Bouncy Castle Hire Bolsover — Bounce Into Fun 🎉

Early History & Origins

• Bolsover is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) under the name Belesovre, as part of the lands of William Peverel. Wikipedia+2Visit Bolsover+2

• The name “Bolsover” is thought to derive from Old English Bula’s Ofer or Boll’s Ofer — essentially “Bull’s Ridge” or “Boll’s Ridge” — though this is not definitively proven. Wikipedia+1

• The Peverel family built the original castle/keep in the 12th century on the hill spur overlooking the landscape, making use of the defensible position. Visit Bolsover+4English Heritage+4Historic UK+4

• After the Peverel line ended, their properties passed to the Crown in 1155. Wikipedia+1

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Bolsover Castle and the Cavendish Era

• By the mid-14th century, the original castle had fallen into neglect. History Hit+5English Heritage+5Historic UK+5

• In 1612, Sir Charles Cavendish began building a new “Little Castle” on the site, essentially a retreat rather than a fortress. The design evoked the imagery of a medieval keep, though its use was more as a comfortable manor/pleasure house. History Hit+5English Heritage+5Historic UK+5

• His son, William Cavendish, continued the work, adding interior decoration, gardens, and the famous Riding House (an indoor equestrian training space). English Heritage+2History Hit+2

• In 1634, Bolsover Castle was visited by Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria. History Hit+1

• During the English Civil War, the Cavendish family sided with the Royalists. The castle was captured by Parliamentarian forces and partially slighted (deliberately damaged) to reduce its military potential. The owner William was forced into exile. History Hit+2English Heritage+2

• After the Restoration (1660), William Cavendish and his wife Margaret Cavendish (a notable writer and intellectual) undertook repairs and restoring work on the castle. History Hit+1

• Over the 18th and 19th centuries, much of Bolsover Castle fell into decline, except for the Little Castle which was adapted as a vicarage for some time. Historic UK+4History Hit+4Wikipedia+4

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The Town: Market, Growth & Industry

• Bolsover received its first market charter in 1225 from King Henry III, which was an important step in town status and trade. Visit Bolsover+1

• For centuries, Bolsover remained largely agricultural, with smaller industries like stone quarrying, pottery, and fabrication of metal goods such as buckles and spurs. Visit Bolsover+1

• Its local quarries provided Magnesian Limestone that was used in important buildings, even contributing stone for the Houses of Parliament. Visit Bolsover

• By the late 18th and early 19th century, Bolsover had declined in market importance; the market was discontinued. Visit Bolsover+1

• The major turning point came in the late 19th century: in the 1890s, the Bolsover Colliery Company established coal mining operations in the area. This led to rapid growth in population and new housing. Visit Bolsover+2Wikipedia+2

• The Bolsover Colliery Company was founded around 1889 and sunk shafts in 1891. At its heyday, it was a significant coal producer and employer. Wikipedia

• The colliery was nationalised in 1947, later closing in 1993 along with other pits in the region, which dramatically affected the local economy. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

• Also in the 20th century, New Bolsover was built as a model village to house miners, with more planned, self-contained features for workers and their families. Wikipedia+2Visit Bolsover+2

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Modern Era & Legacy

• Today, Bolsover is the administrative centre of Bolsover District in Derbyshire. Wikipedia+1

• Its population is around 11,673 (2011 Census for the civil parish). Wikipedia

• The castle is now a heritage attraction, managed by English Heritage, and draws tourism for its architecture, gardens, historic interiors (Little Castle), and events. English Heritage+3English Heritage+3Wikipedia+3

• Other historical features in the district include Creswell Crags, famous for its Palaeolithic cave art. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

• The closure of the mines in the 1990s ushered in economic challenges and a transition toward new industries and services, including tourism. Encyclopedia Britannica+2Wikipedia+2

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