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On a misty morning the ruined crenulated towers of Bolton Castle take on an eyrie aura and it is easy to imagine what this once great fortress was like in the days when Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned here under the orders of Elizabeth I.
A castle has existed on this spot since 1379 when the young King Richard age 12, gave permission to Sir Richard le Scrope to crenellate his manor house. Lord Scrope employed a master mason who had worked on other important castles and the result was a magnificent stone fortress built around a central courtyard. The gatehouse with its vaulted passageway is set in the massive east wall, it is the main entrance to the courtyard. Five other doorways lead into the castle, each with its own portcullis. Local stone was used for the 9 foot thick walls, with other more expensive stone being brought from other parts to add detail to windows and doorways. The castle's great hall is situated on the first floor of the building on its north side.
During the turbulent days of the Civil War the castle was besieged by Cromwell's troops and after almost a year, it finally fell to the Parliamentarians in 1645.
The castle has never been sold, it belongs to Lord Bolton, direct descendent of Sir Richard le Scrope. This captivating, romantic ruin has a fascinating history and set as it is on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales in what was once the Forest of Wensleydale, it is not surprising to find that it has been used as a back-drop and setting for films and television. In keeping with modern times the castle hosts a series of events, these include celebrations of the Civil War, the Armada and a Jazz Evening.
This is wonderful walking country, the Yorkshire Dales are dominated by lonely fells, dry-stone walls, and picturesque villages. Bolton Castle rises stark against the skyline above the village of Castle Bolton in an area of great scenic beauty. It is not far from the lovely Aysgarth Falls and is close to the Yorkshire Dales Visitors Centre. In its spectacular setting, this truly atmospheric medieval castle, is well worth a visit.
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