Lilybank was described in glowing terms in 1932:
"A few minutes' walk from the Golf Links is the Lilybank Hydro, commanding fine views. Tennis, croquet and bowls may be enjoyed, and a series of amusements keep things going happily indoors. Hydropathic treatment on the latest principles is given by experienced attendants. There is ample motor garage for visitors^[1]".

Originally called Dalefield^[2], the establishment on Chesterfield Road was opened as a hydropathic establishment by George Bernard Barton (also given as George Barnard Barton). His father, George, had opened Jackson House about thirty years before and followed the likes of John Smedley, Charles Rowland and the Davis family into the business of hydropathy. There is a little confusion about the two Bartons in some of the trade directories and they are often linked under the title of "Mr. Barton".

This quotation refers to George Bernard Barton: "Subsequently, he erected commodious and handsome premises called Dalefield Hydropathic Establishment, in which he introduced many improvements suggested by his experience, and furnished it in first-class style. The house stands within its own grounds, and commands delightful prospects along the valley of the Derwent. The dining-hall, drawing-rooms, &c, are all spacious, well ventilated, and handsomely furnished, and various indoor and outdoor amusements are provided. The heating arrangements are a special feature to ensure an equable temperature in winter and stormy weather. The establishment is not exclusively a sanatorium; it affords accommodation to families and others who desire to spend a holiday amidst the beautiful scenery of the English Switzerland and it is also a delightful winter resort for those delicate individuals who dread the severities of our English climate^[3]".

But who were the Barton family?

George Barton was baptised on 12 Sep 1819^[4] and the son of Bernard and Hannah Barton of Riber; his father was a shoemaker and the couple had seven children. George began his working life as a lead miner^[5] and he married Martha Ballington at St. Giles' on 8 April 1844^[6]. By 1861 George had become a hydropathist and the couple were living with their children on Matlock Bank^[7]. George died on 22 March 1875, aged 55, and Martha died in 1884^[8].

Their son, George Bernard Barton, began as a hydropathist at Jackson House. After his father's death he ran the business with his mother for some years. He then built Dalefield, which this writer assumes he bought from Mr. Thomas Stevens^[9]. George Bernard was born Matlock and baptised at St. Giles' on 4 July 1847^[10]; he married Deborah Swift in 1871. They are recorded in the census returns for 1881, 1891 and 1901^[11]. Deborah died in 1897, aged 49, and George Barnard died on 31 December, 1908^[8]. Both are buried at St. Giles', alongside some of their children who died very young.

Their son George Thomas Barton (born 1878) took over Dalefield and was listed in trades directories as the proprietor of Dalefield up until 1912. He had married Hannah McMunn in 1901; the couple are buried in Tansley Cemetery. Some Barton descendants now live in Australia.

After 1912 the establishment was renamed Lilybank^[12] and remained as a hydro for almost fifty years more. The Liquidator was finally appointed by members of Lilybank Hydro Limited on 4th January 1963^[13] and the building was bought by the Presentation Convent to be used as a preparatory school^[14]. It is no longer a school.

As for the date of this postcard, Julie Bunting's book on Matlock has the same image (but as a black and white photograph) and Julie provides the date of about 1936 for the picture^[15]. It shows both the original Dalefield / Lilybank building, which has the sign on top of it, and what was "The Gables" on the right; the house was a separate building but when it was bought by Lilybank it was linked to the larger hydro building by the conservatory like structure.


There is more on site information about Lilybank:
Dinner menus from the late 1950's, printed during the last few years that Lilybank was a hydro
Water Cures
Mrs. Marian Wildgoose, who owned "The Gables"
19th Century Trades Directories
20th Century Trades Directories