Shropshire Routes to Roots

3. More survey findings

Mining around the Stiperstones

Evidence of post-medieval mining can be found all around the Stiperstones. Perkins Beach offers an excellent example of a settlement and mine works existing and expanding on the same site. Remains of shafts spoil heaps, cottages and small paddocks can be found together on the steep slopes.

The Stiperstones are scarred by numerous mine workings. Here, above Perkins Beach, trial workings can be seen following a seam across the hillside.

Perkins Beach Larger image, in a new window [46kb] [Shropshire Archaeology Service]

Living on the Stiperstones

When the lead mining industry expanded in the 18th - 19th centuries, new settlements were created on the Stiperstones. Miners built cottages and enclosed small fields with which they could supplement their income by raising livestock and growing vegetables.

The 19th century saw a massive expansion of mining for lead and barites on the Stiperstones. Many settlements were created on the common land for the miners and their families.

18th and 19th century settlements Larger image, in a new window [68kb] [Shropshire Archaeology Service]

Although often known as 'squatter settlements', the settlements were formally allowed by landlords, who profited both from their rents and the royalties from the minerals the miners dug up. The settlements declined when the price of lead fell in the early 20th century. The last cottage on the ridge was abandoned in the 1950s.

This cottage at Blakemoor Gate was still occupied as late as the 1950s.

Blakemoor Gate Larger image, in a new window [83kb] [Shropshire Archaeology Service]

The wider area

In addition to the archaeology of the ridge itself, the Stiperstones also provides a perfect point from which to view the archaeological remains of the surrounding Shropshire landscape, particularly on the western slopes of the Long Mynd.

Remains of prehistoric or Romano-British cultivation terraces can be seen here on Chittol hill (here seen from Nipstones Rock). In changing light conditions further earthwork remains of medieval and post-medieval ridge and furrow ploughing can be seen overlying these terraces.

View to Chittol Hill Larger image, in a new window [39kb] [Shropshire Archaeology Service]

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