The hamlet of Pikehall suffers from being split between a number of parishes (Parwich, Elton, Hartington Nether Quarter, Ballidon and Brassington). This means, although the community has a sense of identity, it is hard for it to act as a single political unit.
Pikehall owes its existence as hamlet to the two roads than run through it. The oldest is the Roman road (the Street) that runs from Derby to Buxton. Up to the eighteenth century this was one of the few roads in the Peak District that could take wheeled vehicles. The other road is a later turnpike the Via Gellia. This means it has always been a stopping off point and a number of houses have formerly been coaching inns or ale houses. With the development of flatter turnpike routes from Derby through Ashbourne it ceased to be a significant crossroads, and with the later advent of motor vehicles the need for stopping off places was greatly reduced.
This is primarily a farming and residential community, with Pikehall Harness Racing giving some of the main events of the year.
Pikehall also hosts the annual Y-Not Festival: a three-day live music event, with a variety of bands and soloists performing on two stages.
Near by, towards Parwich, is Gotham: now several farms that grew out of a medieval monastic sheep ranch. Towards Elton is Mouldridge Grange: also a former monastic sheep ranch.
See also: Pikehall on Wikipedia.
See also: Pikehall-related blog posts on PARWICH.ORG.
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