The Roads and Trackways of Middleton and Smerrill An exhibition by Charles Monkhouse

Weaddow Lane, an ancient road that links Middleton to its Smerrill Pastures

The roads of our Peak District village and parishes have unique histories which are often reflected in the roads that run through them. This is certainly the case in Middleton and Smerrill; it not only boasts a 4000 year old Neolithic highway which became a Roman Road and is now the parish boundary, but also roads that underwent a radical restructure at the time of the 19c. enclosures and the arrival of a new estate owner.

These stories are told in The Roads and Trackways of Middleton and Smerrill, an exhibition by Charles Monkhouse in Middleton Village Hall during October. We asked Charles how he became interested in the roads and trackways of Middleton. “I’ve lived and worked in Middleton and Smerrill for over 30 years and I have been amazed that a parish could contain Arbor Low Stone Circle, a Roman Road, Smerrill Medieval Village and Fullwood Castle. The same is true of the roads: a fast turnpike and a meandering traders’ route; lanes to pastures and footpaths to work, and tracks as old as Middleton itself.

The exhibition tells the history of the parish’s roads with maps and stories. Four estate maps describe the impact of the 19c. enclosures and a rebuild of the village, while stories gleaned from historians, shared by parishioners or learnt by local farmers, complete the picture.

The Roads and Trackways of Middleton and Smerrill is open between the 18-25 October between 10:00 and 16:00 on Saturdays and Sundays and other days by arrangement (07885 625 834). Please note the first Saturday afternoon (18 October) is for Middleton Residents.