Bolsover Castle |
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Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire is well off the beaten track in a former coal-mining area. It offers three wonderful buildings in one unique attraction.
The Little Castle provided an opulent stately home for the Cavendish family. The Terrace Range was intended as state rooms and did indeed accommodate Charles I in 1634. The final building is the Stable Range, built for equine training sessions with a useful balcony for overseeing the riding school.
Bolsover Castle is an unlikely mix of an early Norman stronghold and a Jacobean Manor. The Norman Castle was built by the Peveril family in the late 11th century but the third generation owner was exiled in 1155 and the building was seized by the crown. Part of the original curtain wall dating back to this period is now the "Wall Walk" in the castle gardens.
The primitive castle was purchased in 1553 from the crown estate by Sir George Talbot, gaoler of Mary, Queen of Scots. Eventually it was sold to Sir Charles Cavendish in 1612 and he and his son William, First Duke of Devonshire, were responsible for much of the development of Bolsover Castle which can be enjoyed today.
The Discovery Centre in the former stables is the best place to start your visit to this English Heritage property. Enjoy the exhibits, listen to the audio-visual displays and pick up a helpful guide.
First stop should be the Little Castle, a mock medieval keep, built as a fanciful folly rather than for defensive purposes. It eventually became a turreted mansion and provided a luxurious standard of living for Sir Charles and his family. Approached by flights of wide, shallow steps, it has wonderful views of the surrounding Derbyshire countryside and the Peak District.
In 1616 Sir Charles died and William inherited the project. He added the Terrace Suite which included an extended kitchen and living quarters.
The Jacobean painted panelling in the first antechamber, the gilded walnut paneling picked out in gold and the magnificent wall paintings in the servants' hall of the twelve Labours of Hercules are fantastic works of their period. Glorious painted ceilings and intricately carved fireplaces are a tribute to the craftsmen of their day.
At the news that Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria intended a visit in 1634, a special masque was written and performed for them in the castle.
William was a fine horseman and keen horse trainer. His final indulgence was to build the unusual Stable Range for training horses. The viewing balcony is useful for getting a closer look at the magnificent timber roof.
Renovations were completed by English Heritage in the year 2000, restoring the glorious wall paintings and making interesting discoveries beneath the painted decoration. The castle battlements were also rebuilt along with the Venus Garden with its fountain and 23 new statues.
With extensive grounds and wonderful views over Scardale, Bolsover Castle is an excellent family day out, well worth bringing a picnic or lingering in the coffee shop afterwards.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
1st June - 30th September:Daily 10.00 - 17.00 Closes 4.00pm Saturdays. 1st - 31st October: Daily 10.00 - 17.00 1st November - 23rd December: Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 16.00 24th - 30th December and 1st January: Closed 31st December: Saturday 10.00 - 16.00 2nd January - 12th February: Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 16.00 13th - 17th February: Saturday and Sunday Daily 10.00 - 16.00 18th February - 31st March: Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 16.00 |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Adult £7.80; Child £4.70; Concession £7.00; Family £20.30.English Heritage Member Free. |
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Directions
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By Bus: Stagecoach in Chesterfield 81-3 Chesterfield-Bolsover. By Road: In Bolsover, 6 miles E of Chesterfield on A632. Off M1 at junction 29A (signposted). By Train: Chesterfield 6 miles |
| Show map of Bolsover Castle... |
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Bolsover Castle Postcode for SatNav: S44 6PR |
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