Description: Matlock Bath has been described as 'the Switzerland of England' and lies in a steep sided valley. It is bounded by the River Derwent to the east, with the limestone crags of High Tor and Cat Tor, rising almost vertically from the river's edge in places. There is little on this bank, apart from the railway line where it surfaces from its tunnels, a pathway up to Starkholmes in the heart of the village, the Lover's Walks and the old colour and gas works sites. The houses, shops and other buildings, such as the ones seen here are all on the west bank of the river, on the slopes that lead to the Masson hill, over 1,000 feet above sea level. Matlock Bath was originally part of the parish of Matlock until 1843 and the history of the two places is intertwined. In early times there were few inhabitants in what we now know as Matlock Bath because it was almost inaccessible. The village did not develop much until a road was cut through the rocks at Scarthin Nick at the south end of Matlock Bath and the bridle path from Matlock Bridge was widened. The first development of any major importance followed the discovery of the medicinal springs. 'The waters were first applied for medicinal purposes about the latter end of the seventeenth century. The old bath, which was of wood, lined with lead, was made in 1698. It was this bath that gave the place its name and visitors came to use the bath and to drink the waters. The village was an extremely fashionable and prosperous spa in the nineteenth century, and was visited by the then Princess (later Queen) Victoria on 22 Oct 1832 when she was a guest of the Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth House. Attractions included The Petrifying wells (the limestone suspended in the spa waters encrusted or 'petrified' objects that were placed under waterfalls), Pavilions and 'Lover's Walks' and the promenade. The village today has retained it's recreational atmosphere, popular with visitors and motorcyclists for its shops and tourist attractions.