Derbyshire Archaeology Day

With the money raised we will fund the restoration of the ‘godfather of Peak District archaeology’, Thomas Bateman’s tomb in Middleton-by-Youlgrave.

Thomas Bateman – the ‘godfather’ of Peak District archaeology

In 2021 as well as celebrating the 70^th birthday of the National Park, we celebrate 200 years since the birth of Thomas Bateman, the celebrated Derbyshire antiquarian.

Thomas became fascinated by the Bronze Age burial mounds (‘barrows’) of the Peak District, and from the age of 20, until his early death in 1861, he excavated over a hundred of these sites! Unlike many antiquarians working at that time, Thomas kept detailed records of his work and published his findings. Thomas made beautiful watercolour paintings of many of his excavations sites and artefacts, and much of his important archaeological collection is now held at Sheffield City Museum.

Thomas lived a short, colourful and prolific life. He chose to be buried in a field rather than in a churchyard, and his tomb lies in Middleton by Youlgrave. The tomb is a Grade II listed building and is topped by a stone replica of a Bronze Age collared urn. The Peak District Foundation is helping to help the parish raise funds for repairs and interpretation at the tomb in this anniversary year. If you would like to contribute to this conservation project please donate here.