Black's Guide of 1888[1] describes
Matlock and its hydropathic establishments, of which Matlock
House was one. Part of the quotation below applies to all
the Bank's Hydros - not just Smedley's.
"At MATLOCK BANK, a rapidly-increasing locality,
there are several large and excellently conducted hydropathic
and other establishments. Among these SMEDLEY'S, the
first founded, is one of the largest and best conducted
establishments of its kind in the kingdom. It is capable
of accommodating some hundreds of patients, and no greater
proof of its excellence can be adduced than to say it
is always full, and constantly being enlarged. This establishment
has passed into the hands or a company, the Matlock Bank
Hydropathic Company (Limited), and is under the care
of Dr. Hunter. The view from Matlock Bank is truly charming.
In the distance is Masson, at the foot or which runs
the river Derwent, crossed by the bridge which gives
the name to the railway station beyond. To the right
the eye traverses the country towards Darley Dale, and
to the left the High Tor, Matlock Dale, Matlock Church,
and Riber, skirt the view. A large Congregational chapel
of Gothic design, with tower and spire, has been erected
at Matlock Bank, as has also a spacious chapel, also
with tower and spire, belonging to Smedley's establishment
; there is also a Mission House at Matlock Bank.
Other HYDROPATHIC ESTABLISHMENTS are Matlock House;
Rock Side House; Jackson House; Tor House ; Prospect Place,
and more than a dozen others. Good private lodgings may
also be obtained. The air is more bracing than at Matlock
Bath" (p.234[1]).
A trade directory from about the same time describes Matlock
House and other hydropathic establishments on the Bank
as follows:- "Matlock House, a fine stone building,
Rockside House, Jackson House, and Prospect House, are
hydropathic establishments of the first class; there are
several smaller ones, the whole of which are delightfully
situated and are well conducted"[2] (Kelly).
More on site information about this hydro and Water Cures
 Matlock
House & Rockside, 1869
Claremont,
Matlock, and Mr. Rowland - The Rowlands, builders of Rockside, held
the lease for Matlock House at one time
Water
Cures
Matlock |
References:
[1] "Black's Tourist Guide
to Derbyshire"
(1888), pub. Adam and Charles Black, Edinburgh
[2] Kelly,
E.R. (ed) (1887), "Kelly's
Directory of the Derbyshire", London, Kelly & Co.,
p.237
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