Peveril Castle, Derbyshire

Situated at the heart of the Peak District the ruins of Peveril Castle can be found at the centre of a triangle made up of Stockport to the west, Sheffield to the east and Buxton to the south. Today the ruins are a popular destination for hikers, historically though Peveril Castle was an important stronghold.

Peveril Castle is one of the oldest examples of castles still in existence today. The first parts of the castle were constructed shortly after the Norman invasion of 1066 by William Peveril, or Peverel. William was given the title of Bailiff of the Royal manors of the Peak, and was certainly one of William the Conquerors most trusted knights, and also possibly his illegitimate son. The first buildings on the site were wooden, but by 1090 a large portion of the castle was stone. Strategically placed the castle would offer protection to silver and lead mines in the vicinity, and would also be a deterrent to any Scottish attempts to expand from the Cumbrian land that they held at the time.

Peveril Castle Keep - simon gray - CC-BY-SA-2.0

The castle passed into the hands of William Peveril the Younger in 1114 upon his father’s death, although the son would spend more time in improving Bolsover Castle than Peveril Castle. In 1155 though the castle was given over to the crown. Henry II confiscated the castle and surrounding lands shortly before Peveril’s death, Peveril having been implicated in the poisoning of the Earl of Chester.
Henry II improved the castle, and was paid homage by Malcolm IV of Scotland there. Henry II would visit the castle on at least three occasions during his reign. During the Baron’s revolt of King John’s reign the castle would see some action and was forcible taken by the King’s forces, although little details of actual events are known. The castle would remain property of the monarchs of England and their families through to the reign of Henry IV, although by the start of the fifteenth century the castle was left to fall into decay. Used occasionally as a courthouse and a farm outbuilding, the ruins as seen today are due to neglect and not because of any action during either the War of the Roses or English Civil War.

Peveril Castle and Peak District - George Griffin - CC-BY-SA-2.0

The remnants though of Peveril Castle though have been preserved through the efforts of English Heritage who took over ownership of the castle in 1932.

Those wishing to visit the ruins of Peveril Castle today will need to pay a small admission charge to English Heritage, details of which can be found on the English Heritage website.

Access comes after a walk up the steep hill above the village of Castleton, the castle sitting some 200 feet above the village. Entrance is via a twelfth century gate house, and it and its adjoining curtain walls have weather well, as has the small stone keep built at a similar time. Other buildings within the castle walls have faired less well, but the foundations of the Great Hall and kitchens can be clearly seen.

Model of how Peveril Castle once looked - simon gray - CC-BY-SA-2.0

From the remains of Peveril Castle spectacular views across the Peak District can be obtained, with Hope Valley, Cave Dale, Mam Tor and Hollins Cross clearly visible.

A trip to Peveril Castle is well worth it, even if it is just for the views that can be had. The castle though is also a fine example, and for something that is almost a thousand years old, it is relatively fine upkeep.

Copyright - First Published 20th October 2010

Lancaster Castle, Lancashire

The historic castles of Britain are amongst the most well known of all of the country’s buildings. Many, including the likes of Warwick Castle, are popular tourist attractions, open to the public. Lancaster Castle though is perhaps unique, as although it is a historic castle, a Grade 1 Listed Building, and situated on ground classed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, it has also been a functioning court and category C grade prison. This though, doesn’t prevent it being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lancaster, Lancashire for many years.

The site of Lancaster caste is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, and therefore the British monarch, with buildings maintained by Lancashire County Council, and prison buildings leased to the prison service. The route by which Lancaster Castle came into being and ultimately into the hands of the monarch is one which takes in many of the most important aspects of English history.

Lancaster Castle Main Gate - Tom Oates - CC-BY-SA-3.0

The site of Lancaster Castle, on a hill in the city centre, was occupied by a series of Roman forts, the first of which dated from about 79AD. The site of course came into prominence with the construction of stone castle buildings, starting somewhere around 1090AD by William II. The castle was owned by Roger de Poitou, although a falling out with Henry I saw the castle pass into the hands of the king. It was from this period that Lancaster Castle’s Keep was built. The Keep is twenty metres tall with walls up to three metres thick.

The castle was owned by King Stephen, and saw action in his civil war with Matilda, and subsequently ownership passed to Richard the Lionheart, who gave the castle to his brother John. By the thirteenth century Lancaster Castle was one of the most heavily fortified in the region. By this point though the need for a heavily fortified castle in the area diminished, and much of the later work was more aesthetical than defensive.

Shire Hall, Lancaster Castle - Ian Taylor - CC-BY-SA-2.0

The most famous elements of Lancaster Castle include the Well Tower, or Witches’ Tower, consisting of dungeons and wells. It was here that the Pendle Witches were held whilst awaiting trial and conviction. Hadrian’s tower is nearby and is another old feature of the castle, although not as old as the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who legend says built the tower. There is also the John O’Gaunt Gatehouse, a twin towered gatehouse, and considered one of the finest of any gatehouse in England.

Lancaster Castle saw more work in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when the castle was put into full time use as a court and prison. The Shire Hall was constructed in this period, with the hall now showing of hundreds of heraldic devices. Lancaster castle is home to the court room that has been in operation of the longest continuous time and was the court where thousands of people were deported to Australia. The court is also said to have passed more death sentences than any other court in England, although it is a dubious record that might also be given to a number of London courts.

Lancaster Castle from Above - Nuttytimmy - CC-BY-SA-3.0

Up until 2011 Lancaster Castle was still home to HMP Lancaster Caste. The prison of course meant that large areas of the prison complex, including the dungeons, battlements and keep, were off limits to the general public. There were though areas that could be visited, and the history of the castle could be learnt about, as part of a guided tour around the open areas of the castle.

Guided tours operate very day, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, from 10.30am through to 4.00pm. The nature of the guided tour does vary depending upon what court sessions, and prison activity is being undertaken. Additionally there are also special events held at Lancaster Castle throughout the year. It is a good idea to phone through to the booking office for a space on a guided tour, and to find out about events, as at peak times Lancaster Castle can get very busy. Plans are afoot to make more of what should be one of Lancaster's premier tourist attractions.

For those interested in the history of England then Lancaster Castle is a great place to visit, and indeed the castle remains one of the best examples of medieval architecture in the country.

Copyright - First Published 22nd August 2010

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Blenheim Palace plays a unique role within Britain, and is the only palace that is neither royal or church built or owned. It is though much more than just an anomaly and the eighteenth century stately home is visited every years by hundreds of thousands of tourists each and every year.

Blenheim Palace is situated in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, and is only eight miles outside of Oxford itself at Woodstock. Three hundred years old Blenheim Palace has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The construction of Blenheim Palace began in 1705, and was originally intended to be a gift from a grateful nation to reward the military leadership of John Churchill. Churchill had proven himself an inspired tactician and had brought success against the French and Bavarians, including the notable Battle of Blenheim.

Blenheim Palace - gailf548 - CC-BY-SA-2.0

The palace was constructed in the English baroque style from the designs of Sir John Vanburgh. It is an impressive site that still greets the eye of the visitor as they make their way up towards the building. The 1st Duke of Marlborough was in and out of favour after 1705 but by 1717 Churchill was once again a national hero and resided in the palace, although he did not live to see its completion in 1724. The history of Blenheim Palace has much in common with the fortunes of the Dukes of Marlborough and the palace and family itself was saved from ruin by marrying into money with the Vanderbilt fortune.

The building still retains the eighteenth century grandeur including the large courtyards and gateways. The interior of the palace though has changed greatly over the years, although today it has been restored to a splendid finish. Some of the tapestries, porcelain and hand finished ceilings found within the staterooms of Blenheim Palace are breathtaking.

The history of Blenheim Palace though is more than just the home of the 1st Duke of Marlborough, as it was also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister and War time leader.
Although still the home to the Dukes of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is open to the paying public from the middle of February until the middle of December. Even outside of these months though, the park and pleasure are still open. It is best to check with the ticket office of Blenheim Palace to make sure that the grounds and palace are open. Admission varies depending on what areas of the palace you are looking to visit.

Blenheim Palace from the South - Ohcloudsunfold - Released into PD

More than the traditional stately home though, Blenheim Palace has evolved and is now a thriving business, all needed to justify the admission price. Blenheim Palace if of course set in two thousand acres of immaculate parkland and formal gardens. The parkland itself remains true to the original plans of “Capability” Brown, and still contains the original lake and boathouse. Water plays a big part on the make up of the grounds, including the Grand Cascade and fountains and water terraces.

The Library at Blenheim - Jvhertum - Released into PD

The gardens themselves are enough for some people but the price of admission also includes free rides upon the miniature railway built in the grounds. For the young, and also the young at heart there is the Marlborough Maze and adventure playground, and the Butterfly House is also a great way to pass some time. Those interested in the more historical elements of Blenheim Palace will also find the visitor experiences of “Blenheim Palace The Untold Story” as well as “Churchills’ Destiny”.

To me it is the perfect day out, the relaxing elements of the garden and parklands offset beautifully by the history and elegance of Blenheim Palace itself. England is blessed by its history and is rightfully proud of its grand houses and more people should take the opportunity offered to them to take in this history.

Copyright - First Published 27th October 2008