Peveril Castle Castleton Peak District

Peveril Castle Castleton, Peak District, Derbyshire

Peveril Castle overlooks the picturesque town of Castleton in the Derbyshire Peak District and affords wonderful views over the surrounding countryside and the town below.

Though now largely ruined enough of the castle remains, supplemented by the excellent explanation panels, to make paying the admission to visit the castle worthwhile.

Years ago Peveril Castle was just “there” but visitor fees now help to maintain the site which is managed by English Heritage.

Castle walls

History

The castle is named after William Peverel, a Norman strongman associated with William the Conqueror. Peverel founded the castle soon after 1066, though there is no evidence he was William’s bastard son, as is usually quoted in the guidebooks.

The castle’s small keep

Peveril Castle is one of England’s earliest Norman castles. It was built to control the Royal Forest of the Peak, a royal hunting ground enjoyed by the Norman kings and their knights. The castle’s keep was added by Henry II in 1176.

View over the Peak District from the castle

The castle’s keep includes a garderobe, a medieval lavatory no less, and a small chamber with rounded windows.

Peveril Castle, Castleton, Peak District

Castle walls

Festival

Castleton’s annual festival, held annually on May 29 is the “Garland Day” or “Oak Apple Day” when a Garland King wearing a huge garland of flowers parades through the village.

The town of Castleton is also a good place to begin a hike in the Peak District. Within easy reach are local beauty spots such as Cavedale, Winnats Pass, and also Mam Tor.