This desk-top report has been commissioned by Swan Industrial Minerals Ltd. in response to a forthcoming planning application for mineral extraction within the peak National Park The aims of this desk-top study are to: a) Identify and evaluate any potential archaeological resources within the application area. b) Assess the likely impact of mineral extraction by open pit methods of a Fluorite and Fluoritised Limestone/Basalt ore-body such archaeological resources. c) Make recommendations as to the possible mitigation strategies in order to minimise upon these archaeological resources. In connection with this commission James Symonds B.A. Cert. Archaeol. (Oxon) AIFA. visited the Derbyshire County Council Planning Department in April 1993 and obtained a computer print out and maps of the relevant Sites and Monuments Records (DCC SMR). Information relating to the historical and industrial landscape was gathered by Dr. Jim Rieuwerts and contact was made with the Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath. A search was made of air photographs held by the Derbyshire Department and the personal collection of Dr Derrick Riley. County Council Planning Cartographic sources were collated by Anna Badcock B.A.(Hons) who visited the Sheffield University Geography Map Library. Dr. Jim Rieuwerts made a site visit and inspection of former lead workings within the application area on 8th May 1993. The only known archaeological resource within the application area is the Bonsall Moor lead mine. It is clear that prehistoric activity took place in the vicinity, and by implication within the whole of the application area. The overall impression is that hitherto unknown prehistoric landscape features (within the northern part of the application area at least), are likely to have been severely disturbed by lead mining. Upstanding features, such as round barrows will have been breached and or levelled. It is unlikely that any substantial remains of later Neolithic and Bronze Age survive, much less the scant traces of Mesolithic and early Neolithic activities. The northern portion of the application site contains surface mining remains visible at only two other remaining locations in Derbyshire. The site has not been disturbed by recent re-working of the waste heaps (hillocking) and therefore offers much scope for archaeological investigation.
Symonds et al. (Fri,) studied this question.