There is some evidence of paleolithic inhabitation in the surrounding area, with some worked stones being found nearby dating from 60,000 years ago. There is some evidence that the area may have been used industrially by the Romans as some potential kiln sites have been identified. From the medieval period the site was largely used for agriculture. Quarrying of granite and the extraction of clay began on the site in the mid-18th century. The site was served by the Coventry Canal and the railways which later became the Trent Valley and Birmingham-Peterborough lines. By the late 19th century brick, textiles and clothing factories occupied the site. The quarrying operation, known as Judkins Quarry, had expanded by the mid-20th century with large filter beds and a stone crushing plant in operation. Mount Judd was formed during this era as a conical-shaped spoil tip of unusable stone arising from the quarrying operation.