Built & Historic Environment

Man has a long history in the area from prehistoric man’s early hunting routes across the uplands to the Roman hill forts & roads, and packhorse trails created by the early woollen industry.

“…the Industrial Revolution brought steam powered looms and large mills in the valleys, which relied on the power and clean water of the upland moors to function.”

Before the end of the medieval period clearing and drainage of the valleys had begun and settlements grew around the river crossing points of the Packhorse Trails. Many of these trails can still be seen today and form the basis of some of the many walks which take a new generation of travellers, walkers seeking enjoyment, across the Southern Pennines.

In the Eighteenth century the Industrial Revolution brought steam powered looms and large mills in the valleys, which relied on the power and clean water of the upland moors to function.

These developments, together with a move away from wool towards cotton, spelled the end of the cottage weavers, and many farms became abandoned as they could not survive without the money generated from weaving.