Castleton, like many attractions in Derbyshire, has a nickname – ‘Gem of the Peaks’

Castleton lies in the Hope Valley between the Dark and the White Peak areas of the Peak District. The Dark Peak to the north is the area of the Gritstone edges, some of the more well known being Froggatt Edge and Kinder Downfall, whereas the White Peak to the south is the area with the Limestone plateaus.

Castleton is a very popular place with visitors. This may be due to Castleton having almost everything a visitor could want. It has spectacular scenery, a ruined Norman castle dominates Castleton, fascinating Geology, good walks for all abilities, a pretty village, many events throughout the year and a large car park.

Peveril Castle

The village of Castleton is dominated by the keep of Peveril Castle. This Norman castle was built by William the conqueror’s son, William Peveril in 1080. It was built to oversee the King’s Royal Forest of the Peak, although little of the forest now remains. Originally it was a wooden building but was rebuilt in stone around 1175 and this is the keep we can see today. The present keep was built under the direction of King Henry II. It was here in 1157 that Henry accepted the submission of King Malcolm of Scotland.

Peveril Castle is run by English Heritage. In 2011, it is open every day from 1st April to 1st November and Thursday to Monday from 2nd November to 31st March 2012. It is also closed from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day and on New Year’s Day. There is a new visitor centre which opened in 2006 and tells the story of Peveril as the focal point of the Royal Forest of the Peak, a hunting preserve for the Monarchs.

Castleton – the Early Years

Castleton itself dates from 1198 and is named after the castle (Castle town)! The earliest known settlement was the Iron Age fort on the top of Mam Tor, although it is thought that the there was settlement in the Bronze Age (around 1,400 BC). Even earlier traces of Stone Age man has been discovered in some caves on Treak Cliff – less than a mile from the centre of Castleton.

Oak Apple Day – On Oak Apple Day 29th May the ancient ceremony of Garlanding takes place and after the Garland has been paraded though the streets, it is hoisted to the top of Saint Edmund’s Church tower. The ceremony celebrates the pagan rite for the ending of winter, and the restoration of Charles II to the throne in 1660 after the rule by Oliver and Richard Cromwell (1653-58 and 1658-59).

The one metre (3 foot) high Garland is made from a wooden frame, wound with string to which small bunches of wild flowers and leaves are tied. A further small wreath, called the `Queen` is made from choice garden flowers and is place on top. The complete Garland weighs about 25Kgs (56 pounds) and just before the start of the ceremony is lifted onto the shoulders of the `King` who is dressed in Stuart costume.

After touring the village on horseback accompanied by his consort, a procession and a band, the King is relieved of his Garland which is then hoisted up to the top of the tower of St Edmunds Church, where it is left to wither. The Queens wreath is placed round the war memorial and in the market place there is Morris dancing and singing.

Castleton village museum contains a display of Garland memorabilia which includes an outfit worn by a King 200 years ago – if Oak Apple Day falls on a Sunday, the ceremony is held on the Saturday (28th May).