On 3rd March Retford Ladies Probus Club’s continuing President Angie Haynes shared the new programme, whilst also giving thanks to Pauline and Penny for their valuable time spent as treasurer and secretary. Ian Morgan then began his talk on Bolsover Castle, aptly named Pleasure Palace, because that is exactly what it became when the Cavendish family, starting with Sir Charles, embarked on its restoration in the early 17th century and saw it as a retreat, living only seven miles away at Welbeck. He wanted the Little Castle to evoke a Norman Great Tower and the general consensus is that it does.
Charles died in 1617. Enter the flamboyant William Cavendish playboy, poet, courtier and later 1st Duke of Newcastle. He was a friend of playwright Ben Jonson who wrote the masque ‘Loves Welcome’ performed in the Fountain Garden. After losing the Battle of Marston Moor, William went into exile, returning to England in 1660 to reclaim his lands. This resulted in the cavernous Riding Range which is still a landmark of equestrianism. Here William indulged his passion for training great horses for stately dressage.
William travelled extensively in Europe and was greatly influenced by art and poetry. He commissioned exquisite murals and paintings of which Ian showed many examples.
The subject matter has an air of mystery. Was there a hidden meaning or in fact was it meant to be a joke? An intriguing insight into what remains and questions still to be answered. You can go and check it out for yourself. It’s well worth a visit.
The Club next meet on Wednesday 9th April at Westhill Road Community Centre at 10.00am for 10.30am, when the talk will be entitled ‘The Buzz of Beekeeping’. Go along and give them a try; you will be very welcome.