One of England’s earliest Norman fortresses, the ruined Peveril Castle is located on a high hilltop overlooking the village of Castleton and the Hope Valley in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District. It was built in the late 11th century soon after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was constructed with stone, which was unusual as early Norman strongholds were built using timber. The keep was added in 1174, during the reign of Henry II. 

The castle is named after William Peveril, who was Keeper of the Royal Forest. It was sited for local administration of the area, which included hunting grounds and lead and silver mines. It was rarely visited by its Royal owners and by Tudor times had become so neglected that it was largely abandoned. 

Today it is under the guardianship of English Heritage.