Peak Experience

Over Haddon was home to Martha Taylor.  Allegedly, from the age of 18, Martha fasted for 16 months and became a tourist attraction.  Martha was born in the village in 1649, the daughter of a lead miner.  She lived a normal life until the age of 10.  Then she became paralysed and confined to bed.  For the next few years she ate normally.  At the end of 1667 she began to dislike food.  Her survival despite her inability to eat, became a phenomenon of national interest and she was watched constantly.  Four pamphlets were printed about her case. She only ate the odd raisin. It is unknown what happened between her fast and her death on 12 June 1684.

 

Public transport information for all locations can be found by calling Traveline on 0871 200 2233.

To plan your journey to Over Haddon, which has direct bus services from Bakewell, visit Traveline.