On the south side of the town is the scite of the castle, which is now
only to be distinguished by the traces of its foundations, encompassed by
a moat.
The seclusion of this spot amongst steep hills, with only an opening to
the level country, southward, rendered it in the early mode of warfare a
desirable situation for a place of defence, since it was at all times
secure from the emergencies of a sudden surprise. The advantages of such
a situation were not overlooked by William de Romara, who about the early
part of the reign of king Stephen, erected his castle at this place.
From the testimony of Mr. Gervase Holles, who is the only person that has
left us a description of this castle, it appears to have been a very
spacious square edifice, characterized in its construction by strength
and uniformity, and containing beside numerous apartments, all the
conveniences of warfare. {70} By queen Elizabeth it was improved by
elegant and extensive erections, and though afterwards neglected, yet it
remained a place of importance down to the time of the civil wars in the
reign of Charles the first, when for some time it withstood a siege by
the parliamentary forces.
After the defeat of the royal army at Winceby, this castle was compelled
to yield to the army of the parliament, who, after dismantling it, left
it silently to decay. For a many years part of a circular building, said
to be the gate-house, continued standing; but in May 1815, the last
remaining fragment of this once formidable structure fell to the ground.
To the east of the enclosure may be seen the entrenchments, behind which
the assailants, in 1643, protected themselves in their attack on this
castle.
[Picture: Remains of Bolingbroke Castle, from a drawing taken in 1813]