Bolton Castle can be found in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales. The nearby settlement, Castle Bolton takes its name from the castle which is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
It was built between 1378 and 1399 by Richard le Scrope, Lord Chancellor, and is a fine example of a quadrangular castle. The castle is still owned by descendants of the Scrope family and is a major tourist attraction. The castle, although damaged in the English Civil War, still retains much of the original structure. Mary, Queen of Scots, was held captive for six months in the castle.
The castle was reputed to cost 18000 Marks and the licence to build it was granted in July 1379. A contract with the stonemason Johan Lewyn was made in September 1378. Leland described 'An Astronomical Clock' in the courtyard and also described how smoke was conveyed from the hearth in the hall through the tunnels. Bolton Castle was noted by Sir Francis Knollys as having 'The highest walls of any house he had seen'.
Several films and television productions have had the site as a location including Ivanhoe, Elizabeth, Heartbeat, and All Creatures Great and Small.
As well as the castle there is a garden and a vineyard on the site.
