Matlock and Matlock Bath : Rockside Hall - Students Residence, 1956

Rockside Hall as had a somewhat chequered past. It was first a top class hydro famous for the water cures on offer, as "Hatters Castle" it was a psychiatric hospital for sick airmen during the World War II and it then became part of Matlock's Teacher Training College. The building has suffered at the hands of vandals in recent years but is now being turned into apartments and the grounds are also being redeveloped.

This photograph was taken when students lived there, during College Commemoration Weekend in 1956. The PE Specials are seen performing on the lawn for staff and visitors. In 1956 the students took a two year course; a few years later it was extended to three years and the teaching qualification has changed again. People attended the college from all over the UK, but locals also trained there.

There's a tantalizing glimpse of the spectacular views of the surrounding hillsides.