Sheldon

Sheldon, is a small village recorded in the Domesday Book as Scheldhaun, comprising mainly stone built cottages, a village hall, pub and church. The Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels c1865 with bellcote and apsidal chancel is a very small building that is perfectly formed, it is both beautiful and peaceful. The Great War made a deep impression on Sheldon, five names are recorded on the War Memorial, including that of Tony Gyte. His mother, Maria, kept a diary of both local and international happenings during that troubled period.  'The Diaries of Maria Gyte of Sheldon, Derbyshire 1913 - 1920' was published in 1999 by Scarthin Books of Cromford, Derbyshire, it is a very moving read.

On a beautiful summer's day we went to the Sheldon Village Fete, the boys loved the old fashioned swing, vintage cars (notice Paul loving looking at the Land Rover, I can hear him saying can I have one) and the tea and cake at the village hall was very nice.

The old swing is operated by the rider pulling the rope to make the swing boat move, as you can see the little girl has got the hang of it.  

To the south of Sheldon is the Magpie lead mine, it had been worked for some 300 years up until 1924.  During mining flooding was a constant problem, in 1824 a Newcomen type pump was installed to pump out the water. Magpie mine with its 728ft shaft, was taken over in 1962 by the Peak District Historical Society, it is now the most complete remains of a lead mine in the National Park.