Bolton Castle

Bolton Castle is a Grade I listed castle built in the late 14th century by John Lewyn, master-mason, for Richard le Scrope. Constructed from rubble with ashlar dressings, it features four three-storey ranges surrounding a rectangular courtyard, with four-storey corner towers, one of which to the northeast has been demolished. The north and south ranges have turrets at their centers. The entrance is through a gatehouse in the east range, which has a chamfered pointed arch set within a taller arch, and the passage is barrel-vaulted. The castle includes plinths and quoins, and the original windows are lancets with cinque-cusped heads and labels, although some in the southwest tower have been altered to create three-light mullion and transom windows. Inside, the main chambers are located on the first floor of the north range, while the second floor of the south range contains a chapel, along with eight apartments and twelve lodgings for retainers. The castle was partially constructed by 1378, with a contract for the east range and a licence for crenellation granted in 1379. The chapel was dedicated in 1399. Notably, Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned here from 1568 to 1569. The castle is scheduled as an Ancient Monument.