Sign inPhotographer not known, c1930
In this image two ladies, wearing their ‘Sunday best’, are crossing a stile in a dry stone wall in Darley Dale. This Dale lies within an area often referred to as the ‘White Peak’ because of its underlying geology. Fields in this part of the Peak District National Park are divided by walls made using the pale stone.
Notice the ladies’ clothing, particularly their decorated hats. Perhaps they are on their way to church around May Day? Or attending a well dressing ceremony during August or September.
Student focus
- Think about the ladies – where do you think they are going? What clues are there in the image about the route they are using? Consider who may have built the stile the ladies are passing through and why.
- Give three reasons why dry stone walls are so common in Britain. Use the BGS Geology of Britain Viewer to establish the type of rock in this image and/or for a dry stone wall in your area.
- Use the well dressing website and the OS OL1 and OL24 sheets to investigate the extent of this form of celebration in Derbyshire. Why do you think these kinds of ceremonies are important in rural areas?
Current OS Explorer sheet: OL24
Click here to download the full resource
The location of this image, and the identity of the photographer are not currently known – any information would be gratefully received. Please email info@geography.org.uk.