| Product: |
Bolsover Castle |
| Date: |
25.10.07 (87 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Lots of history, good views
Disadvantages: Admission prices
Following the triumphs of William the Conqueror during his famous battle of 1066 the newly appointed King William set about rewarding those loyal men who had fought for his cause and several different Castles were built and given away as gifts. The Peveril family was one of the greatest beneficiaries for their support and all across Northern England there are examples of Castles connected to this prominent family. Bolsover Castle near Chesterfield is one of the finest examples of such a Castle.
Following four centuries of occupation by the Peveril's, Bolsover Castle fell into a state of disrepair. In 1553 it was purchased by Sir George Talbot who set about restoring it back to its former glory. Sir George Talbot later became the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury and one of the largest landowners in the East Midlands. He is however probably best remembered for his association and eventual marriage to Bess of Hardwick. Bess of Hardwick was a formidable woman whom it would seem if the history books are correct, set about marrying a whole string of wealthy older gentlemen just prior to their death. She is associated with almost all of the large country houses in this area, including the vast Chatsworth Estate. In fact of her six surviving children the eldest two sons became the first Dukes of Devonshire and Newcastle respectively. The Dukes of Newcastle were later amalgamated through marriage into the Dukes of Portland.
In 1608 Bolsover Castle was sold to Charles Cavendish,. The Cavendish's were another prominent family that was later to become the Dukes of Portland. Charles Cavendish modified the Castle and redesigned it for elegant living, rather than for defence. This work included the building of the tower, which was completed in 1621. This tower is today known as the "Little Castle".
Unlike the majority of other English Castles, Bolsover Castle largely survived attack during the English Civil War when so many other similar Castles were destroyed. This was partly attributed to the fact that by this time its defence purposes had been largely diminished.
By the early 18th century the Cavendish family had more or less retreated to their country estate at Welbeck Abbey, which is still the seat of the Dukes of Portland today. In 1752 the Cavendish's stripped the lead from Bolsover Castle's roof and plundered other items to carry out repairs to their now preferred residence at Welbeck Abbey. Once again Bolsover Castle fell into disrepair and for over a century it remained largely unoccupied. In 1945 the 7th Duke of Portland gave Bolsover Castle to the nation and today it is cared for by English Heritage.
Today Bolsover Castle still dominates the town. The Castle sits on top of a hill overlooking the town centre and has magnificent views right across towards the Peak District National Park and Chesterfield. It is easy to understand why this spot was such an obvious place to build a fort.
Bolsover Castle is one the most intact Castles that I have visited. This is due partly due to the extensive renovations that English Heritage has carried out but it is also because as far as English Castles go, this was in a pretty good condition to start with. There are roofs on top of the most important areas of the Castle and the whole place has a real feel of still being lived in, although it no longer is permanently lived in. At night the whole Castle is lit up and its bright orange glow can be seen from many miles around. It can be clearly seen from between junctions 29 and 30 of the M1 Motorway.
Despite occupying such a prominent position within Bolsover the Castle cannot be seen close up without paying your entrance fee. Of course it is possible to see the Castle from a distance but when you are close to it you find that it is entirely hidden behind huge walls. From the gates on the road all that is visible is the visitors centre.
It is possible to have a look around the visitors centre for free but to access the Castle you need to pass through a turnstile within this centre. The visitors centre is well worth lingering around for a while and there are various exhibitions here telling the story of this Castle. There is also a gift shop and toilets, which have facilities for the disabled and baby changing units.
Bolsover Castle is a large Castle, with a neatly trimmed grassy courtyard in the middle. The Little Castle is very well preserved and has fancy leaded windows, which at first glance I mistook for stained glass windows. There is a steep, winding staircase inside here which is well worth climbing right to the top as the views from here are amazing.
The Castle is open at the following times:
April 1st - April 30th - Daily (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 10am until 5pm
May 1st - September 30th - Daily from 10am until 6pm
October 1st - October 31st - Daily (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 10am until 5pm
November 1st - March 31st - Daily (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 10am until 4pm.
Admission charges are:
Adults - £6.80 (10 Euros)
Concessions - £5.10 (7.5 Euros)
Children (aged 5-15) - £3.40 (5 Euros)
Family ticket - £16.50 (24.5 Euros)
English Heritage Members - Free
Children under 5 - Free
Overall I would definitely recommend a visit to Bolsover Castle, although it can work out a little bit pricey.
Summary: A fully restored Norman Castle in Derbyshire
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