Claremont is a large, stone built, Victorian house on Matlock's Cavendish Road and was built for Charles Rowland and his wife opposite the grounds to Rockside. Mr. Rowland had built Rockside Hydro in 1862 and became a man of some standing in Matlock.

Charles Rowland was born in Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Rowland, and baptised there on 28 November 1813. He lived at Burton Upon Trent until he was about 49 years of age and was listed as a Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer, working from premises on the High Street.^{1, 2} In 1961 he and his wife Sarah were living at Shobnall, Burton Upon Trent and Charles described himself in the census as a Retired Upholster; their property was made up of four buildings.^[3] The couple moved to Matlock from Burton shortly afterwards.

By 1871 Rockside was well established and Charles was living there, with his occupation given as a Professor of Hydropathy and Land Owner^[4]. His wife Sarah was living separately slightly down the hill as she was managing Matlock House Establishment which they had leased; she, too, stated that she was a Professor of Hydropathy and Land Owner^[4]. Sarah was born at Cotton in the Elms.

Just like the other Matlock hydropathists, the Rowlands advertised in several Trades Directories and Tourist Guides.
Advertisement in Bemroses Guide of 1869 when the Rowlands were managing both Matlock House and Rockside Hydropathic Establishments.

Their first advertisement seems to have appeared in 1862.^[5] By 1876 Charles Rowland was only advertising his hydropathic establishment at Matlock House^[6] and James Burton had taken over at Rockside. James Burton married Sarah's niece, Emily Elizabeth Atkins, in 1873 but Emily died in 1875. William Atkins followed on at Rockside and in 1881 it was described as a hydropathic establishment of the first class.^[7]

Charles and Sarah had moved into Claremont some time before 1881^[7] and it remained their home until they died. Sarah died in February 1901 and Charles died on 9th March 1902. Both are buried in the churchyard of St. Giles Church and Charles Rowland's second wife is in the same grave^[8]. Charles, at the sprightly age of 88, married Eliza Buxton in the third quarter of 1901. Eliza had worked for the Rowland's as their housekeeper for over 10 years. She was still living at Claremont in 1908^[9] and died on 27 August 1914.

Hydropathy wasn't Charles Rowland's only business interest in Matlock as he clearly invested in the cable tramway that connected Crown Square with Smedley Street and Rutland Street. He became one of the director's of the limited company that was formed.
Bank Road and the Tram
Interestingly, one of the exectors of Charles Rowland's will was Job Smith, one of his fellow directors.