Scheduled MonumentsEnglandBolton Castle

Bolton Castle

England
List entry 1003582
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Bolton Castle is a late 14th-century fortress built by Richard le Scrope, 1st Earl of Bolton, between 1379 and 1399 in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. The castle comprises a substantial keep with four corner towers surrounding a central courtyard, exemplifying the quadrangular castle design of its period, and was constructed with local stone featuring distinctive dressed ashlar. The fortress served both defensive and residential purposes, demonstrating the wealth and status of the Scrope family during the late medieval period. The castle gained further historical significance when it housed Mary, Queen of Scots during her captivity in 1568–1569, and it sustained considerable damage during the English Civil War, after which it was partially slighted.

Bolton Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1003582. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bolton Castle?

Bolton Castle is a late 14th-century fortress built by Richard le Scrope, 1st Earl of Bolton, between 1379 and 1399 in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1003582.

Who is responsible for protecting Bolton Castle?

Bolton Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1003582.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bolton Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Deserted medieval village (1.9 km), Cobscar calamine house on Cobscar Rake, 770m east of Cobscar Mill (2.2 km), Penhill Knights Templar preceptory and earlier field system at Temple Farm (2.8 km).

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