WIRKSWORTH, (Derbyshire) rear Matlock in the Peak, 6 m. from Ashborn, 107 cm. 118 mm. from London, is a large well-frequented
T. the chief of its H. and the greatest lead Mt. in England; for near this T. and Creach on the other side of the Derwent,
are the furnaces for smelting it, which is generally done by large wood fires, on those hills exposed to the W. in which
quarter it is observed to be most constant. The produce of the mines here is very considerable. The K. claims the 13th
penny duty, for which they compound at the rate of 3000 l. a year; and 'tis said, that the tithe of lead for Wirksworth
alone has been worth as much yearly to the incumbent. Here is a fair Ch. a fr. sc. and an almsh. The Mt. is T. Fair May 2.
Mill-stones and grind-stones, as well as lead-stones, are also dug hereabouts, and veins of antimony (as stibium is called
in the shops) are likewise found here. There are 2 springs in the neighbourhood, one hot and the other cold, so near each
other, that a man may put his hands into both at the same time. At this T. is kept that called the barmoot-court, to
prescribe rules, and determine disputes among the miners. It consists of a master and 24 jurors.