Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment and Walk-over Survey of Dene Quarry, Cromford, Derbyshire

Tarmac Central Lid are proposing to extend Dene Quarry, Cromford Derbyshire. There are two areas considered for the proposed expansion of the quarry, one to the north east of the present quarry and one to the south. As part of their proposal Tarmac are undertaking an environmental assessment on the impact of the proposed quarry extension. One part of the environmental assessment is an archaeological and cultural heritage evaluation. ARCUS have been appointed to undertake this work. A documentary search was undertaken in Derbyshire Sites and Monuments Record, Derbyshire Records Office and Derbyshire Local Studies Library Matlock. A walkover survey was also undertaken on the site. A total of 20 sites were identified in and around the quarry, dating from the Bronze Age to the post-medieval period. Features within the proposed extraction areas considered to be of greatest importance are those relating to the Derbyshire Lead Mining Industry, these included Vermuydens Sough, potentially part of the underground workings of the Dovegang Mine, as well as numerous other small earthworks that relate to mining activities. The quarry also lies within the buffer zone of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site. The location of Dene quarry adjacent to Cromford, an important town in the industrialisation of the Derwent Valley, highlights the archaeological and cultural heritage sensitivity of the area.