History

The First 100 Years

The PNFS celebrated its 100th birthday in 1994. Those first 100 years were recorded in a 52-page booklet A Century of Footpath Preservation which was published by society in July 1994.

The booklet tells a fascinating story. It was originally on sale for £2 but is now available as a free download.

Download PDF, 5 MB

The downloads on this page are in PDF format. Most modern computers can open PDF files. Older computers might need additional software. The most popular software is Adobe Reader, which you can download from Adobe's web site.

Regular Publications Over The Years

More history of the society can be gleaned from our regular publications:

Annual Reports
1894–present Signpost newsletter
2000–present

Historical Photos

A map of the Benfield path, an ancient right of way originally used by mill workers & the subject of PNFS's first legal action.

Derek Taylor, a former secretary of PNFS. Our Taylor House office is named in his honour in recognition of the contribution he made to the society.

Bill Johnson working on the construction of a wooden sign for Kettleshulme at Taylor House.

Kettleshulme signpost erected by PNFS.

Bert Ward, a lifelong campaigner for access to the Peak. He was the founder of the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers and the Hallamshire Footpaths Preservation Society.

Bert Ward being presented with 'Wards Piece' in 1945 - the deeds to 45 acres of Lose Hill, in recognition of his work campaigning for access to the Peak.

During the Second World War, most PNFS signs were removed and some replaced by War Department notices. This illustration is from the notebook of a dedicated but anonymous PNFS inspector who kept a check on these changes.