Castles in Derby

Welcome to today’s blog about the three most captivating castles in Derby: Bolsover castle, Codnor castle and Peveril Castle.

Table of Contents

Bolsover Castle

The first castle built in Derby is thought to be Bolsover Castle. The castle stands on a hill, overlooking the River Derwent and the town below. It was probably built sometime in 1068 by William I but it was completed by Henry II in 1157.

Bolsover Castle is a large, white stone building with three square towers at the corners and a large gatehouse in the middle of its northern side. Henry II built the castle after he had taken Derby from him in 1153.

Codnor Castle

The second castle built in Derby is thought to be Codnor Castle. This castle stands on a hill, overlooking the River Derwent and the town below. It was probably built sometime in 1068 by William I but it was completed by Henry II in 1157.

Codnor Castle is a large, white stone building with three square towers at the corners and a large gatehouse in the middle of its northern side. The castle consists of a very large shell keep, which was probably built as a symbol of power and later converted into a comfortable residence. At the south-west corner is a rectangular tower, originally used for domestic purposes. Like Peveril Castle, this castle is located on a hill and surrounded by water.

Codnor Castle was rebuilt during 1394-5 as part of Thomas de Beauchamp’s housekeeping campaign on behalf of his son and heir, Henry de Beauchamp who became Earl of Warwick. The castle was not a defendable stronghold, it was used mostly for display.

Peveril Castle

Peveril Castle is located in the Peak district of Derbyshire. The castle appears to have been built around 1068 by William I. The castle is completed by King Henry II between 1157-1189. Peveril Castle was one of the last Norman castles to be built in England, and is a characteristic example of an early motte and bailey design.

It consisted of a stone-built inner enclosure on the motte with an outer bailey surrounded by a wooden palisade and earthworks. As well as the keep, the inner enclosure contained royal lodgings. The castle was remodelled by Henry III who added a gatehouse to the north side of the outer bailey and reinforced the palisade by using stone.

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