Padley Hall

Padley Hall is a ruined medieval manor situated on a hillside with views of the River Derwent in the Peak District of Derbyshire. Stone foundation walls remain visible, showing where the main building once stood before falling into decay over the centuries.

This manor was originally granted to the De Bernac family after the Norman Conquest in the eleventh century. The Padley family later constructed their hall here in the fourteenth century before the building gradually fell into ruin.

The ruins carry the memory of two Catholic priests who sought refuge here during the religious turmoil of the 1580s, making this an important place of remembrance for those interested in that troubled period. Locals and visitors still recognize this connection to one of England's darker chapters.

The ruins can be reached on foot via marked pathways from nearby Grindleford station throughout the year. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven in places and the hillside can be muddy after rain.

The gatehouse was later transformed into a small Catholic chapel dedicated to the two priests who were found hiding there. This repurposing created a rare blend of architectural history and spiritual remembrance on the same site.

Location: Grindleford

GPS coordinates: 53.30730,-1.63063

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:42