Peveril Castle

Peveril Castle
Peveril Castle is in Castleton, on top of a hill over looking the town. People think it is named after William Peveril, but it is not proven that it was. The castle was made in 1080 just after the Normans took over in 1066. It was not a proper castle, just a base for hunting and gathering in the forests and mining in the Peak Caverns (also known as the Devil's Arse) for Blue John. Blue John is a crystal that has only been found in one place in the whole world and that is Castleton.
The only parts of the castle that are still standing are the walls and the main keep, but you can still see the remains of the hall and the houses. The only things that you can not see any more are the bridge and the stables that are on the other side of the bridge.
To me, I am amazed that the castle is still standing despite what it has been through. Even the toilets are still intact but you are not allowed to use them. A lot is not there but to me it is still pretty amazing. Millions of people go to see it each year and what happens if one stupid tourist takes a piece of stone? Soon it will be getting smaller and smaller until there is nothing left. Or what if it gets hit by lightning? This is why I am happy that I have seen it and it is being looked after by English Heritage.

If you have a look at these links you can learn more about Peveril Castle and Blue John

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.11598

http://www.bluejohnstone.co.uk/

I think it would be good if you all come for a visit so we could have a look at the castle together. Maybe Sandy can oirganise this as a school trip for us!

I'll blog again soon

Zaq