Key Information
Bolsover Castle
| Type | Castle |
| Construction | Around 1100 CE |
| Builder | Peverel family |
| Made From | Stone |
Learning Point
- Bolsover Castle, perched on a hilltop in Derbyshire, was originally a Norman stronghold. It was transformed in the 17th century into a fashionable retreat for a cavalier gentleman. This “Stuart mansion” boasts lavishly decorated rooms, a remarkable riding school with a recreated Elizabethan garden, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Project
- Draw Bolsover Castle as it would have been at its peak.
- Overview

Location
| Location | Bolsover, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom |
Fun Facts
- Originally built as a Norman fortress in the 11th century, it received a dramatic makeover in the 1600s by Sir Charles Cavendish.
- Sir Charles Cavendish built the castle’s most impressive feature – the Riding House, the earliest surviving example in England specifically designed for indoor horsemanship.
- The gardens were a popular feature of grand houses in the 16th and 17th centuries, offering a place for leisure and showcasing the owner’s wealth and horticultural knowledge.
Past Lessons
| 7 | July 18, 2024 | (North America) |