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Bolsover Castle
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Map of Bolsover Castle 

Bolsover Castle

Bolsover Castle - Little Castle Bolsover Castle is an unlikely mix of early Norman stronghold, Jacobean manor, country house, and romantic folly. The Norman castle was erected by the Peveril family (see Peveril Castle).shortly after the Conquest, but today little remains of that structure. The third Peveril was exiled in 1155 and Bolsover was siezed by the crown. We do know that there was a stone keep here around 1173, surrounded by a curtain wall. Parts of the curtain wall are incorporated in the "Wall Walk" in the castle gardens.

In 1553 the castle was purchased from the crown by Sir George Talbot, later to become Earl of Shrewsbury. Talbot was later given the onorous post of gaoler to Mary, Queen of Scots, a duty which seriously dented his family finances. To ease the burden of debt, Bolsover was first leased, then sold, to Sir Charles Cavendish in 1612.

The buildings we see today are largely the work of two men, Sir Charles and his son William, first Duke of Devonshire. In 1612 Sir Charles began what is now The Little Castle, a mock medieval keep. Cavendish built in a romantic style, consistent with his fanciful ideals of chivalry. He employed Robert Smythson (see Hardwick Hall) to create from the Norman castle a mansion of turrets and towers in a grand mock-medieval style. Despite its imposing appearance, The Little Keep was designed with comfort, not defense, in mind; it provided luxurious living quarters, by the standards of the day, for Sir Charles and his retinue.

Sir Charles died in 1616 and it was left to his son William to finish the original keep. Following Robert Smythson's death his son John took over the work, and it was he who added the Terrace Range. This latter provided an imposing suite of state rooms and living quarters, with expanded kitchen area. It was hastily remodeled to include a long gallery when a royal visit loomed. Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria visited in 1634, and a specially written masque was performed in their honour.

Little Castle at BolsoverDuke William was an avid horseman, widely regarded as one of the foremost horse trainers of his day. To indulge this passion he built the Stable Range, which featured a large training area for horses. A balcony looks down over the training area, affording visitors a chance to watch the equine training sessions.

Visitors today can climb to the balcony, which affords a closeup view of the magnificent timber roof (see photos). A Discovery Centre in the Stable complex allows visitors to learn about the world of Bolsover and its makers.

For a further selection of images from a recent visit to Bolsover that show more of the features of the castle keep, the Riding School, and the Terrace Range, see our Bolsover Castle Photo Gallery.

 

Site plan of Bolsover Castle (not to scale). Click on each of the three main buildings on the map for more information and to see photos of that section of Bolsover.

Bolsover Castle map

Details
Bolsover Castle
Bolsover
Derbyshire
England
S44 6PR
Location: 6 miles E of Chesterfield on the A632
Website: Bolsover Castle
Phone: 01246 822 844
Fax: 01246 241 569
map
OS SK471 707

Nearest Tourist Information Centre
Chesterfield

Parking
Free Parking available at the top of Castle Street

More images of Bolsover Castle >>

 

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© David Ross and Britain Express

  



Accommodation
Derbyshire

Graces Cottage

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This warm and welcoming cottage with over open countryside views at the rear off the property. The property offers 1 double bedroom with iron … more >>
Sleeps 4

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Derbyshire

Red Lion House

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Traditional 18th Century cottage with original features flag stone floors and oak floors and offers 2 double bedrooms one with en-suite and 1 twin bedroom … more >>
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Kegworth (Hotel)

Kegworth Whitehouse Hotel

An ideal base for all Derby, Nottingham and Leicester attractions, as well as Alton Towers and the Peak District. East Midlands Airport and Donnington Park are minutes away. This modern hotel has a leisure club with indoor pool, sauna, solarium and gym. All 79 bedrooms are well appointed and the … more >>

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Derby (Hotel)

Risley Hall Hotel

Approach Risley Hall through 17 acres of private landscaped grounds and enter an 11th Century Country House for fine dining, deluxe bedrooms, a relaxing health spa and exceptional service. Accommodation comprises 16 manor house rooms and 19 luxury suites, all with en-suite facilities and 24-hour room service; all have satellite … more >>

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