TIDESWELL WELLDRESSING 2016
This year's welldressing depicts Chesterfield's St Mary's
and All Saints Parish Church.
Predominantly dating back to the 14th century, the church is
a Grade I listed building and is most known for its twisted spire, an architectural
phenomenon which has led to the church being given the common byname of the Crooked Spire.
The spire was added to the 14th
century tower in about 1362. It is both twisted and leaning, twisting 45
degrees and leaning 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) from its true centre. The leaning
characteristic was initially suspected to be the result of the absence of
skilled craftsmen (the Black Death had been gone only twelve years prior to the
spire's completion), insufficient cross-bracing, and the use of unseasoned timber.
The surrounding boards depict
aspects associated with Chesterfield, including designs from the Tudor
style pre-war Black and White buildings, of which there are nearly 50, shown
here in maroon/ brown and cream.
The Dollies – pattern taken from a Black and White
building.
The Headboard – Chesterfield's Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms was given to the Borough on 10th November
1955, replacing several earlier versions.
In the centre is a shield with
a pomegranate, on the left is a cock (pynot in local speech) and on the right
is a magpie. There is a local pub, called the Cock and Magpie, where three
noblemen plotted what became known as the Revolution of 1688 to replace King
James II (a Roman Catholic) by William and Mary of Orange (Protestants), an event
known as the Glorious Revolution. Above the shield there is a wall, showing
that Chesterfield is a Borough with an ancient charter. The Charter was granted
by Elizabeth I. The original Charter is kept at the Chesterfield Museum. The
Ram is the Derbyshire symbol and is also the mascot of the Mercian Regiment. At
the bottom of the Coat of Arms is a patch of rocks and heather, referring to
the nearby Peak District, and the motto “Aspire” - a word with two meanings.
One is a reference to the Crooked Spire, Chesterfield's most famous landmark.
The other meaning is to strive for, work towards, hope for, a very positive
message about the attitude of Chesterfield people.
Mantle - It
seemed apt to use the quote “aspire to inspire” that ends “before you
expire”from Eugene Bell Jr.
Top middle panel - part of the
logo for the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Chesterfield.
The
Battle of Chesterfield was a minor skirmish in the latter stages of 13th
century's England's Second Barons' War. It was part of the “mopping up” of Baronial
opposition that resisted Henry III
(left hand shield) following the Battle of
Evesham. The fighting took place in, and around, Chesterfield on 15
May 1266. The leaders of the Barons were Robert de Ferrers, Earl of Derby, (right hand
shield), Baldwin Wake, Lord of Chesterfield and John d’Ayville. The
Royalist forces were led by Henry of Almain
nephew to Henry III.
Corbels - Carvings on the Victoria Centre in Knifesmithgate,
Chesterfield
Side panels - depicting
Chesterfield Market stalls
The official foundation of Chesterfield as a
Borough began with the granting of a Charter by King John in 1204. This ancient
charter also granted the Lord of the Manor the right to hold Tuesday and
Saturday markets, and an annual fair each September, which lasted for eight
days from the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14th, to
the autumnal equinox on 22nd.
Bottom left hand corner - George Stephenson's railway wheel at
Chesterfield Station
The bronze statue is of the great railway pioneer. George, who worked
with his son Robert to develop the revolutionary locomotive "Rocket",
spent the last ten years of his life at Tapton House, which overlooks the
station, and is buried inside Holy Trinity Church in Chesterfield.
Bottom centre board - Revolution
House
In 1688, three local noblemen, the
Earl of Devonshire, the Earl of Danby and Mr John D'Arcy met at Whittington
disguised as a hunting party, to begin planning their part in the overthrow of
James II. A rainstorm sent them seeking shelter to the Cock and Pynot alehouse.
Now known as Revolution House, which is a free public museum.
Bottom right hand corner - Sculpture on Horn's Bridge roundabout
The sculpture was designed by Derbyshire-based artist Melanie Jackson
and features a wheel, or cog, integrated into the landscape showing the
borough’s industrial heritage with an opening bud or flower rising out of the
centre. The project, led by Chesterfield Borough Council, was in response to
requests from local businesses to improve the gateways into the town centre in
November 20.
I have aspired to inspire all who
come to look at our welldressing.
Elaine Chapman
