Grassmoor is a former coalfield community situated 2 miles south east of Chesterfield, Derbyshire with a population of approximately 3660. Whilst Grassmoor is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, there are no events worthy of historic note. The present village of Grassmoor owes it’s existence to the seams of coal upon which it stands. The early extraction of coal from these seams was restricted to those which lay close to the surface.
Following the industrial revolution, which stimulated the demand for coal, deeper mine workings were sunk in Grassmoor in the mid 19th Century by the Barnes family. Coal mining would dominate the lives of the majority of inhabitants of Grassmoor until the recent demise of the industry. Grassmoor Colliery closed in 1971 and other local pits had all closed by the mid 1980’s.
The Avenue Coking Plant provided a major source of local employment until it’s closure in 1993. However, the closure left an unwanted legacy as the site was the most contaminated of it’s type in the Country.
The Parish Council fought a long running campaign to oppose the clearing of the site by means of opencast workings. Following a lengthy 20 year remediation process, the site is now clear and its development is on-going , including housing and a washlands nature reserve.
Grassmoor is now a predominantly residential village with no major employer. North Wingfield Road is the long main road through the village, off which side roads lead to the majority of the housing stock which is mainly terraced properties and Council housing, although since the 1980’s, new estates have been built which included larger detached properties most recently the Windwhistle Farm development off Birkin Lane.
Grassmoor is relatively well served by public bus transport with buses running to Chesterfield every weekday. The village has a limited selection of shops including a post office, which cater for every day needs. There are two public houses and a Working Mens Club. Shopping for other than everyday items generally requires travelling to Chesterfield or other nearby towns such as Clay Cross or Mansfield.
Grassmoor has it’s own Primary School which teaches pupils between the ages of three and eleven. Secondary education is provided outside of Grassmoor at schools in neighbouring Hasland and Tupton. Grassmoor has no library although the Mobile Library visits monthly.
Grassmoor Country Park is situated at the Northern end of the Five Pits Trail which provides an off-road route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The Park includes the former tar lagoons which have been remediated to provide a recreational site for the benefit and enjoyment of the local community.
The Parish also comprises the areas of Churchside, Corbriggs and Winsick, as well as a mainly residential area to the south-east of Gorse Valley Road. Churhside is located on the B6038 on the northern border of the Parish. Along with residential properties, it is also home to St Paul’s Church and Hasland Cemetery, which is maintained by the Parish Council. Corbriggs is located to the South East of Chesterfield and is on the B6039. It comprises residential properties, a travellers site and also the northern entrance to the Grassmoor Country Park. Winsick is also located on the B6039 and there is a park and war memorial, public house and garden centre in the area.