The Peak District isn’t just a place of natural beauty—it’s steeped in history. From prehistoric settlements and Roman roads to medieval castles and industrial heritage, the landscape here tells stories that stretch back thousands of years. Here’s your guide to some of the key moments, places, and people that have shaped the Peaks.
Prehistoric & Ancient History
1. Stone Age Settlements
Evidence of human life in the Peak District goes back to around 10,000 years ago. Look out for ancient burial sites like Arbor Low, often dubbed the “Stonehenge of the North.” This Neolithic stone circle sits high on a hill near Monyash.
2. Bronze & Iron Age Sites
Barrows, hillforts, and cairns are scattered across the region. Mam Tor was once an Iron Age hillfort, and you can still see earthworks on the summit.
3. Roman Influence
The Romans built roads through the Peak District, such as the route through Brough (Latin name Navio), and left remains of forts and settlements behind. Batham Gate and Ladbroke Gate were key Roman routes.
Medieval Era
4. Norman Castles
After the Norman Conquest, stone castles were built to control the land. The best known is Peveril Castle in Castleton—now a ruin, but still impressive, perched on a limestone outcrop above the village.
5. Monastic Lands & Lead Mining
Much of the land was owned by monasteries, and the area was a hub for lead mining—an industry that would shape the region’s economy for centuries.
Industrial Revolution
6. Mills & Railways
The Peaks played a role in the birth of the Industrial Revolution. Cromford Mill, built by Sir Richard Arkwright in the 1770s, was the world’s first water-powered cotton spinning mill. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Lime Kilns & Quarries
Limestone quarrying and lime burning were big industries. You can see remnants across the landscape—many now taken over by nature or repurposed for walking trails.
8. The Railways
The arrival of the railways opened up the area to tourism and trade. Today, old railway lines like the Monsal Trail and High Peak Trail have been converted into popular walking and cycling routes.
Social & Cultural History
9. The Kinder Scout Mass Trespass (1932)
One of the most famous moments in UK outdoor history. A group of ramblers staged a mass trespass on Kinder Scout to protest for public access to the countryside. It helped pave the way for the creation of national parks and the Right to Roam.
10. The Plague Village of Eyam
In the 1660s, when plague struck, the villagers of Eyam quarantined themselves to stop the spread. Their self-sacrifice saved nearby towns and is remembered through museums, plaques, and guided walks.
11. Stately Homes & Estates
The region is dotted with grand houses like Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, and Lyme Park. These estates were built by wealthy families and often feature in film and TV (including Pride and Prejudice).
Museums & Sites to Visit
- Cromford Mills – Learn about Arkwright and the birth of industry
- Eyam Museum – Tells the story of the plague village
- Peveril Castle – For views and history
- Peak District Lead Mining Museum (Matlock Bath) – Fascinating and family-friendly
- Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience – Explore Buxton’s spa-town past
Historic Walking Routes
Many Peak District walks double as time-travelling trails:
- The Limestone Way – Passes through historic villages and ancient landscapes
- Mam Tor to Lose Hill Ridge – Walk where Iron Age people once lived
- The Monsal Trail – Industrial history, tunnels, and viaducts all in one
Final Thoughts
The Peaks aren’t just wild and wonderful—they’re rich in heritage. Every village, valley, and crag has a story to tell, and the past feels very much alive here. Whether you’re visiting a castle, wandering a Roman road, or walking the path of protest, the history of the Peak District is yours to explore.