Bradwell
Jan 16th, 2009 by Peak District Tourist Guide
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; many now are being worked for Flourspar.
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 commercialized. 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.
