| Matlock Bath: River Derwent, 1914-1919 |
| Matlock Bath : Twentieth Century Photographs, Postcards, Engravings & Etchings |
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A pretty riverside scene, similar to the previous image,
that was taken just before the outbreak of the First World War from close to the Parade side
of the Jubilee Bridge and also looking downstream. Just behind the tree on the far right we
can see that the door of the Fountain Baths (now the Aquarium) is wide open, waiting for swimmers.
Although war had been declared on 3rd August 1914, Matlock
Bath continued with some planned events. On 22 August the annual
regatta was held "on the promenade length of the Derwent".
It had been arranged to take place the week before, on 15th August,
but rain forced the organisers to change the date[1].
The next regatta was held in 1919, at the end of the war, as
part of an event arranged to show Matlock Bath's appreciation
to local demobilised soldiers and discharged men[2].
Regattas had been held in Matlock Bath since 1875, with the
first one staged on a fine Thursday afternoon in September.
The event had been organised by a working committee and the
race officials were Sidney Wheatcroft (starter) and Philip
Daykin (judge). A "large number spectators were present,
the romantic rooks and walks on each side of the river being
completely crowded. The races commenced at two o'clock, and
lasted till seven. ... At night one of the grandest displays
of fireworks ever witnessed in Derbyshire was given by C. S.
Brock and Co. of London"[3].
The following year's regatta was somewhat marred by very heavy
downpours but the evening saw more Brock's fireworks and from
the station to the weir, as well as the Heights of Abraham,
were lit up with different coloured fires, with the lights
changing colour[4].
Later regattas included swimming races in the river[5].

This sepia photographic card from 1916 provides a closer view of the buildings on the left bank of the Derwent.
Above them are three storey houses on Temple Road. Lovers' Walks can be seen on the left river bank.
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Images:
1. "On the Derwent, Matlock Bath". Valentine's Series, No.JV-79512.
Valentine's Series is a guarantee of British Manufacture, first published
in 1914. Not posted. Another version of this card was posted in 1929.
2. "At Matlock Bath", published by Judge's Ltd., Hastings, No. 4971 in
1916-17. Posted on 27 Aug 1926 at Matlock. The card's sender wrote "This is
really a delightful place for a holiday & the scenery is all that can be
desired." Sent to Grimsby.
Information researched, written by and © Ann Andrews.
Intended for personal use only.
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References:
[1] "Derbyshire Courier", 29 August 1914. Matlock Bath Regatta.
[2] "Derbyshire Courier",
26 July 1919. Also see: The
War Memorials, Peace Day, 19 July 1919.
[3] "Derbyshire Times", 18 September 1875.
[4] "The Derby Mercury", Wednesday, September 13, 1876.
[5] "Derbyshire Times", 16 September 1882.
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