707 respectively, Mary Hoades and Mary Woodis each left 40/- yearly for the poor.
In 1734, William Greatorex gave £5 yearly to send a poor boy through an apprenticeship.
Then in the 19th century, Bridget Cheney left £100. In 1802, 1823, and later in the Enclosure Awards, money was realised from the sale of wood, and invested in the poor. While in the last decade of the 19th century, Hannah Ogden left £500 for a scholarship, the interest being used for a poor scholar to attend Derby Grammar School; and Charles Seeds left several bequests for the bells in the Church and items to schools and non-conformist bodies. |
| Custodial History | These records were deposited in Derbyshire Record Office in October 2008. |