A Historic Sign's Plea for Return: The Story of the Peak District Trail's Missing Landmark
The Peak & Northern Footpaths Society (P&NFS) is seeking the return of a cherished historic sign from the Peak District. This iron-made sign, believed to have been stolen near the A624 at Carr Meadow, north of Little Hayfield in Derbyshire, holds a special place in the organization's history. Installed in 1905, it marks the beginning of P&NFS's efforts to monitor, protect, and improve rights of way.
Signpost officer David Morton, who received an email from a concerned rambler, discovered a 'neatly dug hole' where the signpost once stood. The sign itself, shot-blasted and powder-coated in 2020, and repainted in 2024, has little monetary value. Morton emphasizes its historical significance, stating, 'This sign has been at that spot for generations, it's a little local landmark steeped in history.'
Despite its negligible scrap value, the sign is irreplaceable. Morton invites anyone who may have witnessed the sign's removal or storage to come forward. He also urges those who took the sign to reconsider their actions, offering a chance for its return without further consequences. The society values the sign as the first of over 600 landmarks across their covered area, symbolizing their dedication to preserving local history.
For those in Derby, the story highlights the importance of safeguarding historical landmarks. If you have any information or concerns, reach out to the Peak & Northern Footpaths Society and help bring this piece of history back to its rightful place.
