Hall Leys Park

The Origin of Hall Leys Park

The Haw Lees (as the area was then called) was originally two fields on the east bank of the River Derwent lying between Matlock Bridge and Matlock Green through which ran a long established footpath linking the two settlements. This strip of land was acquired by Matlock Urban District Council from Henry Knowles in 1898 and the ‘Broadwalk’ was formed along the route of this riverside footpath. In 1908 remainder of the two fields, (one of which was still in use as Matlock’s football pitch) was purchased from Mr Perry of Manchester for £3750. The District Council appointed local architect John Nuttall to provide a design the park, and Hall Leys Park was officially opened 23 June 1911 to celebrate the Coronation of King George V.