Bolsover Castle |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Bolsover Castle Postcode for SatNav: S44 6PR
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Days Out near Bolsover Castle
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Hardwick Hall (4 Miles)*
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Stainsby Mill (4 Miles)*
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Harley Gallery (5 Miles)*
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Creswell Crags Museum and Education Centre (5 Miles)*
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Mr Straws House (9 Miles)*
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Clumber Park (9 Miles)*
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Newstead Abbey (11 Miles)*
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Crich Tramway Village (12 Miles)*
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Lea Gardens (12 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Bolsover Castle
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Bolsover (1 Mile)*
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Upper Langwith (3 Miles)*
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Barlborough (4 Miles)*
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Chesterfield (5 Miles)*
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Clay Cross (7 Miles)*
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Worksop (9 Miles)*
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Tansley (11 Miles)*
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Matlock (12 Miles)*
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Sheffield (12 Miles)*
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Matlock Bank (12 Miles)*
Also near Bolsover Castle |
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