There is a wealth of hidden history in the Peak District, with so much more than first meets the eye to almost every hill, moor and quiet village lane. At Let’s Go Peak District we love sharing the mysterious tales of this area with you, so we’re delighted to be collaborating with community heritage group Peak in the Past to bring you more fascinating accounts from the region’s history.
The Mystery of the Hidden Grave in Ashford-in-the-Water
This article was sparked by the memories of Nellie Blundell, a former resident of the Peak District village of Ashford-in-the-Water, recalled when she was in her 90s. It tells the story of a mysterious and hidden Victorian grave, forgotten for decades under an old yew tree in the peaceful country churchyard.
As a child Nellie recalled stumbling across an unassuming stone, half-covered with foliage, marking the burial place of a young boy from Liverpool. Something about the lonely, untended grave captured her attention, and whenever she visited the churchyard she would sweep away the earth and dead leaves that obscured it. She always wondered about the child who was buried so far from his home, and the story that lay behind his resting there.
Scratching beneath the surface – literally in this case – revealed not just the tragic tale of the young boy, but also an astonishing story of his family’s adventures on the high seas, a shipwreck and undiscovered buried treasure…
To read the whole tale, written by Tim Knebel and Nellie Blundell, click the button below:
Peak District History : The Mystery of the Hidden Grave
Peak District History : Peak in the Past
Peak in the Past is a community heritage group dedicated to exploring and sharing Peak District history through the provision of documentary film footage, historical images and information resources, and conducting reminiscence and educational activities.
