Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Category
Art / Prints
Date
Unknown
Materials
Paper, Wood
Measurements
95 x 110 mm
Collection
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
NT 286914
Summary
Print, tinted, Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire. The castle is shown dramatically standing on a hill, the tower in the centre and trees below. A path with shrubbery is shown in the foreground. Mounted and in a modern ebonied and gilt frame with Derby label on the reverse. Bolsover Castle was built in the early 17th century by the Cavendish family, on the site of a medieval castle founded in the 12th century by the Peverel family. From 1290 onwards, the castle fell into disrepair. In 1608 the castle was purchased by Charles Cavendish, son of Bess of Hardwick. Sir Charles set about re-building the castle, a process continued by his son William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle upon Tyne. Despite its embattled appearance, the castle was designed for elegant living rather than defence. The tower, known today as the 'Little Castle', was completed around 1621. During the Civil War Bolsover Castle was taken by the Parliamentarians who slighted it and it fell into a ruinous state. William Cavendish added a new hall and staterooms to the Terrace Range and, by the time of his death in 1676, the castle had been restored to good order. It passed into the hands of the Dukes of Portland, who, in 1945, gave it to the nation. Now in the care of English Heritage.