Mill Stone Collection
"Steeped in History: The Millstones of Stanage Edge
For sale as Licensed Images
Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media
"Steeped in History: The Millstones of Stanage Edge, Derbyshire" Discover the remnants of a bygone era as you explore the rugged beauty of Stanage Edge in the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England. Amongst its towering cliffs and breathtaking vistas lie ancient millstones that bear witness to centuries of industry and craftsmanship. Stanage Edge has long been renowned for its abundant reserves of gritstone, known locally as "millstone grit. " These durable stones were once quarried extensively from this very site, their smooth surfaces shaped by skilled hands to create essential tools for grinding grain into flour. As you wander along the edge's precipitous paths, keep an eye out for these weathered relics. Strewn haphazardly at the quarry's edge or nestled against traditional stone houses like Castelo Rodrigo in Beira Alta, Portugal, they serve as silent reminders of a time when milling was not just a necessity but an art form. One particularly intriguing find is a sun-wheel on a Celtic quern discovered in Ireland. This intricate design showcases both practicality and symbolism - an emblematic representation of ancient cultures' reverence for nature's cycles intertwined with daily sustenance. Delve deeper into history through engravings such as Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Meule; Mill-stone; Muhlstein or Cupid Sharpening his Arrow from 1750. These artistic renderings capture not only the physical presence but also the cultural significance attached to millstones throughout different periods and regions. Even beyond Europe's borders lies evidence of their enduring legacy. Waterton's "Wanderings in South America" depicts millstones being utilized far away from their place of origin – showcasing how this humble tool transcended boundaries and became indispensable worldwide. Intriguingly captured within photographs like Man with a Crutch from 1844 or Picture No. 11992190 are glimpses into the lives of those who toiled with these heavy stones.