| Location | Grantham, Leicestershire, England (Google Maps) |
| Open for Visitors | Yes |
| Owned by | David Manners, The 11th Duke of Rutland |
| Official Website | Belvoir Castle |
| Rooms Available | Yes (Wedding, Events, Filming) |
Being one of the United Kingdom’s finest Regency castles, Belvoir Castle is situated extravagantly on the top of the hill, providing staggering views of various counties across England. The castle is a hub for visitors who love to see its grandeur and grounds.
History
Initially, a traditional motte and a bailey enclosure occupied Belvoir Castle’s area, used by the Normans. The castle’s history goes back to the 11th Century when it was first built in 1067 when William the Conqueror presented the land to one of his barons, Robert de Todeni, who stood by him at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. However, the castle fell into ruins shortly after the War of the Roses in 1464. Belvoir Castle was built again nearly 60 years later with a medieval design specially designed for Sir Thomas Manners. His grandfather Sir Robert Manners had married into the family, but Sir Thomas was the first of the Manners to live at the castle. But this castle also met an undeserved end after the Civil War (1642-1651) at the hands of Parliamentarians.
The third castle was built in 1668 to a design by the architect John Webb. It was created for John the 8th Earl and was rebuilt as a luxurious country house. But all that remains of the third castle are the stables prominently situated below the North Terrace in the present castle and estate. The fourth castle was built in 1801-1832 for Rutland’s 5th Duke and Duchess. The Duchess had a determined mindset to restore and rebuild the castle to the glorious castle that is seen today.
Architecture
The Gothic Revival style of Belvoir Castle is a treat to the visitors as it presents a solidified compilation of opulence, grandeur, and wealth. The castle was awarded the French name ‘Belvoir,’ which means ‘beautiful view’ and is now pronounced ‘beaver’ holds the position as one of the most magnificent Regency homes in England. It commandingly occupies 16,000 acres of charismatically designed estate. The domineering towers and turrets form an illustration of a romantic fairy-tale. Formal gardens grace the castle terrace placed on the woodland through the Japanese, Duchess’s Spring Gardens, and Hermit’s gardens.
Today the castle is very much maintained like a Victorian house, with a mix of rooms designed by Rev. Thoroton and the 5th Duchess contrasting beautifully with the surviving parts of James Wyatt’s designs. The best-preserved work of James Wyatt is the Regent’s Gallery which stretches 40 meters and acts as a place for the display of a series of Gobelin tapestries once belonging to Louis XIV of France. The tapestries were purchased by the 5th Duke in 1814 and tell the story of Dion Quixote. The castle’s interiors significantly represent the 36 generations of the Manners family who have lived and immensely contributed to its beauty and elegance.
Movie Features
The Young Victoria (2009)– The Biography Drama History movie on the early life of Queen Victoria, directed by Jean-Marc Vallee, features Belvoir Castle charmingly.
The Haunting (1999)– Belvoir Castle is extensively featured in the Mystery Horror movie ‘The Haunting’ directed by Jan de Bont and adapted from the novel ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ by Shirley Jackson.
The Da Vinci Code (2006)– Directed by Ron Howard, the all-famous movie is adapted from the best seller novel by Dan Brown, which beautifully captures the castle in the frame.
The Crown (2016)– Belvoir Castle is featured as Windsor Castle in the second season of the History Drama TV series The Crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Belvoir Castle?
Belvoir Castle is located near the town of Grantham in Leicestershire, England. The castle is 7 miles from the A1 at Grantham, providing easy access from the M1 and the national motorway network. It takes around two hours by car from London, or you can also board a train from London Kings Cross to Grantham, which takes about one hour fifteen minutes.
Who owns Belvoir Castle?
Belvoir Castle is owned privately by the 11th Duke of Rutland, David Manners, and his family. He resides in the castle with his wife and five children.
What is Belvoir Castle famous for?
Belvoir Castle has been famous for its unbroken line of succession for almost a thousand years since it was built. The castle has always belonged to The Dukes of Rutland and their family.
Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!
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Debayan Dey
He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.
