Matlock City Map Poster

About Matlock

Matlock is in the valley of the River Derwent, at above sea level. The town overlooks Matlock Bath, a steep-sided valley containing a meander of the River Derwent and known for its natural mineral waters. It is thought that around AD 120 Romans settled in this area; an archaeological dig discovered evidence of iron smelting on Birchenough Bridge Lane (a Roman road) near to St John's Church. A fort was built overlooking the river near Gowhole where there are signs of an extensive settlement with many graves and artefacts from that period being found including pottery kilns which produced coarse ware pots called "Gowk" wares named after their place or origin - perhaps Gocanna now known as Cuckney Hill just north east across open country from Matlock Bath – see also: http://www.derbyshirehistoryexplorergroup.