Bolingbroke Castle

Built in the early 13th century by Randulph de Blundeville, Earl of Chester and Lincoln. Later the birthplace of Henry IV

Visit the ruins of this medieval castle to discover more about its fascinating history, to learn about the archaeology on the site (which dates back to the 12th Century) and to enjoy this tranquil spot in beautiful Lincolnshire countryside.

The remains of Bolingbroke Castle can be found within the picturesque village of Old Bolingbroke, located on the southern edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Bolingbroke Castle is a prime example of 13th century castle design complete with a large gatehouse, round towers and a moat. Today the castle is a ruin with only the ground floors of the towers remaining and the lower parts of the walls.

This castle built by Randulph de Blundeville, the Earl of Lincoln, became the home of the powerful John of Gaunt in the 14th century and was the birthplace of his son, Henry Bolingbroke, who later became King Henry IV.

The castle came to prominence again in the Civil War serving as a royalist garrison laid siege by a Parliamentarian force who in October 1643 defeated a relieving force of Royalists at the nearby Battle of Winceby.

After the Civil War the castle was dismantled and gradually deteriorated until in 1815 the last remaining structure fell. The site was a bumpy field until archaeologists excavated the site in the 1960s and 1970s.

Since 1995 the site has been managed by Heritage Lincolnshire in co-operation with English Heritage.

Location

Old Bolingbroke is located off the A155 between Coningsby and Spilsby in Lincolnshire.

The car park is situated on Moat Lane.

 

If you wish to film at Bolingbroke Castle please get in touch with us first.

Information

Parking and access

Wheelchair access is available at both entrances onto the site from Moat Lane. Please note that although paths are cut in the grass, the ground is uneven in most places

Old Bolingbroke is located off the A155 between Coningsby and Spilsby in Lincolnshire. The car park is situated on Moat Lane.

The field adjacent to the castle which includes an earthwork believed to be linked to the castle is also accessible.

Grid ref: TF 3492 6492

Opening Times

The site is open from dawn until dusk all year round

Facilities

There are no toilet or refreshment facilities on site. Display panels are situated around the castle to help you discover the history of the site.

For your safety

  • Please take care as historic sites can be hazardous.
  • Children should be kept under close control.
  • Please do not walk on the walls.
  • Please beware of water in the moats.
  • Wilful damage to the monument is an offence.
  • Unauthorised use of metal detectors is prohibited.

Site manager

Heritage Lincolnshire

Partners

The Friends of Bolingbroke Castle

  • This village based community group aims to promote the castle and works in partnership with the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire in providing guided tours for groups, organising events at the castle, and ensuring the future preservation of the monument.

English Heritage

  • This property is managed by the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire in co-operation with English Heritage:

english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bolingbroke-castle