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Bradwell
Bradwell in the Peak District or Bradda, as it is affectionately known locally is probably one of the few villages that do not rely totally on the tourist industry. This may be because the village has a lot of local industry, where many of the local people have employment. At the lower end of the village is an engineering works, over to the west of the village is the Blue Circle cement works, and in the village itself is a small ice-cream works.
Many villages in the area had a connection with lead mining and the same applies to the village of Bradwell. In the late 19th century, the “Bradda Beaver” hat would have been worn universally in the lead mines. While walking around the moor above the village, you will see that this is scarred by the remains of many mines.
Bradwell in the Peak District has some discreet charms that are kept hidden from anybody passing by. This is because above the main road is where the village clings to the steep hillside and the passers-by don’t always notice this.
The center of the
village lies above a brook south of the main road; here are some lovely
quaint cottages, the lovely narrow lanes with fairytale names like
“Soft Water Lane”, “Hungry Lane”, and “Hollow Gate”. It is here that
the houses spread up the hillside and have magnificent views across
Hope Valley.
There is a lot of history connected to Bradwell.
Of course, the majority of it dates back to the lead-mining era. There
is a small narrow street by the name of Smalldale and this road follows
the Roman road between Brough and Buxton. There is a Saxon earthwork
called the Grey Ditch and this runs from Bradwell Edge to Micklow Hill;
this is close to the New Bath Hotel. Near here can be found a thermal
spring and there are remains of a Roman Bath that was found.
Bradwell’s
Homemade Dairy Ice Cream is also another interest and this can be found
in the center of the village. Climbing up the hill to the south of the
village is Bagshawe Cavern; this was discovered in the late 1806 by
lead miners. Today the cave is open prior to arrangement for Adventure
caving for beginners, for those who are willing to get themselves dirty
access is given to a larger part of the cave. All necessary equipment
like a helmet, lamp, and suitable clothing has to be worn the majority
of this can be hired at the cave. There is a lot of ladder climbing and
crawling involved seeing the cave system. Arrangements can be made for
potholing groups.
The only natural cave is the Peak Cavern,
which is the least commercialised. This is owned by the Duchy of
Lancaster and is managed by the owners of Speedwell Cavern. To the
locals, this cave was known as the Devil’s Arse and the stream that
comes from it as the Styx. This may give you some idea that the local
people had very mixed feelings about its natural wonder. There are many
caverns to explore close to Bradwell, and for those not interested
being close to the beautiful Peak District, there are also many other
activities to enjoy or simply stroll along some of the scenic walks.
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