This is a developing gazetteer of towns, villages and landmarks of Derbyshire and the Peak District. Each entry contains information about the folkloric and mythic history of the area. There are also links to more information, to be found in the 'Stories' and 'Myths & Legends' pages on this site.
Many of the places mentioned are to be found along the ancient Derbyshire trackway known as the Portway. This ancient path follows a route that travels from Sneinton Hermitage, in Nottingham, to just beyond Castleton. It has been in use from pre-Roman times, right up to the Victorian era and evidence of it remains to this day. This is all in preparation for a - hopefully - upcoming book, tentatively entitled 'Tales Along the Portway'.
Follow the text links or click the thumbnails below, to find out more about the mysterious locations in Derbyshire and the Peak District:
Many of the places mentioned are to be found along the ancient Derbyshire trackway known as the Portway. This ancient path follows a route that travels from Sneinton Hermitage, in Nottingham, to just beyond Castleton. It has been in use from pre-Roman times, right up to the Victorian era and evidence of it remains to this day. This is all in preparation for a - hopefully - upcoming book, tentatively entitled 'Tales Along the Portway'.
Follow the text links or click the thumbnails below, to find out more about the mysterious locations in Derbyshire and the Peak District:
SWARKESTONE BRIDGE
The tragic legend that lies behind the foundation of England's longest medieval bridge, in the tiny hamlet of Swarkestone.
The tragic legend that lies behind the foundation of England's longest medieval bridge, in the tiny hamlet of Swarkestone.
WIN HILL & LOSE HILL
Learn the story behind the names of these iconic Peak District hills that dominate the valley above Castleton and Hope. But is the story true and does it matter?
Learn the story behind the names of these iconic Peak District hills that dominate the valley above Castleton and Hope. But is the story true and does it matter?
ASHOVER
Ashover is an unspoilt and beautiful village, on the edge of the National Park. It has a rich and diverse folkloric history.
Ashover is an unspoilt and beautiful village, on the edge of the National Park. It has a rich and diverse folkloric history.
STONE CIRCLES OF DERBYSHIRE & THE PEAK DISTRICT
Discover the region's rich heritage of these enigmatic Bronze Age monuments. Where are they and why were they built?.
Discover the region's rich heritage of these enigmatic Bronze Age monuments. Where are they and why were they built?.
DALE ABBEY
A small village on the southeastern edge of Derbyshire, home to an ancient hermit's cave and a ruined abbey and hides a rich folkoric past.
A small village on the southeastern edge of Derbyshire, home to an ancient hermit's cave and a ruined abbey and hides a rich folkoric past.
WIRKSWORTH
Now a thriving, 'des res' market town, Wirksworth has a long history, dating back to Roman times. It also has its ghosts, mythical figures and an unusual abundance of boggarts.
Now a thriving, 'des res' market town, Wirksworth has a long history, dating back to Roman times. It also has its ghosts, mythical figures and an unusual abundance of boggarts.
COFFIN ROADS OF DERBYSHIRE
Many old paths across the county were originally used for transporting the dead to their final resting places. Have you, unknowingly, walked these corpse roads?
Many old paths across the county were originally used for transporting the dead to their final resting places. Have you, unknowingly, walked these corpse roads?
HARTHILL MOOR
This fascinating and mysterious Bronze Age landscape lies between the villages of Birchover and Youlgrave and contains many enigmatic remains.
This fascinating and mysterious Bronze Age landscape lies between the villages of Birchover and Youlgrave and contains many enigmatic remains.
BIRCHOVER
A treasure trove of sites, spanning thousands of years, await you, within this lovely village. Including ancient carvings, stone circles and Victorian harmitages.
A treasure trove of sites, spanning thousands of years, await you, within this lovely village. Including ancient carvings, stone circles and Victorian harmitages.
COXBENCH
A tiny, unassuming, hamlet, sitting at the junction of ancient highways. This village is home to the remains of one of King John's medieval strongholds and a Devil's mound.
A tiny, unassuming, hamlet, sitting at the junction of ancient highways. This village is home to the remains of one of King John's medieval strongholds and a Devil's mound.
THE BETTY KENNY TREE
In Shining Cliff Woods stands the remains of a long-dead yew, with an enduring story about the origin of the nursery rhyme 'Rock a Bye Baby'.
In Shining Cliff Woods stands the remains of a long-dead yew, with an enduring story about the origin of the nursery rhyme 'Rock a Bye Baby'.