Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle, seat of the Duke of Rutland, is one of England's most imposing private castles, commanding a spectacular ridge-top position above the Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire. The castle visible today is largely the result of a dramatic rebuilding in the early nineteenth century in the Gothic Revival style — a romantic, picturesque creation designed to evoke the splendour of a medieval fortress while housing the comforts and artistic treasures of a modern ducal residence.

The site has been occupied since the eleventh century, when Robert de Todeni, standard-bearer to William the Conqueror, built a fortification here. The current castle, however, owes its appearance principally to the fifth Duke and Duchess of Rutland, who rebuilt it after a catastrophic fire in 1816, employing the architect James Wyatt and later his son Matthew Wyatt. The Duchess herself took a leading role in the architectural decisions, and her influence is felt throughout in the romantic towers and dramatic skyline that make Belvoir one of the finest examples of the Gothic Revival style in England.

The interior of Belvoir Castle is opulent and richly varied. The picture gallery contains Old Master paintings including works by Poussin, Holbein, and Rubens. The Elizabeth Saloon — designed as a personal tribute to the fifth Duchess — is one of the most lavishly decorated rooms in England, with gilded plasterwork and a magnificent chandelier. The castle also contains a notable collection of military regalia associated with the 17th/21st Lancers, whose regimental museum was long housed here.

Belvoir Castle is open to visitors seasonally, with guided tours of the principal state rooms, access to the gardens and grounds, and a varied programme of events including jousting tournaments, open-air theatre, and seasonal activities that make excellent use of the dramatic hilltop setting.