I love planning solo trips because it of course allows me to only go and do the things I want to do, but also go off the beaten path a bit. In June 2018, I had the opportunity to visit England for two weeks during which I filled my time hiking, exploring numerous book stores, eating in cute cafes and cozy pubs, and visiting a number of historical landmarks and museums. Being the bookworm that I am, I was able to add a literary twist to a lot of my activities and I thought I would share with you some highlights of my trip.
Hathersage
Perhaps my favorite stop on my trip was Hathersage, a small village in Derbyshire, part of the Peak District. A quick train ride from either Nottingham or Sheffield, Hathersage is picturesque and surrounded by endless opportunities for hiking and soaking in nature. There are many literary ties to Hathersage, the most famous being Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, Robin Hood, and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte has very strong ties to Hathersage. Having spent significant time in the village, Bronte found inspiration for the people and places of her novel Jane Eyre. On a relaxing walk that winds through woods, pastures, and moorlands, you will come across several familiar landmarks.
The first is Brookfield Manor, a gorgeous residence with several towering chimneys you can spot from a distance. Charlotte Bronte used Brookfield as inspiration for Vale Hall in Jane Eyre, where Jane teaches. If you are able to visit in person, just be mindful that it is private property and you should not linger long or enter in past the gate!
Further down the walking path is North Lees Hall which was transformed into Mr. Rochester’s Thornfield Hall in Jane Eyre. North Lees Hall sits on top of a hill, providing dramatic views of the surrounding countryside and Hathersage itself. The building was constructed in the early 1590s with additions build on in 1750.
On a different path on my way back into Hathersage, I found Moorseats. From Moorseats, Charlotte Bronte created the home of St John Rivers and his sisters Diana and Mary, called Moor House. Jane Eyre runs to Moor House after finding out that Mr. Rochester is married had been hiding her in the attic of Thornfield Hall. It is a comforting place where Jane finds happiness and protection in the company of good people. In the way Charlotte Bronte has Jane describe the house, it is clear that she loved it dearly herself:
“They loved their sequestered home. I, too, in the gray, small, antique structure, with its low roof, its latticed casements, its mouldering walls, its avenue of aged first – all grown aslant under the stress of mountain winds; its garden, dark with yew and holly – and where no flowers but of the hardiest species would bloom – found a charm, both potent and permanent. They clung to the purple moors behind and around their dwelling – to the hollow vale into which the pebbly bridle-path leading from their gate descended and which wound between fern-banks first, and then among a few of the wildest little pasture-fields that ever bordered a wilderness of heath, or gave sustenance to a flock of gray moorland sheep, with their little mossy-face lambs […]” (Jane Eyre, Chapter 30).
Robin Hood
While Nottingham is typically the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of legendary hero Robin Hood, he has ties to Hathersage as well. The first clue of a connection you will likely find is The Little John Hotel just off the main road. Legend has it that Little John, Robin Hood’s lieutenant, was born in Hathersage. Robin Hood himself is said to come from Loxley, a village about 8 miles away.
You can even find Little John’s grave at St Michael and All Angels Church on the outskirts of the village. The church was built in the 14th century and is said to have displayed Little John’s bow, hat, and mail shirt inside the building.
A day hike to Stanage Edge is a must when visiting Hathersage, and here you will come across an exciting literary landmark: Robin Hood’s Cave. Sadly, the site is damaged with graffiti, but still a fun spot to find as you walk along the ridge. Take a moment to have a look around on Google Maps! If you have time, you can even virtually walk the length of Stanage Edge and many of the small walking paths around the village.
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
Stanage Edge was also used as a filming site for the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice. The rocky cliffs and rolling hills that surround it make for a wonderfully dramatic scene in which Liz Bennet (played by Kierra Knightly) pensively stares out from atop the ridge. While the entire soundtrack is beautiful, this scene’s song “Liz on Top of the World” is one of my favorite tracks. If you need a moment of calm, you can check out the OST on hoopla digital. [link: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/10950768]
Related Readings
The Library has Robin Hood, Pride and Prejudice, and Jane Eyre available to read online! You can check them out on OverDrive, Libby, hoopla digital, and RB Digital by going to our eBooks page >
I hope you enjoyed this first literary stop on our virtual tour of England. Have you ever been to any bookish places in England? Or perhaps any destinations on your bucket list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!