Bolsover Castle
A medieval castle existed in this very good position on a hilltop overlooking the Vale of Scarsdale. Except for a few bits of masonry incorporated into the later building there is nothing left of this. In 1553 the site was granted to George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, who was the fourth husband of Bess of Hardwick. Gilbert Talbot who succeeded his father in 1590 sold Bolsover Castle to Charles Cavendish who was his step-brother and brother-in-law.
The present castle was substantially build over about fifty years of the 17th Century by members of the Cavendish family. It was never meant for defence but was a palace of pleasure with superb stables and manège or riding school, rooms for entertainment in the Little Castle and gardens to stroll at ones pleasure.
Having said this, it was garrisoned for the Royalists in the Civil War but surrendered to Parliamentary forces in 1645. It was sequestered by Parliament and was partly slighted or destroyed in 1649 so that it could not be used defensively. It was then sold to a property speculator who sold it back to the family. After the Civil War William Cavendish was made Duke of Newcastle in 1665. The castle was restored after this time. It seems to have been used occasionally but by the 18th Century most of the items of value had been removed and it was being plundered for stone to rebuild Welbeck Abbey.
In 1829 the vicar of Bolsover John Hamilton Gray leased the Little Castle. It was in a pretty poor state but they converted it into a Victorian country house with kitchen gardens and greenhouses. The Little Castle was repossessed by the Duke of Portland in 1849. In 1852 there was a great sale of goods from Bolsover Castle.
Ownership of the castle passed down through the female line and eventually came into the hands of the Dukes of Portland who gave it to the nation in 1945. It was derelict and the Little Castle was slipping down the hillside. At this time the Ministry of Works undertook substantial work to preserve it. The castle was opened to the public.
In the 1970s more engineeering work was needed to save both the Little Castle and the Riding House. A further major restoration has taken place to save the buildings and restore some of the decoration.
Review
Bolsover Castle consists of the restored Little Castle or keep, the Fountain Garden, the Riding House range which has been restored and is very impressive and the ruined Terrace Range where the residential quarters which used to overlook the magnificent views. In 2009 English Heritage, not normally known for their high prices are charging £7 to look around, which I thought was a tad steep. I suppose that you are paying for the restoration.
I have to say I was a little disappointed. Perhaps I was expecting too much given the amounts spent on restoration. The café and gift shop are a modern building in the grounds and personally I would not have given planning permission for it. The prices in the café were outrageous.
Photographs
Information
Various opening hours depending on the season. Closed 24 - 26 December and 1 Jan. Visit the website for up-to-date details.
Limited parking by the castle but free parking in town car parks near by.
Audio tours. Café and Gift shop. Regular events. Discovery Centre. Private and Corporate events. Educational visits. No dogs allowed.
Cost 2009 £7, concessions £6, children over 5 £3.50, under 5 Free, family ticket &17.50. Free for English Heritage members.
Wheelchairs and buggies can get round part of the site but they and, those with mobility impairments, will find the Little Castle quite impossible. Had troubles myself in places.