The History of Bakewell

Bakewell is a small town believed to have been founded in Anglo Saxon times. It's name derives from the term 'Badeca's Well'

During Anglo Saxon times, Bakwell was in the Anglian kingdom of Mercia, and by Norman times had gained a great level of importance, with the town itself, and its church being mentioned in the Domesday Book.

In 1254 a market was established within the town and Bakewell became a trading centre. I was at this time that the famous five-arched bridge over the River Wye was constructed and it remains as one of the few surviving remnants of this period.

In the 17th Century, Bakewell developed into a spa town following the discovery if a chalybeate spring and the building of a bath house in 1697.

Today, Bakewell attracts a multitude of visitors and tourists, and has gained fame as being the only town in The Peak District National Park.

Further Reading

To find out more about Bakwell and its history, we recommend looking through the selection of books available about the settlement. Links to buy books securely online are provided, but you may also be able to find them in the many shops in Bakewell itself, such as those in the retail category of our directory.