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Higham lines the road by which the Romans tramped to Chesterfield from Derby. Its houses (stone-walled and some of them set in gardens) are a charming frame for a wayside cross.
Higham was a market centre from the 13th century, and the fine flight of seven steps (now supporting a modern cross) reminds us that butter and eggs were brought here for sale.
The cross looks afar to a lovely countryside, or nearer to the busy road at the end of the village, pitying, we may think, the people who hurry on, not heeding that this pleasant village is nearby. Higham stands on high ground and overlooks the Amber Valley and the Ogston Reservoir.
Dick Turpin is said to have visited the Bull (now Bull Farm) when it was an inn where coaches travelling between Derby and Sheffield changed horses. As the Black Bull Inn, it was for centuries the social centre of the village. In the 18th century, it had its own ballroom and a temporary theatre where touring companies of players performed to audiences willing to pay 2/- in the pit and 1/- in the gallery.
Higham is probably the oldest settlement in the area, and is a former estate village. Ryknild Street, the Roman road, runs nearby and for five hundred years the village had its own market, together with the aforementioned coach staging post. The beautiful old stone cottages and its ancient cross now form part of the Higham Conservation area.
There are several buildings of historic note in the parish, one of which Higham Mill, became a farmhouse when the river was diverted. Not so far away - between Wessington and Higham - will be seen the remains of a candlewick mill and mill pond (partially filled in ), a cheese factory and a 16 foot water wheel.
It is hard to believe today that within the last century Higham has been virtually self-sufficient. Apart from the production of primary commodities by the surrounding farms, the village itself contained a wide variety of victuallers, tailors, cobblers, tanners, saddlers, bakers, butchers, masons, and blacksmiths.
In the present century the number and variety of trades has gradually decreased, and today there are only two shops in the village - the butcher, (one wonders if he still sells mutton at 4 pence per pound as they did in the 19th century) and the Post Office/General Store. The Post Office was built in 1754 and remained in the same family for 153 years. The London coach discharged its mails at the door. Letters were put in the window and if not claimed in a week, were delivered. The Postmaster received £2.00 a year for his dutues. No doubt many postal workers today will insist that they are not paid much more!
In the 18th century there were six public houses in Higham, the buildings of which all remain today. Look for Well Farm (originally The Plough), Bull Farm ( originally The Black Bull), Ivy Farm (originally the Three Stags Heads), and Nos 27 and 28 were at one time The Horns. Still remaining however is The Greyhound and the Barley Mow - though these days the latter has been re-named The Crown.
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