CRICK STAND: A STRIKING MEMORIAL TOWER PERCHED HIGH ON A HILL, near the village of Crich in the Amber Valley, Matlock.
The tower you see today was built in 1923 to honour the 11,409 men of the Sherwood Foresters regiment who died in World War I, and it has since come to commemorate those lost in World War II and later conflicts as well — including members of the Mercian Regiment.
What makes Crich Stand special is not only its emotional significance but its commanding position and design. The tower itself is about 64 feet (19 metres) tall and stands atop a hill that’s nearly 1,000 feet above sea level — making it visible for miles around. On a clear day, the viewing platform offers panoramic views across seven counties, and even as far as Lincoln Cathedral, about 50 miles away.
The current tower is actually the latest in a series of structures built on this site. The original was a wooden tower erected in 1760. That was replaced by a limestone tower in 1788, which eventually collapsed. A third, built in 1851, was damaged by lightning. The current gritstone memorial was carefully reconstructed using stone salvaged and numbered from the previous structure, and was designed by Lieutenant Colonel A. W. Brewill, who himself served in the Sherwood Foresters.
Another fascinating detail is the beacon light at the top. First lit in 1926, it served as a powerful inland “lighthouse,” visible to aircraft and towns for miles around. It now shines on special occasions, such as Remembrance events or regimental celebrations.
Crich Stand is also the focal point of an annual pilgrimage, held on the first Sunday in July, commemorating the Battle of the Somme. Veterans, serving soldiers, and members of the public gather to pay tribute to the fallen.
Today, Crich Stand is a Grade II* listed building, protected for its architectural and historic importance. It’s open to the public, free to visit, and accessible by car or on foot from the nearby Crich Tramway Village, making it an excellent stop for both reflection and sightseeing.
Crich Stand is more than just a tower — it’s a deeply moving war memorial, a beacon of remembrance, and a stunning viewpoint over Derbyshire and beyond. Whether you’re interested in military history, architecture, or just breathtaking scenery, it’s well worth a visit.
I was interupted by the manager of the site, whilst flying. He was polite and respectfully asked if the drone was registered with the the CAA. He was satisfied that I was flying within the rules and and left me to it. He did say that he had had some bad experiences with what sounded like FPV drones “whooping all over the place” whilst visitors were paying there respects, but was happy that I’d chosen a time when nobody was around and left me to it!