Historic Places in East Midlands

Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire is one of the most unusual and visually striking medieval castles in England: a great tower built entirely in brick at a time when stone was the conventional material for prestigious construction, its deep red colour and soaring height making it visible for miles across the flat Lincolnshire Fens and providing an instantly distinctive landmark in a county of remarkable flatness. Built by Ralph Lord Cromwell, Treasurer of England to King Henry VI, between 1430 and 1450, the castle represents both an architectural experiment and a very deliberate statement of personal wealth and political status. The choice of brick for a building of this ambition was innovative for England in the mid-fifteenth century, though brick had been established as a prestigious building material in the Netherlands and North Germany for generations and had been used in a few earlier English buildings. Cromwell had access to wealth, political connections and presumably knowledge of continental building practice that allowed him to deploy brick on this scale and with this sophistication. The quality of the brickwork is exceptional: the walls are up to three metres thick at the base and the construction has survived remarkably well despite the castle's eventful later history. The interior of the tower, which rises to six storeys and originally had a seventh, preserves exceptional examples of late Gothic decorative stonework in the four great hall fireplaces that dominate successive floor levels. Each fireplace is set within an elaborate stone surround carved with the arms and heraldic devices of the Cromwell family, providing both functional heating for the rooms and permanent heraldic self-advertisement. The quality of this carving, in considerable contrast to the utilitarian brick of the walls, demonstrates the mixed materials approach typical of ambitious late medieval building. The castle was rescued from potential destruction in the early twentieth century by Lord Curzon, former Viceroy of India, who purchased it and had the tower restored. He also tracked down and repurchased the carved stone fireplaces that had been purchased and were about to be shipped to America by a dealer who recognised their value. The castle is now managed by the National Trust and the adjacent collegiate church adds further medieval interest to the site.

Lincoln Castle is situated 37 miles north of Nottingham, in Lincoln city centre near the cathedral. Today's castle comprises of two mottes; one with an observation tower, the other a 12th century shell keep and curtain wall, a Georgian building within the bailey, an eastern gatehouse with two round 13th century turrets protected by a barbican and a large western gatehouse with barbican. Facilities The castle is open daily all year from 10am. Visitors may explore alone or take one of the guided tours of the castle site when one of the castle's volunteers will talk about the history of both the castle and its occupants. Other possibilities include a walk along the length of the curtain wall; offering fantastic views of the cathedral, city and surrounding countryside, a visit to the prison including the women's wing and the chapel along with an exhibition which includes the rare opportunity to see one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta sealed by king John in 1215. There is also a cafe and shop on site. The first castle was built on the site for William the Conqueror in 1068 on the site of a Roman fortress with the original wooden structure being later replaced by a stone castle. Lincoln Castle is unusual in that it is only one of two surviving castles to have two mottes; the other being Lewes Castle in East Sussex. It saw combat in both the 1st and 2nd Battles of Lincoln, following the first battle the 'Lucy Tower' was built and after the second battle, and the signing of the Magna Carta, new barbicans were added to the east and west gates. In 1787 a prison was built on the site and until 1868 inmates were publicly hanged in the north east tower. In 1878 the prison was relocated to another site when the castle was left unoccupied. Lincolnshire County Council now own the castle.

Bolsover Castle is located in Bolsover, Derbyshire, England. There are three main buildings standing today. The "Little Castle" is a mock medieval keep built in a romantic style. The Terrace Range is a separate block near the Little Castle, and has a suite of state rooms and living quarters, with kitchen area. The Riding School is at right angles to the Terrace Range, running from the car park to the end of the Terrace Range furthest from the Little Castle. There is a Discovery Centre in the Riding School. Parts of the original curtain wall are incorporated in the "Wall Walk" in the castle gardens. The castle regularly hosts historic and cultural events throughout the year and is popular for family picnics. Bolsover Castle was built by the Peverel family in the 12th century. It was taken over by the Crown in 1155 when the third William Peverel went into exile. The castle was strengthened later in the 12th century with the addition of a stone keep and curtain wall around 1173. The castle was attacked in 1216 and fell into disrepair. Sir Charles Cavendish bought the castle in 1608, and rebuilt the castle into an elegant home. The tower, known as the "Little Castle", was completed around 1621. The Cavendish family subsequently added the Terrace Range and Riding School Range. During the Civil War Bolsover Castle was taken by the Parliamentarians who damaged it, and Bolsover again fell into ruin in the 1650s. William Cavendish restored it again by 1676, also adding a new hall and staterooms to the Terrace Range. The castle was later owned by the Dukes of Portland. In 1883 the castle was no longer in use as a residence, and eventually given to the nation by the 7th Duke of Portland in 1945. The castle is now in the care of English Heritage. Bolsover Castle Bolsover Castle Looking NW towards the main keep with the ruined facade on the left.

Situated in the middle of England, Kenilworth Castle is 8 miles north of Stratford on Avon. The red sandstone ruins are surrounded by a curtain wall. The castle has recently undergone a restoration project which includes the Elizabethan gardens, stables and the gatehouse, with the rest of the site including the three storey Norman tower being left unrestored. Facilities Open daily throughout the year between 10am and 5pm, and until 4pm November to March, visitors can stroll around the castle's ruins and to now also visit the newly restored 'Leicester's Gatehouse'. One of the gatehouse's exhibitions brings to life the love story between the Earl of Leicester, Sir Thomas Dudley and Queen Elizabeth I. It has major items on loan from private collectors and museums which include a copy of the letter that the Earl of Leicester sent to the Queen; a letter she kept by her bedside until her death. The gatehouse also has another exhibition, authentic room displays, an audio tour detailing the history of the castle and its occupants as well as a shop, visitor centre and tea room. As well as the audio tour the castle also offers two other tours the first entitled 'From Fortress to Palace' is a description of the castle's history and development; two weeks advance booking is required. The second tour is a tour of the gardens. A member of the gardening team takes visitors through the inspiration behind the garden design by the Earl, the tour also tells the tale of the love story between the Earl and his Queen. The first building on the site was a Saxon fortification, around 1125 Geoffrey de Clinton was responsible for building a square stone tower on the site. King Henry II took possession of the castle and during his reign it was extensively enlarged, strengthened and transformed into a great palace. In the 1560's the castle was again improved and modernized by Robert, Earl of Leicester, he added a gatehouse on the northern boundary wall and a suite of luxurious Tudor apartments; known as Leicester's Building, and formal gardens. Leicester and Queen Elizabeth I were close friends and she was entertained at the castle on many occasions including one occasion in 1575 where she stayed for nearly three weeks during which time she was entertained with music, dancing, feasts and pageants, it was the most lavish extravaganza that England had ever seen. After Leicester's death the castle once again came into the hands of the monarchy and throughout the Civil War was taken by both the parliamentarians and the royalists. After the end of the English Civil War in 1649, Oliver Cromwell's parliamentarian partially demolished the castle, with one wall of the keep being blown up and the battlements destroyed. During the 1650's the gatehouse was converted to living accommodation and the lake drained and in 1984 the castle and grounds were handed over to English Heritage. The Arts The festivities held for Queen Elizabeth were said to have been the inspiration for William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer nights Dream'.

Caisteal Maol is a ruined castle located near the harbour of the village of Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye. It is also known as Castle Moil. Caisteal Maol is believed to originate from the 10th Century. The present building dates from around the 14th or 15th century and was abandoned by the MacKinnons in the mid 17th Century. The castle is now nearly completely ruined. In 1949 and 1989 parts of the ruins broke away in storms. The remaining ruins have been secured to prevent further deterioration Legends It is believed that one of the early MacKinnon chiefs married a Norwegian princess around 900 and established the original castle. Tradition records that this couple levied a toll on boats passing through the channel between Skye and the mainland, by stretching a chain across the strait as a stop barrier.

Peveril Castle occupies one of the most dramatically positioned sites of any castle in England, perched on a limestone crag high above the village of Castleton in the Peak District with steep drops on three sides making it almost impregnable without the benefit of modern artillery. The combination of natural defensive strength, historic interest and sweeping views across the Hope Valley makes it one of the most rewarding castle visits in the north of England, accessible via a steep but short footpath from the village below. The castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest by William Peveril, a knight who was among the followers of William the Conqueror and received extensive lands in the Peak District as a reward for his service. The Peveril family gave the castle its name and held it until its estates were forfeited to the crown following a succession of complications in the twelfth century. Henry II subsequently invested in the site, adding the square stone keep that remains the most prominent feature of the ruins today in 1176, providing the castle with a proper royal tower after earlier construction that had relied largely on the natural defensive properties of the crag itself. Sir Walter Scott set his 1823 novel Peveril of the Peak here, further cementing the castle's romantic reputation and drawing Victorian tourists to what was already a remarkable piece of landscape history. The novel is now largely forgotten but the castle's setting remains as atmospheric as any fictional treatment could wish. The keep, though roofless, retains most of its walls to full height, and the entrance passage and interior arrangement of rooms can still be traced clearly. The curtain wall following the edge of the crag encloses a large inner ward, and on the north side the natural limestone cliff forms the defensive wall without any additional construction being required. The gatehouse and various domestic buildings have been reduced to lower wall remnants but contribute to a sense of the full medieval complex. Below the castle, Castleton village offers a remarkable concentration of Peak District attractions: the show caves including Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Peak Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern are all accessible from the village and between them represent some of the finest cave systems open to the public in England.

Nottingham Castle is a landmark heritage and museum site on the Castle Rock above the city centre of Nottingham, occupying a spectacular natural position on a sandstone promontory that has been the most strategically dominant point in the city since the Norman period. The original Norman castle was replaced by a ducal palace built for the Duke of Newcastle in the seventeenth century, which was subsequently burned by Chartist rioters in 1831 and restored as a museum in 1878, making it the first provincial municipal art gallery and museum in England. The castle complex includes the medieval underground caves and passages carved into the sandstone beneath the rock, the museum and art gallery displaying Nottingham's industrial and cultural history, and the statue of Robin Hood outside the gate. The museum underwent major redevelopment and reopened in 2021 with an enhanced visitor experience.

Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire is one of the most famous forests in the world, its name inseparable from the legend of Robin Hood and the tradition of the outlaw who robbed the rich to give to the poor that has generated stories, ballads, plays and films continuously from the medieval period to the present day. The forest once covered a vast area of central Nottinghamshire and its oaks supplied timber for shipbuilding and charcoal for the ironworking industries of the region across many centuries, but the current area designated as country park and nature reserve represents only a fraction of the medieval forest and concentrates around the ancient oak trees that are the most significant surviving feature. The ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest are among the oldest and most ecologically important veteran trees in Britain. The Major Oak, the most celebrated individual tree in the forest, is estimated to be between 800 and 1000 years old and has a girth of approximately ten metres, its enormous crown supported by a system of cables and props that have maintained its structural integrity for over a century of conservation management. The tree is traditionally associated with Robin Hood as the hollow in which he and his merry men sheltered, a legend that the tree's age makes chronologically plausible even if historically unverifiable. The veteran oak population of the forest, including hundreds of ancient trees of great age, supports a community of invertebrates, fungi, mosses and birds associated with ancient wood pasture that is of international conservation importance. The saproxylic beetles and other deadwood invertebrates living in the decaying heartwood of these ancient trees include species found in very few other locations in Britain and represent one of the most significant concentrations of ancient woodland biodiversity in England. The visitor centre at the Sherwood Forest Country Park provides interpretation of the Robin Hood legend and the ecology of the forest.

Solomon's Temple stands as a distinctive folly crowning the summit of Grin Low, a prominent hill overlooking Buxton in Derbyshire's Peak District. This castellated stone tower, built in 1896, serves as both a landmark and viewpoint, visible for miles around and offering panoramic vistas across the surrounding moorland and valleys. The structure was erected to provide work for local unemployed men during a period of economic hardship, a common practice in Victorian England where philanthropic building projects served dual purposes of creating impressive monuments while providing much-needed employment. The tower replaced an earlier structure on the same site, maintaining a tradition of human presence on this strategically positioned hilltop. The name "Solomon's Temple" reflects the Victorian fascination with biblical and exotic nomenclature, though the building bears no architectural resemblance to the ancient Temple of Jerusalem. Instead, it takes the form of a robust circular tower with crenellations, built from local gritstone that weathers to a warm grey-brown patina. The tower stands approximately twenty feet high and features an internal spiral staircase that visitors can climb to reach the rooftop platform, where the true reward of the ascent reveals itself in sweeping views across Buxton, the White Peak limestone plateau, and on clear days toward Kinder Scout and the Dark Peak moorlands to the north. Grin Low itself has a history extending far beyond the Victorian folly that now crowns it. The hill is the site of a Bronze Age round barrow, one of many prehistoric burial mounds scattered across the Peak District uplands. Archaeological investigations have revealed human activity here dating back thousands of years, when this elevated position would have held both practical and spiritual significance for ancient communities. The juxtaposition of Victorian whimsy with Bronze Age solemnity creates an intriguing layering of history, where different eras have recognized the same spot as worthy of commemoration and construction. The walk to Solomon's Temple from Buxton town centre takes approximately twenty to thirty minutes, following well-maintained paths through Grin Low Woods. The woodland approach provides a pleasant contrast to the open summit, with the path winding upward through mixed deciduous trees before emerging onto the grassy hilltop. The woods themselves are managed as a community woodland, with interpretation boards explaining the local ecology and history. During spring and early summer, the forest floor comes alive with wildflowers, while autumn transforms the canopy into shades of gold and russet. The final approach to the tower crosses open grassland where the wind often picks up, reminding visitors of the exposed nature of this hilltop location. From the tower's summit platform, the view encompasses a remarkable sweep of Peak District geography. Immediately below lies Buxton with its distinctive Crescent and historic spa architecture, while beyond, the landscape unfolds in characteristic limestone country patterns of dry stone walls, white scars of quarries, and green pastures. The Goyt Valley stretches away to the west, while eastward the land rises toward the higher gritstone edges. On particularly clear days, visitors report seeing as far as the Cheshire Plain to the west and the major peaks of the Dark Peak moorlands to the north and east. The elevation here is approximately 440 metres above sea level, sufficient to provide genuine altitude perspective without requiring mountaineering skills to achieve. The tower itself requires a certain degree of physical capability to fully appreciate, as the internal staircase is narrow, steep, and unlit. The steps spiral upward in near darkness, adding an element of adventure to the ascent, though visitors with mobility challenges or concerns about confined spaces may prefer to enjoy the hilltop location without attempting the tower's interior. The structure is freely accessible and unlocked during daylight hours, maintained by local volunteers who recognize its value as both a historical monument and community asset. Weather conditions can change rapidly at this elevation, and the exposed summit becomes genuinely bracing when wind sweeps across the open moorland, making appropriate clothing advisable even in summer months. The best times to visit Solomon's Temple are spring through autumn, when daylight hours are longer and paths are driest, though winter visits offer their own stark beauty with potential for snow-dusted landscapes and crystalline visibility. Early morning visits reward with sunrise views and relative solitude, while late afternoon light brings warmth to the stonework and dramatic shadows across the valleys below. The site experiences moderate visitor numbers, popular with local dog walkers, families from Buxton seeking an accessible outdoor destination, and Peak District walkers incorporating it into longer routes. Car parking is available at Grin Low car park off the A5004 Buxton to Whaley Bridge road, from where the walk to the temple takes about fifteen minutes, or visitors can walk from Buxton town centre for a longer but equally pleasant approach. Grin Low Woods and Solomon's Temple are managed by High Peak Borough Council, with support from volunteer groups who conduct regular maintenance and conservation work. The woodland has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve, recognizing its importance for wildlife including various bird species, small mammals, and diverse plant communities. The combination of ancient woodland, open hilltop, and historic structures creates varied habitats within a relatively compact area. An interesting detail often overlooked is that the woodland paths form part of longer recreational routes including sections of the Limestone Way, a long-distance footpath traversing the White Peak from Castleton to Rocester.

Castle Rising is located in the village of Castle Rising in Norfolk, England. The castle is in ruins but most of the square keep is still standing - the keep was probably modeled on Norwich Castle. An impressive feature of the castle is the massive earthworks surrounding the castle keep (one of the largest in the country). The castle earthworks cover an area of about twelve acres. There is an oval shaped inner bailey, and two smaller enclosures to the east and west. There is a ruined church north of the castle that dates to around 1100. The castle is now in the care of English Heritage and is open to the public. Castle Rising was built around 1140 by William d'Albini, 1st Earl of Arundel, who also owned Arundel Castle. The castle and earthworks were extended during the late 12th or early 13th century. This may have been in response to the Revolt of 1173-1174 when Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk captured Norwich Castle during the revolt. During the Anarchy (1135-1154) the castle was used as a mint producing coins for King Stephen. Between 1330 and 1358, it was the residence of the disgraced former Queen Isabella of France. The castle passed to the Howard family in 1544 and it remains in the family today. Castle Rising Castle has been used over the years as a hunting lodge, royal residence, and in the 18th century used as to house mental patients. Castle Rising keep. Largely built c1140, the impressive keep at Castle Rising is one of the most important twelfth century castles in England

Beeston Castle is located in Beeston, Cheshire, England. The castle is positioned on a rocky crag above the Cheshire Plain with views to the Pennines in the east to the Welsh mountains in the west. Beeston was defended by its natural position on a crag, and by massive walls with towers and strong gate houses. There was a small inner courtyard with fortified wall on top of the hill with cliffs on three sides and a defensive ditch cut into the rock on the fourth side. The outer bailey was built further down the hill with a large gatehouse protected by a moat. The walls of the outer bailey contain a number of D-shaped towers which allowed defenders to fire across the walls as well as forwards. The castle is now owned by English Heritage and is open to visitors. It has a small museum and visitor centre. It is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Beeston Castle was built in the 1220s by Ranulph de Blondeville, 4th Earl of Chester, on his return from the Fifth Crusade. (Ranulph de Blondeville also built Bolingbroke in Lincolnshire.) Henry III enlarged Beeston Castle during his wars with Wales. In 1254 Henry gave Beeston to his son Prince Edward. By the 16th century, the castle was declining in importance to the English Crown, and in 1602 it was sold to Sir Hugh Beeston. During the English Civil War, Beeston was seized in 1643 by parliamentary forces. During 1643 Captain Thomas Sandford and eight soldiers of the royal army of Ireland crept into Beeston at night and surprised the castle governor, Captain Thomas Steele, who surrendered the castle. (Steele was later tried and shot for failing to hold the castle). The Royalists holding the castle were subsequently besieged by parliamentary forces in late 1644, and surrendered a year later. The castle was partially demolished in 1646, to prevent its further use as a stronghold. During the 18th century the castle was used as a quarry and the gatehouse in the outer bailey was demolished. In 1840, the castle was purchased by John Tollemache, 1st Baron Tollemache. Legends It is rumoured that Richard II hid treasure at Beeston in 1399, before leaving for Ireland to suppress a rebellion. On his return, Richard was deposed by Henry, Duke of Lancaster, who later became Henry IV. The treasure is said to have remained undiscovered despite many searches.

Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, pronounced Beaver locally, is one of the grandest and most strikingly romantic country houses in England, a Gothic Revival castle of the early nineteenth century crowning a ridge above the Vale of Belvoir in the East Midlands and serving as the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Rutland, whose family has occupied this site continuously since the eleventh century. The present building, completed in the 1830s, replaces several predecessors on the same ridge, the earlier buildings having been demolished, burned or allowed to decay over the centuries, but the continuity of aristocratic occupation gives the site a depth of family history unusual even among England's great country houses. The castle was designed principally by James Wyatt and later Matthew Wyatt in an elaborate Gothic Revival style that captures the romantic imagination of what a medieval castle should look like rather than reproducing the defensive practicality of genuine medieval military architecture. Towers, turrets, battlements and pinnacles create a picturesque composition on the skyline that is visible for considerable distances across the flat Vale of Belvoir below, and the effect in certain lights, particularly at dusk or in winter, approaches the theatrical quality of a stage set for a Gothic novel. The interior of the castle contains one of the finest private collections of furniture, paintings and works of art in England. The paintings include works by Poussin, Holbein, Reynolds and Gainsborough among others, displayed in a series of state rooms of considerable splendour. The Elizabethan Room, the Regent's Gallery, the Ballroom and the King's Bedroom are among the most impressive spaces, and the overall quality of the interior reflects the resources and collecting ambitions of a family that has been among the wealthiest in England for several centuries. The grounds of the castle include formal gardens, parkland and the estate village of Knipton, and a programme of events throughout the year including jousting tournaments and outdoor theatre adds to the visitor offer.