Middleton-by-Youlgreave
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Middleton, often known as Middleton-by-Youlgreave or Middleton-by-Youlgrave to distinguish it from nearby Middleton-by-Wirksworth, is a village in the Derbyshire Peak District. It lies south west of Youlgreave, above the River Bradford. Its main industries are farming and tourism.
The village grew up during the Middle Ages. Middleton Castle, a fortified manor house, was built in the early seventeenth century, and saw some fighting during the English Civil War. Christopher Fulwood attempted to raise a Royalist force from his base in the Castle, but on 16 November 1643, Roundhead troops raided the house and killed Fulwood. The Castle now lies in ruins.
The settlement's present appearance dates from the early nineteenth century. Thomas Bateman rebuilt the entire village in the 1820s, incorporating the mullioned windows of earlier buildings to retain something of its traditional appearance. The small parish chuch also dates from this period, and Bateman rebuilt Middleton Hall as his own residence.
Bateman's grandson, the archaeologist also named Thomas Bateman, lived in the village, and built Lomberdale Hall as his residence.
An annual well dressing takes place in the village. Arbor Low lies two miles west of Middleton.
