|
|
|
Derbyshire Landscape
 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
This is a reposted version of my cropped version to show more of the wild flowers and earth. This image is not about the sheep, but about the landscape and the history of this area. Note that TN does not accept pictures of domesticated animals and since sheep are tended to by farmers at least once a year and are domesticated breeds, these count.
So about this place...
Castleton is surrounded on 3 sides by steep hills and the mighty bulk of Mam Tor looms high, 2 miles to the north west of the village. On a hill, overlooking Castleton, is the ancient Peveril Castle.
The Celts were the first peple to settle in the area. On Mamtor, also known as the shivering mountain, are the remains of a Celtic hill fort on summit, an enclosure of 16 acres at an altitude of 1700ft. The Celts were displaced by the Romans who started mining the rich lead viens, bringing prosperity to the area. Shortly after 1066, William the Conquerer started building castles all over the country and the one at Castleton was given to his son, William Peveril in 1086, and so became Peveril Castle. The keep was added later, in 1176. It never saw battle and was occupied as a dwelling until 1480. The village grew up under the protection of the castle.
Castleton has 4 underground show caves, all worth a visit, for their own interesting features. These are Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Peak Cavern.
Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff contain the treasured, pretty blue and yellow fluorspar called Blue John. It was first mined at Treak Cliff and by 1770, 16 mines were extracting the stone and selling it to several firms in Derbyshire who turned it into ornaments, vases, clocks and jewellry. Blue John is only found in this area of Britain, andsmall pieces of the mineral are still plentiful, large pieces are now rare.
Peak Cavern is the source of the village river, Peakshole Water and as such it is the only Cavern that has to be closed during the winter due to flooding. In the mouth of the cave, the largest in Britain, rope makers use to live and work. Their cottages have been demolished but 'rope walks' are still to be found. The show cave is only part of a much larger cave system which attracts cavers from all over the world.
Speedwell Cavern is special because the main workings and its 'bottomless pit' can only be reached by boat along an underground canal.
Some of the "caverns" are actually valleys, suspected to be collapsed caverns/caves. It is possible that some of the steep sides may have been carved from the movement of glaciers though.
You can see some of the lime stone stone at the bottom of this picture. Not far away are traces of the lead mine shafts. The caves are exciting, though I do not know of any free access to them. Getting close to the opening of a small one (blocked off for safety) is always refreshing with a rush of cold air coming out even on the warmest days.
(historical info credit to derbyshireuk.net) |
carper, nwoehnl, hojper has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
| Discussions |
| None | | You must be logged in to start a discussion. |
|
- RAP
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2524 W: 345 N: 2373]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(7405) - [2004-08-11 7:58]
-
Ahora si... Dan.
La version original era un bonito paisaje pero no tenia protagonismo de los animales.
Esta es una hermosa composicion a partir de ellos.
Bellos colores, excelente perspectiva.
Bien hecho!
Now yes... Dan.
The original version was a pretty landscape but nontapeworm protagonism of the animals.
This is a beautiful composition from them. Beautiful colors, excellent perspective.
Well done!
I still like this!, seems so very English!
-
- carper
(8424)
- [2004-08-11 9:15]
-
Very nice one Dan.
But I like the other versie also. This is a little better, very good job
Very nice landscape.
I'm think it is very English.
Nice colours with very good composition.
Good job
-
- AndyB
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1391 W: 32 N: 1350]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(3982) - [2004-08-11 10:28]
-
A nice shot.
I think I prefer this to the other,the perspective is better.
Excellent,very well done.
Great scene from the Derbyshire countryside, Dan. I slightly prefer this one to your original version, as we get to see more of the pattern of fields and trees in the back, and a better understanding as to how the green slope in the foreground fits into the landscape. The sheepish look of "the guys" is well rendered even at greater distance ;-) Well done.
-
- hojper
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 52 W: 4 N: 78]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(224) - [2004-09-15 16:15]
-
I can't help it, I adore landscapes like this. They just make me want to put on the boots and get going. The note is fantastic. The picture really has a special atmosphere, hard to say where it comes from, but it's there.
A very striking photo. Works on 2 levels - the portrait of the sheep - they're looking straight at you! - and the landscape. Well done.
![Gold Star Critiquer [C: 191 W: 0 N: 9]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-n.gif)
(28)