It is not time that renders many castles to ruin. War, sieges and deliberate ‘slighting’ have wrought the most destruction.
Old castles fascinate me. There are so many aspects that excite me. It isn’t just the history, but the exposed rooms, the stone and brick, the echoes of war. This post looks at two visits in the Midlands to castles that suffered destruction that was not during the fighting part of war but the aftermath.
Ashby de la Zouch (above) was built by William, Lord Hastings as a status symbol in 1472. Building stopped for a while when he was executed of course, about 10 years later. But it was kept in the family, becoming a Royalist stronghold during the civil war in the 17th Century. It was a significant last stand in the Midlands for the Royalists, but eventually fell after a long siege in 1646. You can still walk through underground tunnels which were dug during this time. When a fresh rebellion started in 1648, it lead parliament to slight the castle to prevent it becoming a new stronghold. This was done by deploying gunpowder charges and undermining the foundations.
Now it is looked after by English Heritage. Worth a visit for the beautiful surrounding space alone.
Poor William, Lord Hastings, just as he was really getting into the swing of building his ego into huge castles… this time he was ‘slighted’ in a different way!
At Kirby Muxloe Castle, the slighting was of a different variety. Lord Hastings had nearly completed Ashby de la Zouch and undertook his new passion project in 1480. He was a supporter of King Edward IV but his fortunes changed when the king died. The new King, Richard III decided that Hastings was a traitor and he was beheaded without trial in 1483. Nasty slight that. Sadly then his ‘new build’ was never completed.
Kirby Muxloe is another English Heritage site and a beautiful peaceful space. A heron kept me company on the walk round this lovely place.
Thanks for reading.
ARH
