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Bolton Castle

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Bolton Castle was built by Richard le Scrope, and was completed by 1399. Bolton Castle has never been sold, and remains the property of Lord Bolton, descendant of Richard le Scrope.

Bolton Castle has been closely linked to the great formative events of northern England. In 1415 Henry, 3rd Lord Scrope plotted a rebellion against Henry the Fifth. Scrope was executed not long before the English army embarked on the French campaign that would culminate in the Battle of Agincourt. This incident is mentioned in Shakespeare's play Henry the Fifth. Sir John Scrope, the eighth Lord Scrope, was involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536. This was the north's rebellion against Henry the Eighth's effort to convert England from Catholicism to Protestantism. Sir John initially refused to join the rising. Non involvement wasn't an option, however, and he took refuge with his father-in-law the Earl of Cumberland at Skipton Castle. The rebels besieged Skipton,and Scrope was finally forced to join them. Later, when the rebellion failed, rebel leader Adam Sedberg sought refuge at Bolton Castle, before fleeing to Witton Fell where he was captured.

Sir Henry Scrope, the ninth Lord, had to supervise the imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots at Bolton Castle, following her defeat at the battle of Langside in April 1568. Mary stayed at the castle for six months before being transferred to Carlisle.

The following year the north east was convulsed by the rising of the northern earls. Once again this was an attempt by the catholic north to impose its will on the protestant south. The plan was to marry Mary Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk and ensure a catholic succession. Sir Henry Scrope was a catholic, but he was completely loyal to Queen Elizabeth, and was given the job of arresting the conspirators, which he managed to do successfully. The rising was put down with great ferocity. Four hundred people were executed, and the economy of the north was devastated by huge fines. Recovery for the region took two hundred years.

Bolton Castle is open all the year round. Displays over five floors depict life in the fifteenth century. There is a fifteenth century garden based on original plans. There is a tearoom and a shop.

Opening Times: The castle is open April to September 10am to 5pm and October to March 10am to 4pm. Please ring ahead if bringing a large school party.

Directions: The castle can be found off the A684 near Leyburn on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in north Yorkshire. Click here for an interactive map centred on Bolton Castle.

Access: wheelchair access is limited to some areas on the lower floor.

Contact:

phone:01969 623981

web site: www.boltoncastle.co.uk