University of Sheffield archaeologists are investigating 'Castle of the Peak', which was reputedly founded by the wife of one of the William Peverels before 1153, and continued until about the 1543 Dissolution.

They say the earliest documents referring to Spital Field are a grant and a Charter from the early 14th century.

Researchers studying an ice core from a Swiss glacier have found that levels of lead air pollution across Europe during the period 1170–1216 were as high as those of the Industrial Revolution, and the principal source was Peak District mines such as Castleton and Wirksworth.

Alexander von Humboldt visited caves near Castleton and Buxton in June 1790 to investigate the region's geological structures.

Castleton attracts many tourists, and there are multiple pubs (some with accommodation), tea shops and guest houses to supply their needs.

There is also a large car park, a Visitor Centre housing a dedicated space for Castleton Historical Society’s museum,[25][26] several outdoors shops and a youth hostel.

It is also a major walking centre, where routes up Cave Dale, Winnats Pass, Mam Tor and Hollins Cross meet.

[34] Castleton is a favourite area for walkers: there is plenty of accommodation, and there are many public footpaths leading from the village.

A two- or three-day trail, the Limestone Way, starts in Castleton and runs south down Cave Dale (past the rear of the castle) before climbing out of the village and heading for Monyash, Youlgreave, and Matlock.

One of the conspirators, James Ashton, is said to have confessed to the murders on his deathbed after being haunted by the dead couple.

Castleton also featured in national news reports in the early 1980s following the murder of Susan Renhard near the battlements of Peveril Castle.

The local caves were used as the filming location for the underworld, ruled by the evil Lady of the Green Kirtle, in the 1990 BBC adaptation of The Silver Chair (one of the Narnia books written by C.S.