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However, the history of the
Peak goes back to the Ice Age, when the shapes of the Dark Peak and White Peak were formed, although
the name "Peak" has nothing to do with the shape of
the hills, but comes from the Celtic tribe the "Peac".
Signs of the first Neolithic settlers
can be seen at the massive stone circles at Arbor Low and the Nine Ladies on Stanton Moor.
The Romans came to the Peak District
to exploit its mineral riches and lead has been mined by the locals for centuries.
In medieval times markets developed
together with fairs, and with the growth of agriculture, much
of the wool - based wealth was used to build superbly designed
churches.
Throughout the centuries, travelling
across the Peak has proved difficult whether by packhorse, mailcoach
or rail. Today it is still impossible to cross the Peak by train,
the disused lines, closed under the Beeching Axe in the 1960's,
are now well-used walking
and cycling paths.
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