The History of Matlock Bath

Matlock Bath was built along the River Derwent and developed as a spa town in the 1800's.

Prior to this in the 1600's warm springs were discovered and a Bath House was built. As the waters became more well known, access to Matlock Bath was improved by the building of a bridge into Old Matlock and in the late 18th Century, the opening of a new route into the town at the south of the valley.

In 1840 the North Midland Railway opened in 1840, and Birmingham and Derby Junction Railway ran a number of excursions, taking the passengers onward from Ambergate by the Cromford Canal.

Today, Matlock Bath is popular with tourists and motorbike enthusiasts who congregate in the town most weekends.