Historical Centre & Information Point

Live the history of Ashbourne through its pivotal export: Royal Shrovetide Football.

Ashbourne is a Georgian Market Town, first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. Nestled in the foothills of the Peak District famed for ROYAL SHROVETIDE FOOTBALL, it is truly 'The Gateway to Dovedale'.

Let us make your visit to the town and the surrounding area a memorable one by popping into the ASHBOURNE HISTORICAL CENTRE & INFORMATION POINT. located in the Town Hall, formerly the Talbot Inn, which was visited by Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton when writing 'The Compleat Angler' in 1653. Here take a walk through the town's nostalgic past as seen through its main export, Royal Shrovetide Football. We have changing exhibits showcasing our illustrious history, and stock a good selection of leaflets on Ashbourne and the surrounding area. Friendly local knowledge is always on tap by our trained staff.

We also have an ASHBOURNE & DISTRICT REFERENCE LIBRARY, where long out of print publications can be viewed by the public, a quiet reading area can be arranged upon request for research.

Another interesting exclusive is a selection of artefacts excavated from the river bed of the Henmore Brook by The Trent Rivers Trust. These include Roman tessellation, medieval black pottery, Georgian fragments, and Victorian glass & clay pipe fragments.- May 2023 will see an exciting new exhibit on the Meynell Hunt.

We are always keen to receive new artefacts for display which will be cared for and placed in lockable cabinets. Please contact the Curator on our contacts page and arrange a friendly meeting.

THE HISTORICAL CENTRE OPENING HOURS:

MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY

10:00am till 3:00pm

(THURSDAY & SUNDAY: CLOSED)

Or contact us as the details below:

Town Hall, Market Place, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1ES

Tel: 01335 343666

Email: museum@ashbournetowncouncil.gov.uk