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CASTLETON OAK APPLE

AND GARLAND DAY

THE FEATURE

Oak Apple Day, usually around the 29 May, is Garland Day at Castleton. A ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ ride on horseback through the streets, the king’s head completely covered by a garland in the form of an inverted basket decorated with flowers. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing and starts from the Cheshire Cheese Inn.

Progress tends to be slow as all the pubs in the village are visited and there are pauses for dancing along the way before the garland is finally hoisted to the top of the church tower. The 'queen' posy is then placed on the town war memorial. Origins of the ceremony are uncertain although frequently linked to the restoration of King Charles II who escaped the Roundheads by hiding in an oak tree. The ceremony also celebrates the pagan rite for the symbolic ending of winter.

Under the protection of the castle the village grew up in a distinct gridiron formation, inside a protective Town Ditch, parts of which can still be seen. It was an important stopover for packhorses and, in later years, stagecoaches. The village takes its name from the castle, ‘ton’ being of Anglo-Saxon origin and meaning ‘an enclosure’.

The village is a delightful cluster of old stone cottages that invite exploration. The sparkling little stream leading to Peak Cavern takes you through the oldest part of Castleton. Along the main street are a large variety of gift shops, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes.

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CASTLETON OAK APPLE AND GARLAND DAY -   29TH MAY 2010

Oak Apple Day, usually around the 29 May, is Garland Day at Castleton. A ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ ride on horseback through the streets, the king’s head completely covered by a garland in the form of an inverted basket decorated with flowers. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing and starts from the Cheshire Cheese Inn.


CASTLETON FEATURE

Frequently referred to, as the gem of the Peak, Castleton is one of Britain’s most appealing villages, set in a magnificent location with wonderful views in all directions.

At Christmas the village takes on a magical appeal with pretty lights, decorations and an array of Christmas trees, which attracts visitors from far and wide.

Castleton Feature


 

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