Romans & Lead The Romans certainly worked lead in the Peak ore-field. Evidence for this is provided by the ‘pigs’ or crude ingots of metallic lead which have been found in the area over the last 230 years. The first one was found on Cromford Moor in 1777 and others were later discovered near Matlock, Tansley and Bradwell. A number have also been found as far away as Sussex which can be traced back to the Peak. Although these ‘pigs’ bear inscriptions it has only proved possible to date the Cromford Moor ‘pig’ to the period AD.117-138. Although we know that the Romans were extracting lead we have no direct evidence to show exactly where it was taking place. It is almost certain that working would have been in the form of open pits along the outcrops of the major veins. A number of the veins are very large (up to 46 metres wide at the surface) and although they were not completely filled with lead ore, working by opencast methods would have been relatively easy. The only Roman artefacts associated with lead mining operations have been found at Elton, Crich and Longstone Edge. Unfortunately these finds were made in the 19th century and accurate records of the exact locations were not fully documented, so it is not now possible to say whether the finds were made in underground workings or just happened to be dug up whilst searching for minerals. More Pictures Romans and other invaders Lead Mining Peak District Mining Museum