We visited the hamlet of Ecton today which just lies over the border in Staffordshire. I've never heard of Apes Tor before. In fact, when I first saw the sign I thought perhaps some letters were missing! If you were expecting apes, I'm afraid you are going to be disappointed. 🙂
Apparently, high grade copper ore was discovered on the Duke of Devonshire's land in the 17th century. As the sign states, this is the opening to a 60ft metre deep winding shaft to the Ecton mine that mined copper for 50 years. Money seems to go to money!
We spotted some lovely cottages but a little remote for my liking.
We continued to have a little mooch around. Swainsley Tunnel was quite interesting. It is on the former Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway and was built by Sir Thomas Wardle. Even though he was a shareholder in the local railway, he didn't want the line spoiling the view from his weekend retreat at Swainsley Hall. This seems to happen quite a lot amongst the toffs!
There was an unusual house with a copper spire at the top of the hill.
The locals were quite inquisitive of our presence until they realised we hadn't got any food. They soon went back to eating their hay.
