Bolsover Castle - Bolsover, Derbyshire
This is a rare and unique opportunity to spend the night in one of Britain's most famous castles
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Bolsover Castle is a typically imposing medieval residence which stands proudly over the Derbyshire countryside. With a history of hauntings dating back over hundreds of years and more sightings and ghostly experiences than we could ever hope to mention, Bolsover Castle has everything that a ghost hunter could wish for.
As you approach the awesome and remarkable grounds of Bolsover Castle, you will be walking amongst the poor souls of those who lie beneath in their plague pits and burial grounds. The ghostly activity within its walls has been felt and witnessed by so many and has almost become a regular occurence. With Royal connections, not least King Charles I and William The Conqueror, Bolsover Castle has been a residence to many famous historical figures. Their legacy lives on within the fabric of the castle walls which has many a haunting tale to tell.
An overnight ghost hunt at Bolsover Castle is rare. However, we have access to almost every area of the Castle including The Red Room, Great Hall, Royal Quarters, Star Chamber and much more. This is a unique opportunity to spend the night in one of Britain’s most famous castles. Join us on our terrifying ghost hunts at Bolsover Castle.
Ghosts of Bolsover Castle
The ghosts and spirits that have been encountered at Bolsover Castle leave little doubt that this location is truly haunted. With some visitors to the castle seeing apparitions during the day and staff relaying stories of when they have had doors slammed on them and their ankles touched on many occasions, it is hard to ignore that there is something going on.
Balls of white light are seen frequently and a young boy is said to grasp the hands of ladies as they walk through the garden. Bolsover Castle also has its own Grey Lady which is frequently seen walking through the grounds. There is the sound of crying in the parapets and the screams of what sounds like a woman can sometimes be heard. In fact some of what has been happening here is so real to those that experience it that they believe they have absolutely encountered a ghostly presence. Disembodied voices and ghostly footsteps following on the stairs of those who walk up them are also often heard.
The ghosts here are not unwilling to show themselves according to those who visit regularly and of course those that work here on a daily basis. We are really looking forward to seeing who or what we encounter on our overnight ghost hunt at Bolsover Castle.
History of Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle is a remarkable monument, you can only stare in awe as you approach the magnificent towers of the castle. Before the Norman Conquest, Bolsover was situated within the Saxon kingdom of Mercia. However, In 1086 William The Conqueror granted the manor to William Peverel when he built the original castle. The Peverel's lost the castle in 1152 when they took the wrong side against the new King namely Henry II.
Bolsover Castle changed hands many times after that. It is said that the wall was breached in 1215 in the reign of King John during a siege which was part of a baron's revolt against him. Surviving parts of the castle were later built into the wall walk which can be seen from the garden. Bolsover Castle eventually became property of the crown when the third William Peverel fled into exile and by 1440 it had lost all strategic importance.
Various tenants occupied the castle but it was then left to ruin over time. It was eventually purchased by Sir George Talbot in 1553, who was noted for a famous association, he was married to 'Bess of Hardwick', one of the most astute business women of the 16th Century who owned the Chatsworth estate.
The tower, known today as The Little Castle, was complete in 1621, a few short years after the death of Charles and Smythson. Charles and Roberts sons, William and John continued the building work and created the Terrace Range and the Riding House. The main reason for erecting the terrace and the riding house was to support Williams position in the King and Queens Court. William's ambition was to obtain a Royal Appointment and to obtain this he had to have a house of a grand stature. He became a Viscount, then Earl, then Lord Lieutenant of the County. He had hoped to become the King's Master of the Horse, horses being a passion of his, but sadly this was not to be. A King did eventually visit Bolsover Castle, King Charles I came in 1634, although the terrace was not fully complete.
