Pictures of Ashby de la Zouch

in the county of Leicestershire

Mary Queens of Scots slept here - Ashby-de-la Zouch Castle, Derbyshire. - November 2004

Take a picture tour of Ashby de la Zouch

Ashby de la Zouch Pictures
Ashby de la Zouch Hotels
Submit a history of Ashby de la Zouch
Ashby de la Zouch Attractions
Nearby Towns
Submit Pictures
Ashby de la Zouch Map
Add town to favourites

About Ashby de la Zouch

This town takes its name from the La Souche family, lords of the manor from about 1160. The Norman prefix distinguishes Ashby from other towns of similar name. It is best known for its ruinous castle which featured in Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe - it was the setting of a tournament between Ivanhoe and the Black Prince.

The ancient, crumbling walls of Ashby-de-la-Zouche castle keep once rose to a towering 95ft and had four floors. It belonged to William, Lord Hastings who was granted a license to crenellate in 1474. He added a seven floor tower extension to the castle's northern side, this formed the residential living quarters which had its own well.

Lord Hastings was rich and powerful, he had a fortified home at Kirby Muxloe, and was one of the celebrated characters of his day. He rose to become Lord Chamberlain at the court of Edward IV, this was a reward for his unstinting loyalty to the King during the turbulent Wars of the Roses. When Edward died, Hastings felt unable to give the same level of support to King Richard III. For this he was beheaded.

The lands and castle did not, as was usual in such cases, revert back to the Crown but remained with the family passing to William's son. For a long period the family enjoyed prosperity, laid on great entertainments for Kings, Queens, and the great and the good of decades. Eventually, the Hasting family where created Earls of Huntingdon, and for many years during the 18th-century the castle was the home of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon.

After many turbulent and historic years the castle fell slowly into disrepair. These days the wilderness ruins of Ashby-de-la-Zouche castle are used for many events including medieval battles organised by English Heritage. A visit here is highly rewarding, not only are the dramatic ruins hauntingly atmospheric of dark and mysterious deeds, but its lofty site offers stunning views of the beautiful surrounding Leicestershire countryside.

Add town to favourites

Recommended towns & villages near Ashby de la Zouch

	Staunton Harold Staunton was mentioned in the Doomsday Book when it was held by Henry de Ferrers... Information \| Pictures (20) \| Hotels
	Swarkestone Swarkestone is a small enchanting village which grew up on the reeeded banks of the River Trent... Information \| Pictures (7) \| Hotels
	Burton upon Trent Burton-on-Trent is an attractive town, it has a pleasing market place surrounded by pleasant properties, some being timber-frame black and white... Information \| Pictures (20) \| Hotels
	Loughborough The joyous sound of bells made in Loughborough have been rung all over the world since 1858, the date that John Taylor of Oxford moved his foundry to Loughborough. Many famous..... Information \| Pictures (17) \| Hotels
	Tutbury This picturesque little town in the Dove Valley is dominated by the ruins of the medieval castle... Information \| Pictures (10) \| Hotels

All towns in Leicestershire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near Ashby de la Zouch

	Ashby de la Zouch Castle The ancient, crumbling walls of Ashby de la Zouch castle keep once rose to a towering 95ft and had four floors. It belonged to..... Information \| Pictures (14) \| Hotels
	New Lount Nature Reserve New Lount Nature Reserve is an old colliery site, the main operations took place between 1924 and 1968, but small-scale..... Information \| Pictures (3) \| Hotels
	Staunton Harold Church Imposing church built in 1653, with fine panelled interior, set in attractive parkland... Information \| Pictures (2) \| Hotels
	Staunton Harold Hall This is said to be one of the most delightful country houses in Leicestershire, it was the former home of the Ferrers family who..... Information \| Pictures (9) \| Hotels
	Moira Furnace Museum Moira Furnace is one of the best examples of an early 19th Century iron-making blast furnace anywhere in Europe. It was built in..... Information \| Pictures (2) \| Hotels

All attractions in Ashby de la Zouch
All attractions in Leicestershire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Hotels & Accommodation in Ashby de la Zouch

	The Queens Head Hotel 79 Market St, Ashby-De-La-Zouch, Leicestershire, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) Splendid 17th century coaching Inn on Ashbys main high street. Small size but offering business facilities and close to main motorways. Close to Birmingham, East Midlands airports. A family run gr... More info and book online.. Price from £35.00
	Hermitage Park Hotel Whitwick Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, England (4.6 miles, 7.4 km, direction E) Friendly, privately owned and run hotel, offering traditional service in the heart of the East Midlands. The Hermitage Park Hotel is situated on the edge of the Charnwood Forest between the m1 and m... More info and book online.. Price from £60.00
	Ramada Birmingham East -A42 Junction 11/M42, Nr To Tamworth, Ashby De La Zouch And Burton On Trent, Appleby Magna, Leicestershire, England (5.1 miles, 8.3 km, direction SW) The Ramada Birmingham East A42 has just undergone a 1 million pound refurbishment programme of public areas that has delivered a brand new reception, bar, restaurant and conference rooms. The hot... More info and book online.. Price from £45.00
	The Hardinge Arms Main Street,Kings Newton, Melbourne, Derby, Derbyshire, Derbyshire, England (6.0 miles, 9.6 km, direction N) The Hardinge Arms is a restored historic building in the affluent village of Kings Newton, sited on a conservation belt dating back to the 1600s. Home to the Newton Wonder apple, this inn has a cha... More info and book online.. Price from £45.00
	Ramada Newton Park Burton Newton Solney, Burton On Trent, Staffordshire, England (7.2 miles, 11.5 km, direction NW) Stay at the Ramada Newton Park and experience everything you'd expect from an international hotel company. Country House Hotel. Folly Restaurant & Club Bar. Easy access to Motorway links. Free Guest P... More info and book online.. Price from £75.00

More Ashby de la Zouch hotels...

Nearby travel help

M42 Junction 11	(5.2 miles, 8.4 km, direction SW)
M1 Junction 22	(8.0 miles, 12.8 km, direction SE)
East Midlands Airport	(8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction NE)
Willington Station	(8.2 miles, 13.1 km, direction NW)
Burton-on-Trent Station	(8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction NW)
Birmingham International Airport	(23.4 miles, 37.6 km, direction SW)
Ashby de la Zouch to London	(103.0 miles, 165.8 km, direction SE)