Bolingbroke Castle Lincolnshire ~ A Visitors Guide
A Pictorial Visitors Guide to the Ancient Castle at Old Bolingbroke in Lincolnshire
You’ve heard of the adventures of Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat will this is the continuing adventure of two Men in an Benz.
After leaving Tupholme Abbey the last descendents of the Collins Clan sallied forth to yet another ancient monument - Bolingbroke Castle
This place is yet another gem though this time not unknown to either of us.
Upon arriving I left my driver to park the car, went through a gate and was immediately transported back to childhood.
As children we used to visit friends of my parents who had a house overlooking the actual castle and I felt much the same as when I visited Croxby Pond. Time played tricks on the mind and some sights seemingly very familiar and others total strangers.
I had to wait for my brother to catch up, he’s a little heavier than me 
, and we walked around the castle perimeter together - the last time we had done so must have been 30 or so years ago.
Unlike Tupholme, we were not alone this time, there was a family there with two children - would they too return decades later ?
Perhaps I’m getting sentimental in my old age but I’d like to think so
The picture left sees me, in typical tourist fashion, sat on the castle walls, my brother took the picture in black and white - presumably to spare the delicate sensibilities of this sites viewers.
I’m not sure whether he or his camera is cleverer (deliberately grating word) but he took the picture in B&W whereas I remove the colour in photoshop. I suspect my camera can do much the same but always seeking man points , and given my nature, I refuse to look at the manual.
Built by Randulph de Blundeville The Earl of Chester
Bolingbroke Castle was built 1220-30 although the site was fortified as early as the 6th and 7th century by those pesky Saxons.
What remains is impressive and well kept, certainly worth a visit if you live in Lincolnshire or find yourself in the vicinity.
The above picture shows the perimeter walls which you can walk all the way round. There is a reed bed and mere to the left which I presume is part of the original moat.
An Internal Room
How to Get to Bolingbroke Castle ~ Directions
It is located in Old Bolingbroke, off Moat Lane. 15 miles north of Boston, on the A16-A155.
Entry is free of charge, there is a small parking area as well, which is also free
The View on Entering
King Henry IV was born here in 1367 it was also besieged and taken by Cromwell’s Parliamentarians in 1643.
I could also mention the Battle of Winceby but that will spoil the next thrilling episode of Three Men in a Benz !
Inside the Walls
All in all a trip of many parts. A walk down memory lane, a great day out with my brother - something rarer than it should be I suspect - and also a day to remember. We spoke whilst there of days like this from childhood through to now and how they become etched on the mind when so much else of day-to-day life is lost.
How many people waste days like this - who will think back in years to come and remember what they did last Sunday ?
Plenty will of course but I fear many more will not !
I know these things may seem like a bore to some but do give them ago, if you have children them take them to places such as this.
If you don’t have children then go on your own !
Life is short, useful free time with nice weather in life shorter still, waste not one day
Memorably Yours
Rod
Annie Flinn said,
June 19, 2009 @ 6:50 pm
Childhood memories, ‘though often rose-colored, are a delight and lift one’s spirit. I now live near a park where, as a child, I went with the family for breakfast cook-outs, church picnics, and spirited softball games. When I found that I lived so close, I was filled with a sudden joy that stemmed from happy memories. Your parents must have given you and LB a terrific childhood.
Rod said,
June 19, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
Annie,
I’ve always held the belief that most good things were never quite as good as one might remember and perhaps most bad things weren’t quite as bad either.
Your park sounds excellent and a great facility to have nearby.
My parents made me what I am today - make of that what you will
Cheers
Rod
Little Brother said,
June 19, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
Rod,
A really good post and a great day, one I shall always remember.
LB
Mr & Mrs Gaslight said,
June 19, 2009 @ 11:54 pm
Rod,
We think your travel posts are tres bon Monsieur!
Looking forward to Tennyson’s Somersby? Flinder’s Partney? Franklin’s Spilsby? etc etc…. perhaps!
A good read (and images) for those who are familar with the places ……….. and an even better one for those who are not as familar with local history!
Bon route!
Gaslight International
Rod said,
June 20, 2009 @ 8:09 am
Bonjour Monsieur and Mademoiselle Gaslight,
(I hope I got that right - probably insulted someone kjnowing me)
Thanks for the comment and welcome to the site, thanks also for the encouraging comment.
I also appreciate the suggestions, I have actually written them down and aim to pursue them.
All the best
Rod
Mr & Mrs Gaslight said,
June 20, 2009 @ 9:32 pm
Hi Rod,
Thank you for reply…….indeed Mademoiselle conjours up a slip of a girl……. so thank you for the unintentional compliment…………… but I am in every way a Madame!
A bientot…..
Madame Gaslight………. et Monsieur aussi!
PS Did you know a founding father of Virginia and Admiral of New England was born in Willoughby near Alford……..worth a visit?
Rod said,
June 21, 2009 @ 8:00 am
M&M G
how unlike me - I would have expected to get it the wrong way round - perhaps my luck is changing.
Thanks for the further tip - I’ll look into today
Best
Rod
Mrs HH said,
January 9, 2011 @ 9:29 am
‘Bolingbroke Castle in central Lincolnshire was built around 1225 by Randulph de Blundeville, Earl of Chester and from 1217, Earl of Lincoln. It was a strong castle with a deep moat around 100 feet across. The mighty castle walls were over 12 feet thick and they linked five sturdy interval towers and an impressive gatehouse.
By the mid-fourteenth century the castle was under the control of John of Gaunt and his wife Blanche. Their son Henry was destined to become Henry IV, king of England, in 1400. As far as we know, Henry never returned to Bolingbroke Castle before he died in 1413, but it continued to be used as an administrative centre for the Lancastrian estates.
The Castle remains are worth a visit! myself HH and kids used to go there regularly and re-enact walks on the battlements!