Shirland and Higham, like close siblings, have grown up entwined in each other’s lives. The medieval manor of Shirland, which included the hamlet of Higham, is mentioned in the Doomsday book of 1086 as belonging to the illegitimate son of William the Conqueror.

 

These two neighbouring settlements have been a united parish for many centuries, although today they are as different as chalk and cheese in both character and appearance.

 

Until Shirland Pit was sunk in 1865 farming was the mainstay of the local economy, and had it not been for a major construction in 1792 Higham, rather than Alfreton, would have continued to thrive as the areas main local market town.

 

Visit the rare buttercross, the plethora of school sites the parish can boast, and discover the tale of the church carried away during the night.