The
Project
Introduction
Pilsbury Castle is one of the best examples of a Norman motte and
bailey castle in Derbyshire. But it is also something of a mystery,
intriguing many local people from historians to archaeologists, from
modern day managers of the site to neighbouring landowners. The Pilsbury
Castle Interpretation Project was a collaborative attempt to uncover
some of the mysteries of the castle and ensure the conservation of
this wonderful site for future generations.
Very little
information about the castle existed prior to the project and its
very existence provoked many questions:
- What was
the purpose of the castle? Was it guarding an important trade
route across the Peak District? Was it built as a defence against
inhabitants of the wasteland to the north? Or was it a demonstration
of Norman control and power?
- Who actually
built it?
- Why was
it built at the bottom of a valley instead of on the higher ground
overlooking the site?
- Was it rebuilt
on the same site and then abandoned altogether when the seat of
power transferred two miles south to Bank Top near Hartington?
- Why was
it constructed in unusually close proximity to another fortification?
Its intriguing
nature led a diverse collection of local groups and individuals
to investigate Pilsbury Castle, assisted by specialists such as
historians, archaeologists, educationalists and artists who provided
the experience and training to enable local people to explore and
explain the landscape around Pilsbury. Historical documents, archaeological
survey and oral testament from older people were collated and school
children interpreted the castle through the mediums of art, drama
and creative writing.
It was hoped that all this research would throw a fresh interpretation
upon the site and to some extent it did. However, in truth we cannot
deny that Pilsbury Castle remains a mystery to this day. This website
offers the information we have discovered to date. Perhaps you can
uncover more of its secrets for yourself.
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Beginnings
