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Angle of the Bolesworth Castle set back into fresh, bright green bushes and nature.

History & Heritage

Bolesworth Castle has been in the Barbour family since 1856.

Our Story

The Barbour family bought Bolesworth Castle in 1856. Robert Barbour (1797-1885) came down to Manchester from Glasgow in 1815 and set up a cotton trading business there called Robert Barbour & Brother. Manchester was heavily polluted and he decided to move his family to rural, sociable Cheshire. He was a deeply religious man and believed that God intended him to do his work there. Bolesworth Castle has been built in 1826 by the Cheshire architect William Coles a pupil of Thomas Harrison of Chester. It was built on the footprint of an earlier house dating from 1750.

The lake was dug in 1790 and its stone bridge was the work of Robert Mylne (1734-1811), a Scottish architect and civil engineer, well known in his day. He built the original Blackfriars Bridge over the River Thames in London.

In a true love match his grandson, another Robert Barbour, married the spirited and beautiful Ida Payne and employed Clough Williams-Ellis to transform Bolesworth into a twentieth-century home. His sudden death, falling from his horse, put his eldest son Richard in charge of Bolesworth in 1928 at the age of seventeen. Ida held the family together through the Depression of the thirties and by the outbreak of the Second World War that carefree family life revolving around hunting and horses had been re-established. Her children all joined up and Ida held the fort during the war years. It was Richard’s marriage in Palestine at the end of the war which split the family in two and fortunately, because Richard was an arch filer of correspondence, the story can be told through family letters.

However, Richard’s skilful and sometimes unorthodox management of the Estate in the fifties and sixties, throwing off the stranglehold of post-war restrictions and gloom, set the scene for his adopted son Anthony to develop it into the successful business it is today. Along the way the painful family rift was mended and now Bolesworth, once again a happy family house, is embracing the twenty-first century.

A black and white photograph of a historic brick-walled pathway and ornate wrought-iron gate at Bolesworth Estate. The weathered stone steps, aged brick walls, and intricate gate design evoke a timeless, mysterious atmosphere, leading visitors towards a hidden section of the estate.
A detailed 1856 illustration of Bolesworth Castle, showcasing its neo-Gothic architectural design with turrets, arched windows, and a surrounding stone wall. The finely sketched landscape features mature trees and a classical countryside setting, highlighting the grandeur of the historic estate in the mid-19th century.
A stunning historic stone archway at Bolesworth Estate, adorned with lush purple rhododendrons cascading over its edges. The medieval-style gatehouse features intricate stonework and a heraldic crest, framed by natural rock formations and verdant greenery. The play of light and shadows adds depth to this picturesque scene, blending history and nature seamlessly.
A beautiful countryside scene at Bolesworth Estate, featuring four horses standing by a black metal fence, curiously looking towards the camera. A white foal grazes in the background, with a tranquil lake, lush green pastures, and majestic oak trees enhancing the scenery. The clear blue sky and reflections on the water create a picturesque rural atmosphere.
A stunning overlook view of the Cheshire countryside from Bolesworth Open Gardens, framed by lush green foliage and blooming pink rhododendrons. Rolling fields and distant hills stretch beneath a bright blue sky.

Home of The Barbour Family for over 160 years

A Second Edition of ‘Bolesworth & The Barbours: A History of Bolesworth Estate and the Barbour Family‘ is now available.

This captivating book delves into the rich history of Bolesworth Estate, offering a unique glimpse into the intricacies of household and estate management. Drawing from the extensive Bolesworth Castle archives, it is filled with personal letters, scrapbook entries, newspaper clippings, reports, and a treasure trove of photographs.

More than just a historical account, the book reveals the Barbour family’s moments of intimacy, resilience, and the challenges they faced during periods of political, social, and economic upheaval. It paints a vivid picture of a bygone era—where days of pleasure were often contrasted by moments of profound heartache.

Diana Barbour has succeeded in bringing the entire Barbour family back together, and is testimony to her skills and determination. The book also celebrates Anthony Barbour’s inspirational role in shaping Bolesworth’s future—a vision carried forward by his daughters, Nina and Cleo..

This edition is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of Bolesworth and the Barbour family.

The book is priced at £25 per copy, inclusive of UK postage and packing.

To purchase your copy, please contact The Bolesworth Estate at info@bolesworth.com or call 01829 782210.