Bradwell Moor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bradwell Moor |
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View towards the Hope Valley
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 471 metres (1,545 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Peak District, England |
| OS grid | SK 1443 8039 |
| Topo map | OS Explorer OL24 |
Bradwell Moor is a beautiful moorland hill in the Peak District of England. It stands tall above the village of Bradwell in Derbyshire. The very top of the moor is about 471 meters (1,545 feet) above the sea. This area is full of history and natural beauty, making it a great place to explore.
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Discover Bradwell Moor
Bradwell Moor is more than just a hill; it's a place where you can find clues about the past. From ancient Roman roads to old lead mines, the moor tells many stories. It's also a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers.
Ancient Roads: Batham Gate
Long, long ago, the Romans built a special road called Batham Gate right across Bradwell Moor. This road connected two important Roman forts. One fort was called Navio (near a place now called Brough-on-Noe). The other was Aquae Arnemetiae (which is now the town of Buxton).
The name "Batham Gate" comes from Old English. It means "road to the bath town," likely referring to Buxton, which was famous for its Roman baths. Today, a path called Clement Lane follows the original Roman route across the moor. A part of the Batham Gate road, east of Peak Forest, is now a protected historic site. This means it's very important and kept safe for future generations.
Mining History: Lead from the Earth
Bradwell Moor has a long history of mining. Many old lead mines are found around the moor, and they are also protected historic sites. People started digging for lead here a very long time ago, even in the Bronze Age. This was thousands of years before the Romans arrived!
The Romans also mined a lot of lead in this area. Later, in the 13th century, larger mines like Cop Rake and Moss Rake were active. These mines, including Starvehouse Mine, New York Mine, and Cop Mine, dug for lead close to the surface. Lead was a very important metal for many uses throughout history.
Hope Quarry: A Giant Limestone Pit
On the north-east side of Bradwell Moor, between Castleton and Bradwell, you'll find a very large limestone quarry called Hope Quarry. A quarry is a big open pit where rocks like limestone are dug out of the ground. Today, the quarry is run by a company called Breedon.
In 1990, something exciting was found near the quarry. Archaeologists discovered an ancient stone working site from the Mesolithic period. This was a time when people used stone tools, long before farming began. This discovery was made where an old barn, Bradwell Moor Barn, used to stand before the quarry expanded.
Walking the Limestone Way
If you enjoy walking, you might know about the Limestone Way. This is a long-distance walking path that goes through some beautiful parts of the Peak District. The highest point of the Limestone Way is on Bradwell Moor. It reaches about 461 meters (1,512 feet) above sea level, just a little bit west of the moor's very top. It's a great place to enjoy amazing views!
