Riber Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the picturesque town of Matlock in Derbyshire, is a striking structure with a history that spans over a century and a half. Known for its imposing presence and panoramic views, this Victorian-era fortress has seen a variety of uses, from its original design as a private home to a zoo and, more recently, a focus of redevelopment efforts. Here’s an in-depth look at the castle’s intriguing past and its current state.
The History of Riber Castle
Riber Castle was built in the mid-19th century by John Smedley, an industrialist and philanthropist from Matlock. Smedley was a successful entrepreneur, best known for his work in the textile industry and his development of hydrotherapy treatments, which became widely popular in the Victorian era.
Smedley designed Riber Castle as his family residence, and construction began in 1862. The castle was built from locally quarried stone, hauled up the steep hill by carts, and its prominent position made it a significant landmark in the area. Despite its fortress-like appearance, Riber Castle was never intended for military purposes—it was designed purely as a stately home.
Unfortunately, Smedley did not live long enough to fully enjoy his creation. He passed away in 1874, only a few years after its completion. After his death, the castle remained in the hands of his widow, Caroline, until her own passing. Over the years, the grand home eventually became too expensive to maintain and was sold off, leading to its next, more unusual phase of life.
Riber Castle as a Zoo
In the 20th century, Riber Castle found a new use when it was converted into a wildlife park. Opening in the 1960s, the zoo operated for several decades, attracting visitors from all over the region. However, its legacy as a zoo is mixed, as the conditions in which the animals were kept became a point of controversy.
The castle’s isolated and high-altitude location made it difficult to provide appropriate care for the animals, which included native and exotic species like lions, bears, and even snow leopards. The cold weather and lack of modern facilities contributed to the animals’ poor living conditions, leading to criticism from animal welfare groups.
Despite these concerns, the zoo remained operational until 2000, when it finally closed its doors. Following its closure, many of the animals were relocated to more suitable environments, but the derelict site left behind became the subject of urban exploration and local curiosity.
The Present and Future of Riber Castle
Since the closure of the zoo, Riber Castle has largely stood empty, although it has not been forgotten. Its decaying ruins and commanding presence have made it a popular destination for photographers, hikers, and history enthusiasts. However, there have been ongoing efforts to redevelop the site and breathe new life into this iconic structure.
In recent years, plans have been put forward to convert the castle into luxury apartments, preserving much of the building’s historic exterior while transforming its interior into modern living spaces. These plans have seen varying degrees of progress, with work on stabilizing the castle and preparing it for future development already underway.
The redevelopment has not been without challenges, particularly due to the remote and elevated location of the castle, but the project holds promise for giving Riber Castle a new lease on life, ensuring that this historic building remains a key feature of the Derbyshire landscape for years to come.
