The castle itself dates back to Norman times and was originally built by Robert de Todeni. Todeni was William the Conquerer's Standard Bearer at the Battle of Hastings. Todeni's successor Albini inherited the castle but by 1247, with the male succession line at an end, the castle passed with the marriage of Isabel de Albini to the de Ros family.
The death of the 11th Baron de Ros in 1508, saw Belvoir Castle change hands once more as it was again passed through marriage when heiress Eleanor de Ros married Sir Robert Manners.
Sadly destruction was lying in wait for this magnificent piece of architecture.
In the 14th century, the castle suffered destruction courtesy of the Civil War called the "War of the Roses." Between 1523 and 1555 it was left to the 1st and 2nd Earls of Rutland to rejuvenate. In 1645, during another Civil War, Royalists who had garrisoned the castle were subjected to a siege. The building was placed into the hands of the British Parliament who ordered it's destruction.
It would take almost 10 years for reconstruction work to begin on Belvoir Castle, however by 1668 it was completed. Sadly fate was not through with it just yet.
In 1816, one wing, the north east and north west fronts and the Grand Staircase were destroyed by a catastrophic fire. The Belvoir Castle we see today may have been violated by acts of War, but with it's restoration by Elizabeth, 5th Duchess of Rutland, it's resplendence is still superb!
Today, the castle, the scene of many films and TV programs, attracts many visitors and also offers several unique attractions. The Queen's Royal Lancer's museum has a remarkable history of the regiment, including displays of weapons and other historical items.
The Statue Gardens are quite breathtaking, and are actually built into a hillside below the castle. Named after the sculptures on display there, flowers are planted allowing blooms throughout the year. The Duchess' private gardens can also be viewed if you care to pre-book.
A castle is certainly not a castle without teasures and works of art, and Belvoir Castle can lay claim to some magnificent ones!
Porcelain, chinese silks, works by Rubens, Poussin and many others, all adorn the castle's walls and rooms. And ah, what rooms they are!
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