Sandwiched between Derwent Water, Blencathra and Skiddaw, the town of Keswick enjoys a beautiful location. The town, of medieval origin, became prosperous due to the mining of copper, lead, silver and iron. The Pencil Museum recounts the process of pencil making, which began in Keswick in the mid-6th century after graphite was discovered in Borrowdale. Once a small market town, which obtained its charter in 1276, it still centres on the historic market square and Moot Hall, which now houses an excellent information centre. Many of the older buildings are built of the locally quarried dark green volcanic slate rock. With the arrival of the railway in 1864 Keswick was rapidly transformed into a centre for tourism and recreation. The town has a great abundance of accommodation of every type and standard - indeed few inland towns in England can have more. There is a large youth hostel and several camp sites.