The construction of the CHP Railway between Cromford and Whaley Bridge in 1831 created an opportunity to transport lime further than ever before possible and as a consequence several businesses around Buxton would merge into what became one of the biggest lime businesses in the country.

Before all this took place Harpur Hill was just that – – – a hill.

The objective of this website is not to provide an in depth historical study of Harpur Hill but simply an overview of how the village evolved and developed during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Another, if not the main reason, for setting up this site is to bring together old photographs and documents so they can be easily accessed and viewed by Harpur Hill residents, families and friends.

I have purposely kept the commentary brief and relevant. If you require further details please contact me and I can perhaps point you in the direction of a more informative source.
If you can help with putting names to faces there are group photographs on the “People” page with reference numbers, so if you can identify someone please let me know.

“Harpur Hill the Early Years” could not have taken shape without the help of the following people. They have not only provided many interesting photographs but have also shared their wealth of knowledge of Harpur Hill’s past,
Mick Blood, Margaret Askey, Allan Atkin, Alan Thompson, Carol Gilman and Frank Emerson.

If you have information or photographs that you believe would be suitable for the site you can contact me via email using the comments tag at the bottom of this  page .

Gary Thompson 14th April 2018.

Mick Blood, Alan Thompson, Gary Thompson, Margaret Askey, Carol Gilman, Frank Emerson, Allan Atkin.