In this episode of Domesday Delving, we journey to Bakewell, a picturesque town in Derbyshire, best known today for its delicious puddings and tarts. But beneath its charming surface lies a rich history that’s been shaped by its strategic importance and valuable resources.

We’ll explore Bakewell’s origins, tracing back to its founding by Anglo-Saxons, and discover why it was a prized royal holding both before and after the Norman Conquest. We'll also delve into the medieval lead mines that made Bakewell a key industrial center, unearthing the dangerous and arduous work that sustained the community.