REPEAT TALK ANNOUNCED AFTER SELL-OUT SUCCESS: THE STORY OF RIBER CASTLE THURSDAY, 12 FEBRUARY

Riber Castle today – from Crown Square in the centre of Matlock. The interior of Riber Castle under restoration with new roof and re-created galleries

Following a sell-out presentation last November, a repeat talk on ‘The Story of Riber Castle’ will take place on Thursday, 12 February at 7.30pm in the Imperial Rooms, Matlock. The previous event attracted 150 attendees, with many turned away due to lack of space.

The free event is organised by Matlock Civic Association and advance booking is strongly recommended. To reserve a seat, email pearsonr225@gmail.com with contact details.

The illustrated talk will be presented by Jane Middleton-Smith, archivist at John Smedley, who traces the remarkable history of Riber Castle from its construction in the 1860s to the present day. Using historic photographs, she brings to life the story of the iconic hilltop landmark overlooking Matlock.

Riber Castle was built as a private family home by John Smedley (1803–1874), a successful hosiery manufacturer and pioneer of hydrotherapy. Designed by Smedley himself, the castellated building was completed in just six years and featured a dramatic full-height central saloon.

After periods as a boys’ school, wartime food store, and decades of dereliction, the Castle was rescued from ruin in the late 20th century. Since 1999, owners Alan and the Wright family have overseen a sensitive restoration, transforming the building into 26 luxury apartments while reinstating key architectural features.

Once again illuminated on the skyline, Riber Castle has been given a new chapter — no longer a ruin, but a restored landmark with a remarkable past.