The moderately quiet village of Bradwell has long been associated with Lead Mining and has a history that dates back to the Roman occupation of England.

Even today, Bradwell moor is worked here and there for its limestone, an industry that provides much work for the local villagers, including that at the Earl’s Cement Works whose chimney is a familiar sight to those travelling along the Hope valley a little to the north.

Quarrying is not the only industry to make its mark on Bradwell’s history, for it was also once known for its locally made ’Bradder Beaver’ a very hard hat that was used by miners throughout the Peak District mineral field of Derbyshire.

Although not on what may be called the ‘tourist circuit’, Bradwell is none-the-less well worth a visit. The scenery surrounding the village is breath-taking and is best seen by foot.

As with so many places in the Peak, this area has its share of caves and potholes, there being a number of them in Bradwell dale to the south of the village.

A large and quite extensive cave system is known as Bagshawe Cavern, and is situated within the village itself, but unlike the show caves around Castleton and Matlock, Bagshawe Cavern is a sporting cave open for those who love to explore passages in the more traditional and energetic way.