The Post-Medieval and Modern Periods

The landscape of the Peak District was substantially changed during the post-medieval and modern periods, mainly due to economic determinants, with intensification of industry and enclosure of land for agriculture being the two main factors.

There are remains of a substantial amount of small-scale industrial activities on the site of Fin Cop itself, including lead mining remains and limestone quarrying along with the remnants of lime burning and production. This is evidenced by the lime kilns that remain visible at the site, one within the ramparts of the hillfort itself. There is visible narrow 'ridge and furrow' ploughing in the southern field, which contains part of the rampart, and this ploughing respects the line of the enclosure period walls. During the period of the Second World War, the northern field containing the ramparts was used for growing potatoes and carrots as part of the war effort.