David Ward
29 April, 2025
News

New book tells story of Castleton caving disaster

In March 1959, a party of seven experienced cavers set off to explore a newly-discovered chamber in the largely unknown depths of Peak Cavern in Castleton. 

Moss Chamber, Peak Cavern

What had seemed like a fairly routine afternoon expedition suddenly became a pressing emergency after one of their number found himself stranded and unable to move inside a deep and very narrow shaft. 

This new publication provides a fresh account of the frantic attempts to rescue him, culminating in a nationwide appeal which captivated press and public attention in the UK and further afield.

This new publication provides a fresh account of the frantic attempts to rescue him, culminating in a nationwide appeal for assistance which gripped press and public attention, both in the UK and further afield.

Written by a local solicitor, the book sources contemporary accounts from witnesses and comprises three years' worth of research.