The area was first fortified by the Saxons in the 6th or 7th century. In the 12th century the
Normans built a
Motte-and-bailey on a nearby hill above the settlement of Bolingbroke. The present structure was founded by
Ranulf, Earl of Chester, in 1220 shortly after he returned from the
Fifth Crusade. Ranulf died in 1232 without a male heir, and his titles, lands and castles passed to his sisters. Following the death of
Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster in 1361 Bolingbroke passed through marriage into the ownership of
John of Gaunt. His wife
Blanche of Lancaster, daughter of Henry of Grosmont, was born at the castle in 1342. John and Blanche's son,
Henry (the future Henry IV), was also born at Bolingbroke Castle in 1367 and consequently was known as "Henry Bolingbroke" before he became king in 1399. In 1636 a survey found that all of the towers were effectively beyond repair. At the start of the
First English Civil War, Bolingbroke was again put to use as a military fortification garrisoned by
Royalist forces. In 1643 it was badly damaged in a siege during the
Battle of Winceby. The following year, the castle was recaptured from the
Parliamentarians but due to defeats elsewhere was relinquished again. In 1652 the castle was
slighted to prevent any further use. The towers and walls were torn down and dumped into the moat. The last major structure collapsed in 1815. ==Present day==