Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 5.djvu/279

peverell's castle in the peak. 215 only suppose it was designed for the reception of prisoners, and such hapless creatures we know, from the Hundred Rolls and other sources of information, were incarcerated at Peak castle,since John de Nedham (2Edw.I.)ja companion of Hubert the robber who was afterwards hung, was immured within its walls, and Henry the clerk took from the said John whilst he was in prison, an acre of land worth 40s., that he might assist him in his delivery. Upon his release he paid a fine of five marcs for being allowed to dwell in the district". At a later period, 4 Hen. IV. (1402), Godfrey Rowland, a poor and simple squire of the county of Derby as he styles himself, petitioned the parliament against the injuries that had been inflicted on him by Thomas Wandesby, Chivaler, and others, who came and besieged his house at Mickel-Longesdon, and having pillaged the same, carried him off to the castle of the High Peak, where they kept him six days without meat or drink, and then cutting off" his right hand sent him adrift p. One historical fact still remains to be noticed. In the year 1216 the castle was in the hands of the rebellious barons, and there exists on the Clause Rolls a curious letter from King John to Brian de Insula, ordering him to commu- nicate confidentially with Robert the royal chaplain, who was charged with the epistle, and to give up to William earl of Derby the custody of the fortress, and in the event of his declining compliance with the royal commands, as he ven- tured to do, the earl was enjoined to besiege it'^ The Patent Rolls supply the following list of constables during the reigns of King John and Henry TIL 10 John. Richard de Insula and John de Kein'. 17 John. Ranulph, earl of Chester, castle of the Peak with forest and all its appvutenances during royal pleasure '. 18 John. William de Ferrers, earl of Derby*. 1 Hen. III. Earl Ferrers has custody of Peak and Bolsover castles till the 14th year of the king's age ". 1 Hen. III. Richard de Insula acquittance of Peak castle. 7 Hen. III. John Russel and William de Rughedon, custody of Peak and 'Bolsover castles y. - Rot Hundred, 14. ' lb., 192. V Rot. Pari. iii. 518. " Rot. Pat. 1 Hen. III. m. 6. q Rot. Pat. 188. 192. * lb., ni. 15. f lb., 89. >• lb., m. 6. s lb., 153.