126 THE CASTLE OF THE PEAK, AND THE PIPE ROLLS. 



or two as to the character of the remains of the Peak fortress 

 now extant, so far as they illustrate the outline iiistory just given. 

 On the top of the hill on which it stands is an irregular area, 

 measuring roughly about 220 feet in length from east to west, and 

 100 feet and 60 feet in width at the west and east ends respec- 

 tively. This area is enclosed by a curtain wall of masonry. The 

 wall on the west, crowning the precipice, deserves close attention. 

 At several points its masonry will be seen to be formed of rude 

 courses of herring-bone work. 



There can be little doubt that we have here a portion of the 

 castle built by William Peverel shortly after 1068. If this be 

 really the case, Derbyshire may lay claim to possess one of the 

 earliest military works executed in this country after the advent 

 of the Norman William. 



On the highest point within the area stands the keep, or great 

 Tower. It is a characteristic late Norman rectangular keep, about 

 60ft. high, and measuring 21ft. 3^in. by 19ft. 2in. internally, with 

 walls 8ft. thick. It has unfortunately been robbed of much of its 

 ashlar facing, especially on the north and east sides. The basement 

 is much choked up with rubbish. 



