John Smythson

John Smythson (died 1634) was the son of the great Robert Smythson, one of England's first true architects and responsible for the design of Bolsover Castle the crowning glory of his work, which began with the construction of the Keep, or Little Castle in 1612. John Smythson moved into a house and farm at Hill Top, Bolsover and became Bailiff to the Cavendish Estates.

In 1618 Sir William Cavendish sent him to London to learn about the latest architectural fashions and upon his return he added the external balconies and was responsible for the design of the Terrace Range and Cavendish Apartments which stand along the ridge, overlooking the river valley to the west. John's other great architectural achievements are at Welbeck where he designed a riding school in 1622, new stables in 1625 and Swarkestone Hall Pavilion in 1632. He also designed the tomb of the first Countess of Devonshire in the parish Church of St.John the Baptist, Ault Hucknall.

King Charles visited Bolsover Castle in 1634, the year John Smythson died. In his will, which still survives he is described as Architecter.^[1]

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