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Coordinates: 53°07′26″N 1°33′54″W / 53.12378°N 1.56511°W / 53.12378; -1.56511
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{{Short description|Tourist attraction in Derbyshire, England}}
{{About|the tourist attraction in Derbyshire}}
{{About|the tourist attraction in Derbyshire}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}
[[File:Matlock Bath from Heights of Abraham - geograph.org.uk - 1680171.jpg|thumb|Matlock Bath seen from the from Heights of Abraham]]
{{Use British English|date=November 2017}}
'''The Heights of Abraham''' is a tourist attraction in [[Matlock Bath]], [[Derbyshire]], [[England]]. It consists of a hilltop park on top of Masson Hill, accessed from the village by either the [[Heights of Abraham cable car]] or a steep zig-zag path. The heights are named after a supposed resemblance to the [[Plains of Abraham]], also known as the Heights of Abraham, in [[Quebec]], [[Canada]], where [[James Wolfe]] died in battle.<ref name=hehoa>{{cite web |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000680 |title=Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath |publisher=Historic England |accessdate=9 August 2017 |archivedate=10 August 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810101026/https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000680}}</ref>
[[File:Matlock Bath from Heights of Abraham - geograph.org.uk - 1680171.jpg|thumb|Matlock Bath seen from the Heights of Abraham]]
'''The Heights of Abraham''' is a tourist attraction in [[Matlock Bath]], [[Derbyshire]], England. It consists of a hilltop park on top of Masson Hill, accessed from the village by the [[Heights of Abraham cable car]]. The heights are named after a supposed resemblance to the [[Plains of Abraham]], also known as the Heights of Abraham, in [[Quebec]], Canada, where [[James Wolfe]] died in battle.<ref name=hehoa>{{cite web |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000680 |title=Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath |publisher=Historic England |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810101026/https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000680}}</ref><ref name=dgmb>{{cite web |url=http://www.derbyshireguide.co.uk/travel/matlock-bath.htm |title=Matlock Bath |publisher=HCI Data Ltd |work=Derbyshire Guide |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810123408/http://www.derbyshireguide.co.uk/travel/matlock-bath.htm}}</ref>


Amongst the attractions in the park, which has been open since [[Victorian_era|Victorian]] times, are [[cavern]] and [[Mining|mine]] tours. There are also views of the dramatic scenery of the valley of the [[River Derwent]]. The cable car was opened in 1984 to provide easier access.<ref name=hehoa/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lift-world.info/en/lifts/10035/datas.htm |title=6-MGFP Heights of Abraham |work=lift-world.info |accessdate=9 August 2017 |archivedate=10 August 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810093233/http://www.lift-world.info/en/lifts/10035/datas.htm}}</ref><ref name=hoacc>{{cite web |title=Cable Car |url=http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/the-cable-car |publisher=The Heights of Abraham |accessdate=9 August 2017 |archivedate=10 August 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810093736/http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/the-cable-car}}</ref>
Amongst the attractions in the park, which has been open since [[Victorian era|Victorian times]], are [[cavern]] and [[Mining|mine]] tours. There are also views of the dramatic scenery of the valley of the [[River Derwent, Derbyshire|River Derwent]]. The cable car was opened in 1984 to provide easier access.<ref name=hehoa/><ref name=hoacc>{{cite web |title=Cable Car |url=http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/the-cable-car |publisher=The Heights of Abraham |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810093736/http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/the-cable-car}}</ref>


The Heights of Abraham are listed as grade II* in the [[register of historic parks and gardens of special historic interest in England]].<ref name=hehoa/>
== Show caverns ==

== Attractions ==
[[File:The Great Masson Cavern.jpeg|thumb|Great Masson cavern lead mining history displays]]
[[File:The Great Masson Cavern.jpeg|thumb|Great Masson cavern lead mining history displays]]
There are two caves at the Heights of Abraham, the [[Great Masson Cavern]] and the [[Great Rutland Cavern]], both previously mined for lead minerals. It is believed that the lead mining in this area began in Roman times, and it reached its heyday in the 17th century. The miners are now long gone but in the process of excavating the rich mineral deposits they left behind a large network of caverns and passageways dating back millions of years. Now, regular guided tours allow visitors to retrace the miners' footsteps.<ref>{{cite web |title=Show Caverns |url=http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/cavern-tours/ |publisher=The Heights of Abraham |accessdate=9 August 2017}}</ref>
There are two caves at the Heights of Abraham, the [[Great Masson Cavern]] and the [[Great Rutland Cavern]], both previously mined for Lead ore and Fluorspar. It is thought that lead mining in this area began in Roman times and reached its peak in the 1700s. As deposits began to dwindle, and cheaper lead was imported in the 1800s, the miners found a far more lucrative use for the caves as tourist attractions; in the process of excavation a large network of caverns and passageways were created which wealthy visitors would now pay to see. There are regular guided tours to retrace the miners' footsteps with a nearby exhibition of photography, fossils and an information film, explaining the cave's history.<ref name=dgmb/><ref>{{cite web |title=Show Caverns |url=http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/cavern-tours/ |publisher=The Heights of Abraham |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810101721/http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/cavern-tours/}}</ref>

The Victoria Prospect Tower was built in 1844 to celebrate the reign of [[Queen Victoria]]. From the top of the tower, and from the adjacent [[amphitheatre]], there are panoramic views of the valley of the [[River Derwent, Derbyshire|River Derwent]], the [[spa town]] of [[Matlock Bath]] and the nearby [[Riber Castle]] and [[Willersley Castle]]. A more modern viewing platform is Tinker's Shaft, which provides valley views as well as a vertical view into the Great Masson Cavern. A view from a different perspective can be obtained from the cable car, as it ascends and descends across the valley to a terminal on the far bank of the river.<ref name=hehoa/><ref name=hoacc/><ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria Prospect Tower |url=http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/victoria-prospect-tower/ |publisher=The Heights of Abraham |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810101839/http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/victoria-prospect-tower/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tinkers Shaft |url=http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/tinkers-shaft/ |publisher=The Heights of Abraham |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810102058/http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/tinkers-shaft/}}</ref>

The site is home to the Vista restaurant/bar, the terrace cafe and an ice-cream parlour. There is also a shop specialising in the sale of rock- and mineral-themed items.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eat & Shop |url=http://www.heightsofabraham.com/eat-shop/ |publisher=The Heights of Abraham |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810150021/http://www.heightsofabraham.com/eat-shop/}}</ref>


== Views ==
== Access ==
[[File:The Heights of Abraham Cable Cars.jpeg|thumb|The Heights of Abraham cable cars over the Derwent Valley]]
[[File:The Heights of Abraham Cable Cars.jpeg|thumb|The Heights of Abraham cable cars over the Derwent Valley]]
Access to the Heights of Abraham is by the cable car only. The lower station of the cable car is located on the opposite bank of the River Derwent to the Heights of Abraham and the town of Matlock Bath, with the cabins crossing the river at the lower end of their journey. A footbridge provides access from the town to the lower station, which is also a short walk away from [[Matlock Bath railway station]].<ref name=hehoa/><ref name=dgmb/>
The Victoria Prospect Tower was built in 1844 to celebrate the reign of [[Queen Victoria]]. From the top there are panoramic views of the valley of the [[River Derwent]], the [[spa town]] of [[Matlock Bath]] and the nearby [[Riber Castle]] and [[Willersley Castle]]. A more modern viewing platform is Tinkers Shaft, which provides valley views as well as a vertical view into the Great Masson Cavern. A view from a different perspective can be obtained from the cable car, as it ascends and descends across the valley to a terminal on the far bank of the river.<ref name=hehoa/><ref name=hoacc/><ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria Prospect Tower |url=http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/victoria-prospect-tower/ |publisher=The Heights of Abraham |accessdate=9 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tinkers Shaft |url=http://www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/tinkers-shaft/ |publisher=The Heights of Abraham |accessdate=9 August 2017}}</ref>

The site is privately run, and an admission charge is applied. The admission charge covers admission to all the attractions and cave tours. The site is open every day from February to early November, and on various other days. Opening times are 10:00 to 16.30, and later during holidays.<ref name=dgmb/><ref>{{cite web |title=Times & Tickets |url=http://www.heightsofabraham.com/times-and-tickets/ |publisher=The Heights of Abraham |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810124952/http://www.heightsofabraham.com/times-and-tickets/}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Heights of Abraham}}
*[http://www.heightsofabraham.com/ Official site]
*[http://www.heightsofabraham.com/ Official site]
*[http://www.derbyshireguide.co.uk/travel/matlock-bath.htm Derbyshire guide giving the origin of the name]
*[http://www.derbyphotos.co.uk/areas_i_o/matlock_bath_hoa.htm Heights of Abraham photographs]
*[http://www.derbyphotos.co.uk/areas_i_o/matlock_bath_hoa.htm Heights of Abraham photographs]

{{Oscoor gbx|SK292586}}
{{Oscoor gbx|SK292586}}


{{Coord|53.12378|N|1.56511|W|region:GB_source:enwiki-osgb36(SK292586)|display=title}}<!-- Note: WGS84 lat/long, converted from OSGB36 grid ref -->
{{Coord|53.12378|N|1.56511|W|region:GB_source:enwiki-osgb36(SK292586)|display=title}}<!-- Note: WGS84 lat/long, converted from OSGB36 grid ref -->

{{Derbyshire Places of interest}}
{{Peaks of the Peak District}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Parks and open spaces in Derbyshire]]
[[Category:Parks and open spaces in Derbyshire]]
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[[Category:Tourist attractions of the Peak District]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions of the Peak District]]
[[Category:Grade II* listed parks and gardens in Derbyshire]]
[[Category:Grade II* listed parks and gardens in Derbyshire]]

{{Derbyshire Places of interest}}
{{Peaks of the Peak District}}

Latest revision as of 20:59, 9 March 2024

Matlock Bath seen from the Heights of Abraham

The Heights of Abraham is a tourist attraction in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, England. It consists of a hilltop park on top of Masson Hill, accessed from the village by the Heights of Abraham cable car. The heights are named after a supposed resemblance to the Plains of Abraham, also known as the Heights of Abraham, in Quebec, Canada, where James Wolfe died in battle.[1][2]

Amongst the attractions in the park, which has been open since Victorian times, are cavern and mine tours. There are also views of the dramatic scenery of the valley of the River Derwent. The cable car was opened in 1984 to provide easier access.[1][3]

The Heights of Abraham are listed as grade II* in the register of historic parks and gardens of special historic interest in England.[1]

Attractions[edit]

Great Masson cavern lead mining history displays

There are two caves at the Heights of Abraham, the Great Masson Cavern and the Great Rutland Cavern, both previously mined for Lead ore and Fluorspar. It is thought that lead mining in this area began in Roman times and reached its peak in the 1700s. As deposits began to dwindle, and cheaper lead was imported in the 1800s, the miners found a far more lucrative use for the caves as tourist attractions; in the process of excavation a large network of caverns and passageways were created which wealthy visitors would now pay to see. There are regular guided tours to retrace the miners' footsteps with a nearby exhibition of photography, fossils and an information film, explaining the cave's history.[2][4]

The Victoria Prospect Tower was built in 1844 to celebrate the reign of Queen Victoria. From the top of the tower, and from the adjacent amphitheatre, there are panoramic views of the valley of the River Derwent, the spa town of Matlock Bath and the nearby Riber Castle and Willersley Castle. A more modern viewing platform is Tinker's Shaft, which provides valley views as well as a vertical view into the Great Masson Cavern. A view from a different perspective can be obtained from the cable car, as it ascends and descends across the valley to a terminal on the far bank of the river.[1][3][5][6]

The site is home to the Vista restaurant/bar, the terrace cafe and an ice-cream parlour. There is also a shop specialising in the sale of rock- and mineral-themed items.[7]

Access[edit]

The Heights of Abraham cable cars over the Derwent Valley

Access to the Heights of Abraham is by the cable car only. The lower station of the cable car is located on the opposite bank of the River Derwent to the Heights of Abraham and the town of Matlock Bath, with the cabins crossing the river at the lower end of their journey. A footbridge provides access from the town to the lower station, which is also a short walk away from Matlock Bath railway station.[1][2]

The site is privately run, and an admission charge is applied. The admission charge covers admission to all the attractions and cave tours. The site is open every day from February to early November, and on various other days. Opening times are 10:00 to 16.30, and later during holidays.[2][8]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath". Historic England. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d "Matlock Bath". Derbyshire Guide. HCI Data Ltd. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Cable Car". The Heights of Abraham. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  4. ^ "Show Caverns". The Heights of Abraham. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  5. ^ "Victoria Prospect Tower". The Heights of Abraham. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  6. ^ "Tinkers Shaft". The Heights of Abraham. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  7. ^ "Eat & Shop". The Heights of Abraham. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
  8. ^ "Times & Tickets". The Heights of Abraham. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2017.

External links[edit]

53°07′26″N 1°33′54″W / 53.12378°N 1.56511°W / 53.12378; -1.56511