History of Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle has a long and layered history stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The first fortification on the site was built in 1067 by Robert de Todeni, who chose the hilltop for its commanding views—hence the Norman French name Belvoir, meaning “beautiful view,” though it has long been pronounced “Beaver.” Over the centuries, the original motte‑and‑bailey structure deteriorated, leading the Manners family—who inherited the estate in the 16th century—to rebuild it as a grand Tudor residence. The castle’s loyalty to the Crown during the English Civil War proved costly: Parliamentarian forces destroyed it in 1649, prompting yet another reconstruction in 1668.
The present castle, the fourth on the site, was created between 1801 and 1832 in a dramatic Gothic Revival style under architect James Wyatt, though a devastating fire in 1816 forced significant redesign overseen by the Duchess of Rutland. Today, Belvoir Castle remains the seat of the Dukes of Rutland, still occupied by the Manners family, and is known both as a historic landmark and a popular filming location.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1067 – First castle constructed: Robert de Todeni builds the original Norman motte and bailey castle shortly after the Norman Conquest.
- 15th Century – First castle falls into disrepair: After the Wars of the Roses, the medieval structure deteriorates significantly.
- 1500s – Manners family inherit the estate: The Manners family become associated with Belvoir when Sir Robert Manners marries into the Todeni line; Sir Thomas Manners later constructs the second castle.
- 1649 – Second castle destroyed: Parliamentarian forces demolish the castle during the English Civil War due to its Royalist allegiance.
- 1668 – Third castle completed: A new Restoration-era house is built by architect John Webb, designed more as a palatial residence than a fortress.
- 1789 – Castle in severe decline: Visitors report that the third castle is nearly unhabitable, prompting plans for major rebuilding.
- 1801-1832 – Fourth and current castle constructed: James Wyatt designs the present Gothic Revival ”mock castle” for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Construction spans three decades.
- 1816 – Devastating fire: A fire destroys much of Wyatt’s interior work and many valuable paintings; the Duchess of Rutland leads the rebuilding efforts.
- 1825 – Ducal mausoleum established: The Manners family begins using the mausoleum near the castle for burial grounds, moving earlier monuments from Bottesford.
- 20th-21st Centuries – Continued residence and public opening: Belvoir remains the seat of the Dukes of Rutland and opens to the public for tours, events and filming.
Visitor Information
Opening Times
Castle
- Thursday – Monday: 10am-5pm
- Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed
Gardens & Playground
- Open daily: 9:30am-5pm
Retail Village (Engine Yard)
- Open daily: 9am-5pm
Seasonal Closures
- 31st December-19th March: Castle Closed
Tickets & Pricing
Castle, Gardens & Playground
- Adult: £26
- Child: £10
- Concession: £24
- Family: £77.80
Guided Castle Tour & Gardens
- Adult: £20
- Child: £10
- Family: £54
Free-flow Castle Visit & Gardens
- Adult: £18
- Child: £9
- Family: £50
Gardens Only
- Adult: £12
- Child: £7
- Family: £34
Top Things To Do
- Tour the Castle’s State Rooms
- Stroll the Formal Gardens
- Enjoy Woodland and Estate Walks
- Visit the Adventure Playground
- Explore the Engine Yard Retail Village
- Attend Seasonal Events
- Photography and Picnics
Films Shot at Belvoir Castle
- The Da Vinci Code
- Lord Fauntleroy
- The Golden Bowl
- The Haunting
- Victoria & Abdul
- The Young Victoria