Ashby de la Zouch

is a small market town situated within the heart of the National Forest.

Cottages near St Helen's church, Ashby de la ZouchNational Forest. It’s broad, main street features a wide range of period and individual shops as well as some of the chains you would expect to find in a modern town.

One of the unique features of the town are the alleys and courts which lead off the main street, (Market Street), linking to North Street and South Street which flank the main thoroughfare. These courts were once the homes and workshops of the businesses plying their trade on Market street. Not to be missed, is the award winning Mill Lane Mews, a twisting alley of bow fronted shops and cafes.

The local museum, situated on South Street holds a wealth of information on Ashby and its courts and regularly organises walks and talks around the town. There are also a number of independent events organised which feature the historical locations of the town. These are advertised at the Ashby de la Zouch Tourist Information Centre, also located on North Street within the library.

As you might expect from a town as old as Ashby, it does have its fair share of restless spirits! During Halloween and the winter months, ghost walks are a regular occurrence in the town and most of the local hostelries have a spine tingling tale to tell! Talking of which

Ashby is not short of public houses or places to eat. Many of the pubs and restaurants serve home grown and locally produced dishes and most provide accommodation at reasonable rates.

In spite of its deep, historical roots, Ashby is far from being a sleepy backwater. Each year the ancient Statutes fair comes to town in September, closing the Market Street to traffic and during the summer months the arts are celebrated with an annual Arts Festival.

March sees one of the biggest road races in the country taking place when over a 1000 runners compete in the Ashby 20 as they complete their final preparations for the London Marathon

The town has its fair share of famous sons and daughters, but it’s the infamous ones that are the most interesting! Dick Turpin is said to have been a regular patron of the White Heart Inn, stopping off for refreshment before robbing the mail at nearby Alton’s Hill.

More spectacularly perhaps, was the incarceration of Lawrence Shirley, the fourth Earl Ferrars who spent several days at the same pub. The Earl was arrested by colliers at Staunton Harold Hall after the murder of his steward, John Johnson. He was subsequently tried by his peers in London and achieved the dubious distinction of being the last peer of the realm to be hanged for murder!

You can read more about this gory tale in the Aristocratic Neck. Buy a copy and take it with you when you do the Mad Earl Murder Walk.

ASHBY CASTLE

Ashby Castle one snowy day

The castle is situated well within walking distance of the town’s main street, but you may need to ask directions as it isn’t visible from any of the parking areas. If in the main street, look for the sign near the top directing you into South Street or cut down any of the alleys from Market street to South Street.

From here you will need to walk up the hill to near the top of the street where you will see a sign for the castle directing you down a narrow path next to a funeral parlour. A short walk will bring you to the castle ruins which are situated in spacious, well maintained grounds.

Ashby castle began life as a fortified manor house and didn’t get developed into a castle until the 15th century when Edward IV gave it to Lord Hastings who added a chapel, and Hastings Tower.

The tower extends to 80ft and is well worth climbing the narrow stair way that still exists. The views over the town and Leicestershire countryside are quite breath taking.

During the civil war, the castle was besieged by Cromwell’s troops and was eventually razed in 1646. Traces of the siege still remain however, with an exciting underground passage open for exploration running from the kitchen to the tower. This passage and others still to be discovered, are thought to have provided the castle occupants the means of sourcing food.

In less violent, but still rather troubled times, the castle has hosted quite a lot of famous visitors including the luckless Mary Queen of Scots who broke her journey at the castle on her way to her ill-fated appointment at Fotheringhay.

As far as walking is concerned, Ashby castle makes a great starting or ending point. There is a small car park outside the castle itself which is free and further parking in the public car park on South Street.

Do allow enough time to visit the castle itself. Various events take place in the castle grounds throughout the year including re-enactment camps and displays. It is open all year except from the 24^th December – 1^st January. (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday off season).

Speed-you-well now false Hare Bell,
coarsely grow the Thistle spears,
watered by your falling tears,
far away from Hastings’ tower
dark the day, bereft of flowers
comes the cold and bloody hour.

Still the Lovely Flowers Grow
By Sue Kendrick

Sleet, Shoots and Leaves