Thread: Ashby Castle.

Another castle visit this week to Ashby Castle (Ashby de la Zouch) Leic.

Ashby-de-la-Zouch Castle was originally a 12th century stone fortified manor house, founded by Alain de Parrhoet, la Zouch. In 1474, William, Lord Hastings was granted a licence to crenellate and he founded an impressive stone keep and courtyard fortress. To the original hall, kitchen and solar block, he added a dominating four storey machicolated square keep, with a seven storey rectangular extension, a chapel and a surrounding curtain wall. The remaining narrow entrance of this late-medieval keep, was protected by a portcullis and running from the basement to the kitchen is a rare underground passage. In the 16th century, the Wilderness castle garden was given an enclosing brick wall, flanked by a pair of two storey angle towers.

Looks a bit of a mess these days.






Ancient graffiti !






Now I don't like hights, but, from the top of the tower.







The secret tunnel.







Hope you enjoy, Mick.

Another one to put on the "must do" list! Roll on retirement then I will have loads of time to visit these places

nice pics mick. Keep looking at this one in the English Heritage book, but still haven't got around to visiting

I went to the church next door but gave the castle a miss because I was a bit pushed for time. Having seen your pics I'll definitely pay it a visit next time I'm down that way

I think it's fascinating too. Some of the initials were carved with great care and look very stylish.

Aren't there Roman remains where you can see Roman graffiti? Hadrian's Wall perhaps?

Great shots there. Anyone any idea why it fell into disrepair?

Originally Posted by Clockman.

Great shots there. Anyone any idea why it fell into disrepair?

Yes, extensively damaged during the English Civil War.

Thanks.
What a pity. What a fabulous place that must have looked in its prime.

Good pics- ive been here a few times, the secret passage wasnt lit the 1st time i went and i had to go down with a lighter to see my way