A History of the Peak District Moors

by David Hey

“A superb new book . . . explores the history of Britain’s first National Park from the Stone Age to the modern day . . . lavishly illustrated.”—Reflections Magazine   The moors of the Peak District provide some of the finest walking country in England. The pleasure of rambling across them is enhanced by a knowledge of their history, ranging from prehistoric times and the middle ages to their conversion for grouse shooting and the struggle for the “right to roam” in modern times. This distinctive landscape is not an untouched, natural relic for it has been shaped by humans over the centuries. Now it is being conserved as part of Britain’s first National Park; much of it is in the care of The National Trust.   The book covers all periods of time from prehistory to the present, for a typical moorland walk might take in the standing stones of a prehistoric stone circle, a medieval boundary marker, a guide stoop dated 1709, the straight walls of nineteenth-century enclosure, a row of Victorian grouse butts, a long line of flagstones brought in by helicopter, and very much more besides.   “This is no ‘desk-based study’ but the product of a lifetime of living, working and researching in or immediately adjacent to the moors.”—The Local Historian   “David writes with a contagious enthusiasm. This generously illustrated book roams amongst the best—and lesser-known—moorland features . . . a guide par excellence.”—Peak Advertiser   “Few tomes can have been quite as comprehensive as David’s. Within these pages are Romans and Vikings, railways and canals, ramblers and World War Two soldiers.”—The Star (Sheffield)

Genres: Nonfiction

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Juliew. · Rating 3 out of 5]

These Moors date back ten thousand years and this was their history through time.It is an extensive account and the discussions range from the definition of the word Moor to the tourism that takes place on them today.The author's obvious love for his subject completely shines through and I found it interesting and loved the land connections to the kings of England,monastic establishments and the Chatsworths down through the ages.Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

A History of the Peak District Moors is a well written and illustrated guide to the area by David Hey. First published in 2014, this reformat and re-release is due out 28th Feb 2021 from Pen & Sword. It's 207 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats (other editions available in other formats).

This book is an great example why I love reading local history. The author was certainly a gifted writer and deeply knowledgeable in his expertise; but mostly it's the respect and abiding love local historians have for their subjects which shine through, and move us, and which leave an indelible connection to an area.

The author writes well and authoritatively and the book is laid out logically. The writing is succinct and information dense, but not pedantic or overly academic. The chapters are arranged thematically in very roughly geographic and chronological order from prehistory to the modern day, with emphasis on uses, "improvements", enclosures, and eventual recreational/access rights. There were so many things included here of which I was utterly unaware (my previous education seems to have been sorely lacking especially concerning neolithic through iron age encampments and military movements) as well as a fascinating and exciting (really truly!) recounting of the Right to Roam movement of the area in the 19th and 20th centuries.

My biggest takeaway here was the impressive breadth and comprehensiveness of the included information - it's a truly splendid testimony to the author's competence and deep familiarity with his subject. I can easily imagine that he was a fascinating and very knowledgeable lecturer.

Although there are no chapter notes or annotations, the author has included a fairly comprehensive bibliography and cross referenced index. The book contains numerous photographs and charts to support and illustrate the salient points.

This would be a good choice for readers of local history, public or home library use, cooperative/hikers/ramblers groups, Bed & Breakfast accommodations - especially those which cater to ramblers, and writers researching the area and history for background.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A rambler made is a man improved" and "The man who never was lost never went very far", both quotes in the book by Bert Ward strongly resonate with me and could not be more apt. Rambling on the moors is indescribably special speaking from personal experience and encountering this book on the history of the moors is such a thrill! The author writes about the moors from prehistory to the current time. In ways so much has changed yet much has remained the same, thankfully.

From the descriptions and origins of words such as mor, tor, shaw, worth, feld and hey to charmingly-named places such as Owler Bar, Fox House, Toad's Mouth, Cat and Fiddle route and Pudding Pie Hill, I am struck by the variety of the moors and sheer amount of history! One can envision people living on them thousands of years ago in their rudimentary small homes with a bit of land worked with handmade tools Amongst the many things explained are smelting lead with charcoal fuel, the repercussions of the Black Death, salter routes, peat heat, stints, sheep breeds, reed bread, game (especially grouse) hunting, woolcombers, poaching laws and implementation of public paths. Many surnames stem from this area, too.

Amongst my favourite new-to-me information is the provisions of quartz grit for birds on moors and clever grouse drinking troughs, the latter of which are illustrated in photographs. It was fascinating to learn more about land boundaries and laws, guide stoops, the ice house at Longshaw Lodge, variable moors themselves with flora and fauna, ancient tools, hut circles, the discovery of cremated ashes and mound barrows.

The illustrations, maps and photographs are very useful and inspiring. What fun recognizing some of the places.

Buried in -40 and deep snow six months of the year where I am currently (not to mention covid), walking on Devil's Dyke, Derwent Bridge or Toot Hill seems like a distant dream. One day I will return, this time armed with far more information and recollections from this book which will surely enrich my experience!

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at an area in England used by ramblers to walk about. Once covid gets under control. I'd enjoy going and taking a walk or two around England, Scotland, and Ireland! I've read many books on the paths around the country that other walkers have taken and would enjoy doing a walking( or even biking) tour myself!. What I enjoy most about the books I've discovered, is that the writers include historical fats about the walks. David Hey has done a commendable job of including the history of this area. While not comprehensive, he does offer readers guides to research various historical items of interest so they can maybe research themselves. I'm not sure if this took away from the area for anyone, or that is was less interesting because of it. But I would think that it would prove an addition to the tour if one went in search of the history of a thing or two themselves! I know it would for me. The District's history was interesting to read about and, it's nice that the enclosures are once again being opened to foot traffic!

I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Charlie Siringo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good summary of a lovely area. I highlighted so many passages to bore my wife with on our next walk. It covered a lot but still left out so much, so further reading will be required for a more indepth knowledge of the area.

[Rob Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gloriously detailed to the point of being occasionally and majestically dull. Lots of interesting history for those who know the area but would have benefitted from a decent editor. Hey is also disappointingly lenient on those who indulge in and profit from grouse shooting.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating study of the area and immensely useful if you have family history connected to the Peak District.

[Geoff & Carol Schrecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book with lots of information about the Peak District Moors, but quite dense going.