URPoint Details
Disabled parking 400m from entrance ground uneven grass slopes or steps to entrance. Castle access via 200m of smooth grass, but assistance is required.
The ruins of Ashby Castle are preserved by the Department of Environment as an ancient monument and are open to the public. The Castle was built by Sir William Hastings, who was granted the Manor by his friend Edward IV, creating him Lord Hastings. Upon Edward's death, Hastings fell victim to the continuing Yorkist intrigues. During the War of the Roses, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, became Protector of the young King, Edward I, and of his realm, but imprisoned by the boy and his brother in the Tower.
Richard found out that Hastings would not go along with his plans to usurp the throne and had him summarily executed without trial on 20th June 1483 on vague charges of conspiracy. In revenge, Hastings' son, Edward, fought against Richard III at Bosworth Field. The grandson of the first Lord was later created Earl of Huntingdon by Henry VIII.
The Castle was one of the many to have accommodated the captive Mary, Queen of Scots. Anne, wife of James I, visited the Castle in 1603 and James himself, with his entire following, was
- Type:
- Landmark