Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle - The early 19th century gothic restoration makes for a splendid site as the visitor approaches from below Dominating the lush countryside of the Leicestershire/Lincolnshire borders, the magnificent home of the 11th Duke of Rutland certainly lives up to the name given by its first Norman owner - 'beautiful view'. Nine hundred years ago it may well have been a splendid building affording great views across lands recently acquired by the invaders although, in reality, Robert de Todeni's castle would probably have been little more than a quadrangular keep. Undoubtedly the Norman castle was extended, improved and modernised over the years, but it was destroyed at the end of the Wars of the Roses and no evidence of its final form survives.

Belvoir Castle's first association with the Manners family came through marriage in the late 15th century. By 1524, Thomas Manners (later created the 1st Earl of Rutland) had begun rebuilding Belvoir Castle but the project spanned three decades and he never lived to see its completion in 1555. Less than 100 years later the Civil War sealed the fate of Belvoir Castle once again, when it was ordered to be demolished. The second rebuilding was overseen by John Webb, a leading architect of the time (and a former pupil of Inigo Jones), and was completed in 1668. Some improvements to the building were carried out during the mid 18th century but in 1801 Matthew Wyatt begun a major remodelling and rebuilding programme. Work was progressing well until, in 1816, a disastrous fire destroyed much of the new North Wing. The final reconstruction of Belvoir Castle was much influenced by the 5th Duchess of Rutland, who not only showed an enthusiastic interest in architecture but also in garden design.

The gothic splendour of the early 19th century Belvoir Castle encompasses and enhances its traumatic past and is a fitting environment in which to display family portraits and treasures accumulated throughout their long occupation. Exquisite French furniture, beautiful Italian sculptures, enviable collections of artwork and porcelain, and a great library of books all have their place in sumptuously decorated rooms. And, 'below stairs', visitors can inspect the huge service areas where a small army of domestic staff used to prepare hundreds of meals every week during Victorian times.

As with all large country estates, the gardens and grounds are always subject to additional plantings, new designs, and continual restoration. At Belvoir Castle, the formal Rose and Statue gardens created early in the 20th century sit directly beneath the castle terrace, whilst the woodland and wild areas extend far beyond the immediate precinct of the house. The present Duchess has concentrated on renovating the Spring Gardens, a wonderful area concealed within the woodland where fresh water springs and seasonal planting ensure interest and colour throughout the seasons.

Although very much a family home, Belvoir Castle is also a necessary commercial enterprise. There are a range of facilities on offer for corporate events, concerts and craft fairs, and the public can be entertained most weekends by a comprehensive programme of special events such as re-enactments, plays, recitals, and various extravaganzas. Finding a reason to visit Belvoir Castle should not be difficult - finding an excuse not to would be pure folly. It may not be one of the most well-known of stately homes in Britain, but it certainly ranks among the finest.