Just when Midgley became a permanent dwelling place is open to question, but Bronze Age sites have been discovered on the moor above the village which gives the possibility of occupation from about 3,000 years ago. Such signs of early settlement have not been found in and around the village, but this is probably due to later cultivation obliterating the evidence.
Midgley is a Viking place name (meaning midge clearing or midden!) and is listed in the Domesday book.
The village grew up around wool production, weaving and quarrying, with a hard-working local economy supporting many pubs, shops and businesses.
Midgley's wealth of characterful old stone buildings, ancient wells and stone paved walkways tell the story of this rich Pennine heritage.
Many of the houses in the area have been built of the underlying coarse sandstone known as Millstone Grit. These often replaced timber framed houses. The oak beams, which were re-used in the construction of the stone houses, can be seen in almost all the older buildings.
Due to the enduring nature of such thick stone walls the whole area is remarkably rich in vernacular architecture and has given rise to many academic surveys.
The whole fascinating history of the village and its surroundings can be seen in 'Pennine Perspectives' published in 2007, a book written by members of the local history group.