History
The limestone rock that forms parts of Dovedale is the fossilised remains of sea creatures that lived in a shallow sea over the area during the Carboniferous period, about 350 million years ago. During the two ice ages, the limestone was cut into craggy shapes known as reef limestone by the melting ice, and dry caves such as Dove Holes and Reynard's Cave were formed.
These caves were first used as shelters by hunters around 13,000 BCE, and Dovedale has seen continuous human activity since then. Around 4,500 years ago Neolithic farmers used the caves as tombs. There is evidence from Reynard's Cave of Bronze Age activity, with artifacts on display at Buxton Museum. During the Roman occupation it is likely the caves were again used as shelters, this time for shepherds.
Vikings settled in the Dovedale area around 800 CE. Local place names such as Thorpe are of Scandinavian origin. These settlements became permanent, and Thorpe is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The packhorse bridge in Milldale, Viator's Bridge, has been in use since the medieval period, bringing silks and flax from nearby Wetton and Alstonefield.
Tourism in the area started in the 18th century, and Dovedale is now one of the most visited natural tourist sites in Britain.
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