It's strange how the places nearest to us are sometimes the ones we DON'T visit. So, this month here's some information on one of our nearest historic buildings…
Managed by English Heritage, the castle stands on the site of an 11th century castle built by William Peveril, a favoured knight of William the Conqueror.
The Little Castle, the oldest part of the present castle, was built by Charles Cavendish, 3rd son of Bess of Hardwick. Begun in 1612 it was intended as a hunting lodge. Charles died in 1617 and his son, William, completed the Little Castle and then added the Riding School and Terrace Range
William used the Castle as a place to party, chill and relax. It was never used as a main residence until three successive vicars of Bolsover used it as a vicarage during the 19th century.
The castle has a café, shop, children's play area and a second-hand bookshop. The bookshop always needs more stock, so if you have any books you no longer want, why not drop them off at the castle and have a great day out at the same time?