A HISTORY OF DERBYSHIRE many bones of animals, including those of horses, and even a few of men. Pre-Roman objects, flints, potsherds, etc., were also found, testifying to a pre-historic occupation, and perhaps the human bones should be ascribed to some prehistoric burial, but in the absence of minute records this and similar points must remain uncertain. The Roman remains appear to belong to the second and early third centuries. That age is suggested by the coins, of which the latest represents Philippus (250 A.D.) ; it also suits the fibulas and the Samian ware, both of which may most reasonably be ascribed to the Middle Empire. It is less easy to decide whether the occupation covered the main part or only the end of that period. The abundance of remains indicates that it may have lasted long ; but the only definite fact is that it lasted till about 250 A.D. Of a later age there is no trace. Nothing whatever occurs that is characteristic of the fourth or fifth centuries. 1 (c) CRESSWELL CRAGS Somewhat similar Romano-British remains, but less abundant, have been found at Cresswell Crags, on the extreme edge of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Here, in the parish of Elmton and about 800 yards east of Cresswell hamlet, a small stream which divides the two counties widens into the semblance of a river and flows for a third of a mile between the wooded cliffs of a sudden gorge. The cliffs on both sides contain caves in which early man has dwelt. These were explored in the years 18759. On the north or Derbyshire side, Robin Hood's Cave yielded several Roman objects. They were found near the entrance of the cave and immediately under the present surface of the floor. The remains include a few Samian and many ruder potsherds, a bronze bow-fibula described as resembling those found at Settle (p. 239), some bones of sheep, a human tooth, and much charcoal. A few mediaeval potsherds were found near the surface, while flints and other traces of prehistoric man lay deeper down. Just outside the cave a coin of Faustina was noticed. Similar but scantier remains, potsherds, and a fine fibula were discovered in the Church Hole on the opposite or Nottinghamshire side of the ravine. It is plain that here again we deal with the definite inhabitation of a cave, though it may have been smaller in size and briefer in time than that of Thirst House or Poole's Hole. The date again is indicated by the coin of Faustina and by the fibulae, which suggest the middle or end of the second century. 1 (d] BAT HOUSE (ALDERWASLEY) Three other Derbyshire caves have yielded remains which may be, or have been taken to be, Romano-British. These remains are few. 1 By the kindness of Mr. Redfern I have been able to examine the remains and photograph some pieces. They have never been properly published. The brief notes in the Antiquary, viii. (1883), 177 (John Aiken : hence W. T. Watkin in Derb. Arch. Journ. viii. 192) and Reliquary, i. (1887), 107, give no idea of the actual finds. Brief notice in Boyd Dawkins, Cave-Hunting, p. 126. 8 J. M. Mello, Quarterly Journ. Geol. Soc. xxxi. (1875), 683 ; xxxii. 241 ;xxxiii. 580 foil. ; xxxv. 724 (hence R. Pennington, Barrows and Bone Caves of Derb. p. 91) ; Torkshire Geol. and Polytechnic Soc. Pnc. (new series), vii. (1878-81), 252-263. The site is indicated on the O.S. (six inch), xix. S.E. 2 3 6
