An estimated eight million people in Britain enjoy walking in the Peak District every year. But what many who enjoy outdoor hobbies don't know is that their "right to walk" was won by men who sacrificed their own freedom to gain access to the countryside for all. 

In 1932 wealthy landowners had private use of large areas of uplands for hunting. Walkers were kept out by guards, until a group of 400 people from Manchester and Yorkshire, led by Benny Rothman, engaged on a mass trespass . The campaigner was put into prison with four other men. 

The event is supported by many with starting a movement that paved the way for the establishment of national parks. Mr Rothman died in 2002 but he is now being honoured for his contribution with the revealing of a blue plaque on his former home in Crofton Avenue, Timperley, Greater Manchester. 

Retired professor, Harry, who followed in his father's footsteps by specialising in environmental issues, says: "He was a very optimistic man and he made the best of it when he went to prison. It did''t put him off campaigning, he went on campaigning on environmental issues most of his life." Mr Rothman did live to see the Countryside Rights of Way Act passed by Parliament in 2000, ensuring the freedom of the countryside for future generations. 

Roly Smith, a friend of Mr Rothman and an author of walking guidebooks, said: "It is because of them that we have got what we have today." 

Councillor Jonathan Coupe, of Trafford Council, said: "The honour of having a blue plaque attributed to you means you have really made an impression on society." 

"Mr Rothman contributed to the changing of history and it is because of him that we are able to enjoy the local countryside as often and freely as we can today."
What did rich people use the land for?
When?
Were people allowed to walk there?
What was Benny jailed for?
How many joined him in jail?
Were they alone when they committed the crime?
How many people were with them?
Where did they come from?
Is a blue plaque an honor?
Is Rothman getting one?
Where are they putting it?
Where is that?
hunting
 wealthy landowners had private use of large areas of uplands for hunting
1932
In 1932 wealthy landowners had private use of large areas of uplands for hunting
No
Walkers were kept out 
trespassing
Benny Rothman, engaged on a mass trespass . The campaigner was put into prison with four other men. 
Four
The campaigner was put into prison with four other men. 
no
until a group of 400 people from Manchester and Yorkshire, led by Benny Rothman, engaged on a mass trespass
395
until a group of 400 people from Manchester and Yorkshire, led by Benny Rothman, engaged on a mass trespass . The campaigner was put into prison with four other men. 
Manchester
400 people from Manchester and Yorkshire
Yes
ut he is now being honoured for his contribution with the revealing of a blue plaque on his forme
yes
Mr Rothman died in 2002 but he is now being honoured for his contribution with the revealing of a blue plaque 
on his former home
evealing of a blue plaque on his former home
Crofton Avenue
home in Crofton Avenue