Foolow

The village green contains an ornate medieval cross, similar to the one at Wheston but possibly of later date. It has been suggested that it is 15th century.[2] It is inscribed with the date 1868, when it was moved from the site of the Wesleyan Reform Chapel and its shaft was replaced. A former bull ring lies in front of the cross.[3]

South of the village, the Watergrove mine was active from the 18th century until 1853. Water was a problem over this period; both soughs and pumping engines were used. In 1837 a Fairbrother beam engine was installed. Its 80 ft (24 m) chimney stood until 1960. There are hillocks in the north of the parish that mark the sites of other mines.[4] There are also sinkholes present- the most recent appeared in late 2013- believed to result from mine workings.[5] It is probable that mining, whether lead or other mineral, has been an occupation for the people of Foolow since at least the 15th century. Robert Roworth, of Folowe, a miner, appears as owing £4 to Thomas Calton of Chesterfield, in a legal record of 1470.[6]

• St Hugh’s Church, Foolow