Romans

It is known that the Romans were lead mining in this part of Derbyshire. Between AD 78-84 the Romans built a fort (Navio) down the valley at Brough to defend their lead routes.  The remains of Navio can be seen today.

There were several Roman roads in the area. A road came up the valley through Windmill, though where it went from here is unclear - possibly east to Chesterfield and Ryknield  Street, or south to Lutudarum (thought to be around Carsington Reservoir). Another Roman road (Batham Gate) ran south west of Navio to Buxton (Aquae Arnemetiae), so the Romans could enjoy the warm waters.