Photo by Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia 

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts about Belvoir Castle


 

Its history dates back to the eleventh century. It is the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland found in Leicestershire, England, and is surrounded by villages of Redmile, Woolsthorpe, Knipton, Harlaxton, and Croxton Kerrial.

It was built immediately after the Norman conquest of 1066, it has been rebuilt at least three times. was built immediately after the Norman conquest of 1066.

The land at Belvoir was a gift from William the Conqueror to the family’s first recorded ancestor Robert De Todeni.

He began building the castle in 1067, the design was typically Norman motte and bailey. In 1464, the war of Roses left the castle in ruins and the Belvoir rose again 60 years later with the construction of the second castle to a medieval design for Sir Thomas Manners.

Experts say it’s one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the country. The gardens have undergone several major changes over the centuries.

1. Fame

Photo by Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia 

The Belvoir Castle is known for being the home of the Manners family for five hundred years and the seat of the Dukes of Rutland for over three centuries.

2. Meaning Behind The Name

Photo by Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia 

The name Belvoir means ‘beautiful view’ in french and is pronounced today as ‘beaver’ dating back to Norman times. The 11th Duchess of Rutland explained how the name Belvoir was imported by the French-speaking invaders of the 11th century.

3. History

Photo by Tanya Dedyukhina – Wikimedia 

Belvoir was a royal manor until it was granted to Robert de Ros in 1257. He was given the license to crenelate in 1267.

In 1508, the manor and castle were passed to George Manners( nephew of the last de Ros baron) of course this only happened after the male de Rose line died out in the same year.

The castle had been in ruins since 1464 and in 1528 however, Thomas Manners started construction of a new castle. Much of the stone for the building came from Croxton Abbey and Belvoir Priory following their dissolution, construction ended in 1555.

The ‘Second Castle was the stronghold of the king’s supporters during the English Civil War. In fact, King Charles spent the night there on his way into Lincolnshire.

In 1649, the castle was destroyed again by Parliamentarians. Construction was started in 1654 and it was designed as a large family home by John Webb(the architect).

The house was completed by 1668 and cost 11,730 euros but 2.14 million euros today. It was the home of the Manners family for five hundred years and the seat of the Dykes of Rutland for over three centuries.

In 1799, the new duchess of Rutland, Lady Elizabeth Howard who was married to the 5th Duke of Rutland, chose architect James Wyatt to rebuild the castle in the romantic Goth Revival-like style.

The Duke sold seven assorted villages and the surrounding lands to fund the massive project. On October 26th, 1816, the castle was almost destroyed by a fire.

It was rebuilt t the same designs at an additional cost of 82,000 euros( 8.11 million euros today.) it was completed by 1832.

4. Gardens

Photo by Craigy – Wikimedia 

The Belvoir Gardens were designed and landscaped by Elizabeth Howard. It was created in 1799, the same year the Belvoir Castle was rebuilt.

The unusual features like the natural amphitheater were formed by the moraines of glaciers and a ‘root house’ or summer house which survives to this day.

It is embedded with fresh water springs to ensure blooming plants throughout the year. The castle was also the first site of mass-spring flower bedding, a concept developed by Mr. Divers, head gardener of the gardens.

5. Traditional Burial Place

The traditional burial place was St Mary the Virgin’s Church, Bottesford. However, most Dukes have been buried on the grounds of the mausoleum at Belvoir Castle.

Most of the 18th-century monuments in Belton Church were moved to the mausoleum which then became the family’s main place of burial.

6. Literature

Photo by Jerry Gunner – Wikimedia 

Letitia Elizabeth Landon’s poem Belvoir Castle- Seat of the Duke of Rutland was inscribed to Lady Emmeline Stuart-Wortley, daughter of the 5th Duke of Rutland.

In 2012, Catherine Bailey published a history of Belvoir Castle. She unravels the research in the estate’s archives.

7. The Castle’s Present Use

The Belvoir Castle is used for several films and television programs. Films like Little Lord Fauntleroy, and Da Vinci Code

It is also the host of an annual pyrotechnic and firework competition that takes place in mid-August.

The grounds also host Belvoir Castle Cricket Club. The Belvoir Castle was used as a stand-in for Windsor Castle in the second season of The Crown, a British television series.

Despite war, fire, and family squabbles, Belvoir remains one of our country’s finest Regency castles. We are enormously privileged to call it home and enjoy sharing it with five children, many dogs, and a few horses!   

You are very welcome to explore the castle and estate. Throughout the year you can join our special tours including ‘what the butler saw’ and ‘above and below stairs’ – this gives you a glimpse into the life of the Manners family and what really happens beyond the walls. 

8. The Beautiful Walks

For lovers of the outdoors, there are many new walks through our formal gardens on the castle terrace and into the woodland through the Japanese, Duchess’s and Hermit’s gardens. 

The Duke’s Walk is three miles and allows you to take in all the gardens with stunning views.

It’s a very special place. Belvoir Castle isn’t just our ancestral home, it is also somewhere to come together and share celebrations.

The castle and surrounding parkland play host to a range of country pursuits, corporate events, and wedding parties, as well as featuring in films including the Da Vinci Code and Young Victoria. There’s truly something for everyone here.

9. Fires and Family Squabbles

Despite war, fire, and family squabbles, Belvoir remains one of our country’s finest Regency castles. We are enormously privileged to call it home and enjoy sharing it with five children, many dogs, and a few horses!   

You are very welcome to explore the castle and estate. Throughout the year you can join our special tours including ‘what the butler saw’ and ‘above and below stairs’ – this gives you a glimpse into the life of the Manners family and what really happens beyond the walls. 

10. The Belvoir Castle Belonged to the 5th Duke

 The castle you see today was built for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland between 1801 and 1832. Before this, three other castles stood here. The first was originally constructed to defend its Norman owner.

The castle is beautiful and a place one would love to visit.

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack – Learn more here
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage – Learn more here
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.