Bolsover Castle

A few weekends back, I spent a couple of very pleasant hours at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire, exploring the castle and its grounds...

Bolsover Castle  began life in the 12th century as a fortification belonging to the Perevel family, and became Crown property in 1155 when the third William Peverel fled into exile. The castle changed hands a number of times until its materials were stripped and sold during the 14th century. It remained in a sorry state until it was sold to Sir Charles Cavendish, son of Bess of Hardwick in 1608. Sir Charles set about re-building the castle, a process which was continued by his son William Cavendish, later 1st Duke of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Copper Beech

Old Stables

During the Civil War Bolsover Castle was taken by the Parliamentarians who slighted it and it again fell into a ruinous state. However William Cavendish added a new hall and staterooms to the Terrace Range and, by the time of his death in 1676, the castle had been restored to good order. It passed through the female line into the Bentinck family, and ultimately became one of the seats of the Dukes of Portland. After 1883 the castle was uninhabited and eventually given to the nation by the 7th Duke of Portland in 1945. The castle is now in the care of English Heritage.

Castle Garden

Fireplace in the Pillar Parlour