Orchard Farm

Orchard Farm, Eaton Bank

Part of this farm house was built in 1728. It was later amalgamated in 1789 with another cottage. It was owned by the Duke of Devonshire and tenanted by George Bates, who lived there with his wife, Hannah, and their eight children. These included Thomas Bates who became a wealthy shipping agent in London and a major benefactor to the village. Their youngest son, William, became the village blacksmith -three of his sons and his grandson were also blacksmiths. The Duke of Devonshire sold the house and land in 1867 and the Bates family moved to Morley Lane and then to Coxbench.

The farm house was bought in 1867 by Frederick Gates a gunsmith. He lived there with his wife, Sarah, and 5 children. The family emigrated to California. Frederick lost all his money but managed to survive and his descendants still live there.

Paul Clarke, his wife, Emma, were living there by 1881. They had a daughter and 5 sons. The picture shows Paul and his brothers outside the house in 1908. Paul is fourth from the right. He was manager of the Peckwash Mill for some years and was manager of the Brook Mill when the picture was taken. All the brothers were apprenticed to Tempest Paper Mills and remained in the trade. The Clarkes’ father and grandfather were also paper makers.

In 1920 the house was sold to Joe Watts, the son of the landlord of the Bridge Inn. He was followed by two sisters, the Misses Watts, who owned a jewellery business in Derby. They were followed by and Mr and Mrs Bond.

The present owners, Steve and Ruth Brind have lived there since 1985.