Riber Castle, Victorian country house in Matlock Town, England.
The castle features gritstone walls, corner towers, and battlements positioned on a hill overlooking the Derbyshire countryside at 200 meters elevation.
John Smedley initiated the construction in 1862, using an innovative pulley system to transport materials up the steep hillside for the building process.
The structure served multiple purposes throughout its existence, including time as a boys' preparatory school and later as a wildlife park for British species.
The castle remains closed to visitors during its current renovation into residential apartments, with completion scheduled for autumn 2024.
Local residents nicknamed the structure Smedley's Folly due to the challenging task of supplying water to such an elevated location.
Location: Matlock Town
Inception: 1862
GPS coordinates: 53.12780,-1.54300
Latest update: June 8, 2025 08:15
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St John the Baptist's Chapel, Matlock Bath
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Church of St Giles
924 m
Derwent House, Matlock
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Matlock Bath War Memorial
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Pic Tor War Memorial
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High Tor Hotel
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Methodist Church
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Milestone, S of Derwent Footbridge, S of Matlock Bridge
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King's Head Inn
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Dale Cottage
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Manor House
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15, Knowlestone Place
941 m
7-13, Knowlestone Place
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The Rocks
1.2 km
5, Knowlestone Place
983 m
Front garden wall and gate piers of Riber Hall
217 m
Sundial In St Giles Churchyard
928 m
High Tor
966 m
50-62, North Parade
1.4 km
The Rectory
919 m
Churchyard Wall And Gatepiers Of St Giles
896 m
Barn of Riber Hall
210 m
K6 Telephone Kiosk Outside Numbers 50 To 62 (Even)
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Riber Hall
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Wheatsheaf Farmhouse
923 mReviews
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