Longshaw Estate facts for kids
Longshaw Estate is a special place found in the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, England. It's a large area with open moorland, peaceful woodlands, and green farmlands. It's a great spot for exploring nature and learning about history.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
The name "Longshaw" likely comes from the idea of a "long wood" in a nearby valley called Padley Gorge. People have lived in this area for a very long time. We know this because there are signs of human settlements from the Bronze Age and the Middle Ages. Imagine people living here thousands of years ago!
Ancient Industries
For hundreds of years, people used the strong gritstone rocks found at Yarncliffe Quarry on the estate. They carved these rocks into large, round millstones. These millstones were very important for grinding grain into flour, a vital job that started as far back as the 1400s.
Old Guideposts
If you visit Longshaw, you might spot two old stone posts called "guidestoops." These were put up in the early 1700s. Back then, there weren't many roads, and it was easy to get lost on the wide-open moorland. An old law, called an Act of Parliament, made it a rule to have these posts. They helped travelers find their way safely across the land.
A Duke's Retreat
In 1855, a rich nobleman called the Duke of Rutland bought the Longshaw Estate. He built a large house called Longshaw Lodge. This lodge was used for special hunting trips and parties. It was a place where the Duke and his friends could relax and enjoy the countryside.
The Longshaw Sheepdog Trials
A very famous event at Longshaw is the Longshaw Sheepdog Trials. These trials have been held almost every year since 1898! They are thought to be the oldest sheepdog trials that happen yearly in England. It's amazing to watch the clever sheepdogs work with their handlers to guide the sheep.
Protecting Longshaw
In 1927, the Duke of Rutland sold the estate to Sheffield Corporation, a local government body. However, there was a worry that parts of the beautiful estate might be built on.
A Community Effort
In 1928, a determined woman named Ethel Haythornthwaite started an urgent campaign. She asked people in Yorkshire to help raise money to buy the 747-acre Longshaw Estate. Her efforts, along with the Peak District and South Yorkshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), helped gather enough funds.
Thanks to this amazing community effort, the land was saved! In 1931, the Longshaw Estate was given as a gift to the National Trust. The National Trust is a charity that looks after special places in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, making sure they are protected for everyone to enjoy.
Longshaw Today
Today, Longshaw Estate is part of the larger National Trust Peak District Estate. It is managed alongside other nearby National Trust properties like the High Peak Estate and White Peak Estate.
Visitor Facilities
When you visit Longshaw, you can find a cozy tea room where you can grab a snack and a drink. There's also a shop where you might find souvenirs. A special place called the Moorland Discovery Centre is also on the estate. This center is a joint project between the National Trust and the Peak District National Park. It's a great place to learn about the moorland, its wildlife, and how to protect it.
Events and Activities
Throughout the year, staff and volunteers at Longshaw organize many fun and educational events. These events cover topics like local wildlife, the history of the estate, and other interesting subjects. It's a wonderful way to connect with nature and learn more about this special part of the Peak District.
