J is for Jane Eyre and Little John
Today we hopped out of bed and set off in search of the landscape of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and the houses of Pride and Prejudice on an extended 'Jane Eyre Hathersage Trail' from Peak District National Park Peak Experiences.
In 1845, two years before her acclaimed novel Jane Eyre was published, Charlotte Bronte stayed with her close friend Ellen Nussey in Hathersage Vicarage.
Many places in the novel bear a close resemblance to locations in and around the village. North Lees Hall is thought to be the inspiration for Mr. Rochester's home 'Thornfield', Moorseats Hall is said to be the Rivers family's 'Moor House', whilst the small town of Morton is based on Hathersage itself.
Leaving Hathersage along Hood's Brook we first passed Brookfield Manor (Vale Hall in Jane Eyre) before climbing up past the stunning North Lees Hall (Thornfield).
The trail passes close to remains of a 2,000 year old Romano-British village then across the slopes of Stanage Plantation and up on the incredible Stanage Edge.
We extended our walk along to Upper Burbage, passing Stanage Pole and White Path Moss trig then descending via Callow Bank and Toothill Farm to the beautiful Moorseats (Moor House).
Descending through the woods, passing a Norman fort, the trail snakes past Hathersage Churchyard where you can find the grave of Little John, a companion of Robin Hood who served as his chief lieutenant and second-in-command of the Merry Men.
We ended the trail by The George where Charlotte stayed having arrived in Hathersage by stage coach, then grabbed coffees at the fabulous Colemans Deli.
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