CASTLEANDCAVES
DENIS EARDLEY continues his ‘Special Places to Visit in Derbyshire and the Peak District’ series with a trip to Castleton
CASTLETON – frequently referred to as the gem of the Peak – is one of Britain’s most appealing villages, set in a magnificent location with wonderful views in all directions.
Approaching from the southwest you descend into Castleton through the spectacular Winnats Pass, with its forbidding appearance.
In 1758, legend says, the pass was the scene of the horrific murder by five lead miners of a young couple journeying to Peak Forest to get married. The crime was never solved until the last surviving miner confessed on his deathbed. It was later revealed the other four miners had also met terrible ends.
William Peverel originally built Peveril Castle. He was a favourite knight of William the Conqueror who made him bailiff of the royal manors in north-western Derbyshire. At that time the Peak Forest was rich in both game and minerals and the castle was ideal for protecting both.
However, the stone keep was built almost 100 years later by King Henry II in 1176.
The castle still stands today and can be viewed at close quarters by those prepared to climb the steep zigzag path to the castle made famous by Sir Walter Scott, in his novel Peveril of the Peak.
Under the protection of the castle, the village grew up in a distinct gridiron formation, inside a protective town ditch, parts of which can still be seen. There is an information point containing details of the origin of the ditch, in the field between the visitor centre and the Bull’s Head.
The village takes its name from the castle, “ton” being of Anglo-Saxon origin and meaning “an enclosure”.
It is most famous for its caverns, of which only Peak Cavern is a true cave. Directly beneath the castle, the cave has a dramatic entrance said to be the largest in Britain.
It once contained houses and there is still evidence of soot from the chimneys on the roof. There was even a report in 1794 of an alehouse in the cave. The entrance was used for hundreds of years for rope making and some of the equipment used remains.
Away from the village, Blue John Cavern is famous for its semi-precious stone; Speedwell for its halfmile subterranean boat trip and Treak Cliff Cavern for its stalactites.
The mining of Blue John stone is unique to Castleton. Pieces can be found all over the world, including the White House and Vatican.
Mam Tor is often called the Shivering Mountain because its layers of soft shale between harder beds of gritstone frequently crumble, causing landslips. These have been sufficiently severe to permanently close the A625, which has been re-routed to Castleton through Winnats Pass. There is an Iron Age Fort near the summit of Mam Tor.
By Treak Cliff is the Odin Mine, which in the 18th century produced large quantities of good quality lead ore; alongside is a crushing stone and circle, once used to dress the ore.
Cave Dale hidden behind Peveril Castle is the start of many walks. It is one of the most beautiful parts of Castleton with cliffs rising almost perpendicular at the start of the walk with the castle towering above.
After reaching the head of the dale the route becomes more open with expansive views. From this point, it is only a short walk to Mam Tor and some of the most breathtaking views in the country.
The village is a delightful cluster of
old stone cottages that invite exploration. A sparkling little stream flowing from Peak Cavern takes you through the oldest part of Castleton. Along the main street are a large variety of gift shops, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes.
At Christmas, Castleton takes on a magical appeal with pretty lights, decorations and an array of Christmas trees, which attracts visitors from far and wide. There is nothing else quite like
it anywhere in the country, so it is worthwhile making a note in your diary to experience the festive magic of Christmas at Castleton. At the weekends in the build-up to Christmas, carol services take place in both the Peak and Treak Caverns, but these are very popular and visitors have to book well in advance.
On April 2, 2004, Castleton’s new state-ofthe-art information centre was opened to the public. The plans were drawn up following consultations
with the local community and provide extensive community facilities.
A museum has been incorporated into the building. This is used by the Castleton Historical Society to feature a range of exhibitions about village life through the ages. The introductory exhibition at the £1 million centre was superb and fully did justice to one of the most beautiful villages in the country.
The history of St Edmund’s Church is closely linked to that of the castle. Built in the 12th century it was known as the “Church of Peak Castle”. There is a Norman arch behind the pulpit and it still retains box pews. A treasured possession is