Today’s post shows an abandoned millstone on the moors near Mother Cap.
These stones were all carved by individual masons who were capable of producing around 16 pairs of stones per year.
The market for these stones collapsed when white bread became popular in the mid 18th century. The gritstone that these are carved from would turn the flour grey, so french millstones that didn’t have this effect began to be used instead.
When their business disappeared, the masons fought back by destroying the French stones until eventually the military were brought in to put a stop to it.
The millstone lives on however as it is now the official symbol of the Peak District National Park.
Bronica ETRSi, Zenzanon 75mm f/2.8 & Ilford Delta 400.
Taken on 22 November 2019
Steel City Snapper photography 