Stanton in Peak

Stanton is a hillside village which climbs up the western flank of Stanton Moor, rising to some 1,096 feet, one of the richest prehistoric sites in the Peak. The moor contains at least 70 barrows as well as stone circles, ancient enclosures and standing stones and is of such interest to archaeologists that the whole area is now protected. However, don’t go expecting anything on the scale of Stonehenge, or even Arbor Low - most of the monuments and remains are very small-scale and overgrown with heather. There are interesting features on the moorland, such as the folly, Earl Grey’s Tower, which was built in 1832 to commemorate the reform of Parliament.

This is a typical Peak District village, with numerous alleyways and courtyards off its main street. A quick glance at the village cottages and the visitor will soon notice the initials WPT that appear above most of the doorways. The initials are those of William Pole Thornhill, the owner of Stanton Hall, which stands near the church and is still home to his descendents. There are some fine 17th and 18th century cottages, one of which, Holly House, has some of its windows still blocked since the window tax of 1697.

The village pub, The Flying Childers, is named after one of the 4th Duke of Devonshire’s most successful racehorses.