Morley: Church Art, Historical Traces and Nature

Morley’s local history can be traced through its buildings, surviving remains and former uses. St Matthew’s Church and Morley Manor represent medieval connections; the Village Cross, the quarries of Morley Moor and sections of Ryknield Street offer other perspectives. A designated nature reserve adds to these historical themes. There are also specific animal experiences and a seasonal riding offer; the ride takes place just outside Morley.

Church, Manor and Village History

St Matthew’s Church is a Grade I listed building and stands in an old, well-kept churchyard. It contains medieval stained glass that was saved and brought here after the dissolution of nearby Dale Abbey in the 16th century. This provenance differs from the building history of Morley Manor: it was built sometime in the 14th century and was connected by a covered passage to the west end of the north chapel of the present-day church. A doorway and about five metres of stone walling survive from Morley Manor.

The Village Cross also stands on church land, which was the village green before enclosure. The cross is thus connected with an earlier use of the site, while the church and manor provide further architectural and historical links.

Quarry and Historic Routes

The quarries of Morley Moor produced gritstone holystones for scrubbing ship decks, circular millstones and scythe stones. The Roman road Ryknield Street offers a different historical perspective: separate sections can be traced in Morley. In one case, specific stone products take centre stage; in the other, individual fragments of a road. These traces therefore differ both in form and in what they reveal about local history.

Nature in Morley

The old clay pits on Brick Kiln Lane are now a nature reserve and are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This brings together their former use as clay pits and their current protected status. This connection with nature adds another theme to your stay alongside the stories of the church, manor and quarries.

Animal Experiences and Horse Riding

The Animal Unit offers 90-minute animal experiences with reptiles, farm animals, small mammals, or a combination of these areas. There is also a full-day animal care experience with a member of the team. This offer is for children aged six and over and is available at weekends or during school holidays. The key considerations when choosing are therefore the duration and focus: a 90-minute format featuring different animal groups versus a full day of animal care, subject to age and scheduling conditions.

The Equestrian Centre offers a five-kilometre off-road ride around the Broomfield estate, just outside Morley, from Easter to September. Here, the distance, terrain and season are the key details; the Animal Unit’s experiences focus on duration and animal care or animal group.

Plant Centre: Opening Hours

The Plant Centre is located at Derby College’s Broomfield Hall campus in Morley. It is open daily, including public holidays, from 10:00 to 16:00. Check the opening hours before travelling, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Whaley Bridge, Hartington, Ashover, Stoney Middleton, Glossop, Castleton, Hathersage, Swanwick

For the main travel overview: Derbyshire.