In a beautiful location. I wonder what kind of a story this old tree could tell me, if only it could talk to me. 🙂

My location:  Ashby Castle. I stayed overnight at “The World’s End” Hotel, which is only a few miles away from here. I wanted to be here as early as possible, soon after breakfast. 🙂

Ashby Castle, also known as Ashby de la Zouch Castle, is a historic site located in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Northants, England. It was originally constructed in the 12th century and expanded significantly in the 15th century by Lord Hastings, who transformed it into an impressive fortified manor house.

Key features of Ashby Castle include:

1. Tower: The castle’s most striking feature is its grand tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top.
2. Chapel: A beautifully preserved medieval chapel that showcases the religious architecture of the time.
3. Gardens: The castle is surrounded by extensive gardens, which were once designed in the style of a Tudor garden.
4. Ruins: Much of the castle is in ruins, providing a picturesque and atmospheric glimpse into its storied past.
5. Underground Passage: An intriguing underground passage that connects different parts of the castle, which was used for defense and escape routes.

The castle played a significant role during the Wars of the Roses and was later slighted (deliberately damaged) during the English Civil War to prevent its use as a stronghold. Today, Ashby Castle is managed by English Heritage and is open to the public, offering a blend of historical insight and scenic beauty.

I have had a lovely few days away from work. Sadly, my short break is drawing to an end. Back to work on Monday. 😞