Margaret Cavendish's Mind Lab
In 2026 Bolsover Castle will be undertaking an exciting project exploring the history and legacy of Margaret Cavendish, thanks to a £248,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. We’ll be looking into Margaret’s history and legacy and exploring the works and life of the philosopher, scientist, poet, playwright and fiction writer.
Funding the project
Margaret Cavendish's Mind Lab is made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players. This two-year project is delivered in partnership with Junction Arts, Writing East Midlands and the University of York.
Find out more about the National Lottery Heritage FundProject overview
This project will draw together local people, school children, contemporary scientists, artists and writers to respond to Cavendish’s philosophical works and to reimagine Bolsover as a space for not only artistic but also scientific and philosophical investigation.
Through a series of events, workshops, stakeholder focus groups, local and school engagement, plus new research in collaboration with the University of York: the project will bring to life one of the country’s most interesting figures.
It will challenge perceptions of the role of women in philosophy and science both in the past and present and develop Bolsover as a hub − a ‘mind lab’− for exploring science and philosophy through creativity and imagination.
Who was Margaret Cavendish
Margaret Cavendish was one of the most prolific female authors of the 17th century, writing plays, poetry, essays, biography, letters and more.
She was a trailblazer; the breadth of Margaret’s published work reflects her determination to create a legacy and she was the first female women to attend a meeting of the all-male Royal Society.
Margaret’s wide-ranging interests and perceived eccentricities later earned her the nickname ‘Mad Madge’. Despite this she laid the foundations for many women writers, scientists and philosophers and her work remains in print to this day.
Find out more about Margaret CavendishMindFest at Bolsover Castle
MindFest! was a community-curated festival celebrating Margaret Cavendish’s thoughts, ideas and work on philosophy, science and storytelling held at Bolsover Castle on 1 August
In the place that Margaret explored some of her boldest ideas, more than 1,300 people came together to explore questions that fascinated her more than 350 years ago through hands-on workshops, performances and creative activities.
The festival brought new audiences to Bolsover Castle, celebrated the creativity of local communities, and helped us share a fascinating story from our history in fresh and engaging ways.
Find out more and book your visit to MindFestA Voice for After-Ages: The Radical Life of Margaret Cavendish
Step into the "blazing mind" of Margaret Cavendish, the 17th-century Duchess of Newcastle who challenged the conventions of her age. In this episode of the English Heritage Podcast, host Amy Matthews is joined by Senior Curator of History Megan Leland and PhD researcher Sophie White to explore the life of a true original.
A pioneering science fiction writer, philosopher and trailblazer, Cavendish carved out her own place in a male-dominated world. From The Blazing World to becoming the first woman to attend a meeting of the Royal Society, she was always writing for "after-ages".
Discover Bolsover Castle, her creative retreat and "pleasure palace", and learn how the Mind Lab project is bringing her ideas to life for a new generation. Plus, hear how participants Delilah and Henry have followed Cavendish's creative trail to build "Blazing Worlds" of their own.
Margaret Cavendish's Mind Lab is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, English Heritage has been able to deliver this two-year project in partnership with Junction Arts, Writing East Midlands and the University of York.
Listen to the English Heritage PodcastVolunteering
As part of the project we’re looking for volunteers who are friendly, creative and enthusiastic to help identify engagement opportunities within the local community. You can get involved and apply to be a Community Engagement and Outreach volunteer.
Find out more about volunteering