The Peaks in Castleton
The peaks inn like the village of Castleton is overlooked
by peveril castle. The castle was founded soon after
the Norman conquest of 1066 by one of King William’s
most trusted knights. Williams’s peveril, on a site
of remarkable natural strength. It had an important
role in guarding the peak forest lead-mining area. In
1155 the castle became royal property and its defenses
were strengthened. Notably by the addition of the main
tower or keep. Later improvements were made to its living
accommodation in the 13th century. However it declined
in importance in the fourteenth. In 1372 the castle
passed to john of gaunt and became part of the estates
of the duchy of Lancaster.
From here there is a fine view out across the hope
valley and down over Castleton. It is still possible
to see that the town did not grow organically, but
was deliberately laid out to a formal grid. The church
was erected at the centre, and a market square immediately
south off it, although this has been partially encroached
upon since. Originally the whole town was surrounded
by defensive bank and ditch. Only a short length in
the north-west corner can be readily identified from
here: you can see it, most clearly when the sun is
low, beyond and to the left of the church.
In 1480 the castle was said to be greatly decayed,
and although repair was contemplated, nothing seems
to have been done. Later in 1561 the keep was still
in use for the courts, often with poachers, but the
bailey served only as a pound for stray cattle. By
the seventeenth century what remained of the castle
was ruinous. And thus the castle stood for 200 years.
But credit must go the Duchy, who, in the nineteenth
century when antiquarian interest in castles was growing,
spent money to repair the walls, especially along
the north side, and to provide extra buttressing,
now removed, to the keep. In 1932 the castle was placed
in the guardianship of the office of works. It is
now managed on behalf of their successor the Secretary
Of State for the Environment by English Heritage.
Here at the peaks inn we offer accommodation, fine
ale, & food, and a warm welcome, enjoy your visit
& from us all a safe journey home.
|
|
