Getting a decent picture of the Earl of Derbys motte and Bailey castle is proving difficult- this is the result of the second attempt via Sheen!

It was built to protect, it is thought, the salt route from Cheshire into Derbyshire and so that the earl could levy taxes as the pack ponies carrying the salt entered the manor of Hartington. It also meant that any boundary disputes with the neighbours could be dealt with. Today though the place was deserted and I’m using an app on my phone to see if I can become more efficient at posting!