List of castles in Leicestershire facts for kids
Leicestershire is a county in England with a rich history, and part of that history includes many fascinating castles! Castles are strong buildings that were often built a long time ago by kings, queens, or powerful lords. They were used for protection, as homes, and sometimes as centers of power. Many of these castles have amazing stories to tell about battles, important families, and how people lived centuries ago.
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Cool Castles of Leicestershire
Leicestershire has a mix of grand castles, fortified manor houses, and even just the remains of old castle sites. Each one gives us a peek into the past. Let's explore some of the most interesting ones!
Ashby de la Zouch Castle: A Story of War and Time
Ashby de la Zouch Castle is a really old place, with parts built on an even earlier Norman house. A powerful lord named William Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings started building the main castle between 1464 and 1483. It was designed as a strong, fortified manor house, which means it was a fancy home that could also defend itself.
This castle saw a lot of action during the English Civil War in the 1600s. It was attacked and eventually captured by the Parliamentarians (also known as Roundheads). After it fell in 1646, parts of the castle were deliberately damaged so it couldn't be used as a stronghold again. This process is called "slighting." After this, the castle was left empty as a home. Today, what's left of Ashby de la Zouch Castle is protected as an important historical site.
Belvoir Castle: From Fortress to Fairytale Home
Belvoir Castle sits on a hill overlooking the beautiful Vale of Belvoir. This spot has been home to a castle since Norman times. For many years, it was a traditional military castle, used for defense and as a base for soldiers. During the English Civil War, it was a strong point for the King's supporters.
However, the castle you see today looks very different from its military past! It was rebuilt in a romantic, Gothic style between 1799 and 1816. Sadly, a big fire destroyed much of it in 1817, but it was rebuilt again in the same beautiful style. The Manners family has owned Belvoir Castle since the 1500s. They were given the title Duke of Rutland in 1703, and their family still lives there today. It's a grand stately home that looks like it belongs in a storybook!
Kirby Muxloe Castle: An Unfinished Dream
Kirby Muxloe Castle is a fascinating example of a moated, fortified manor house that was never fully finished. Building started in 1480 on the site of an older manor house. Like Ashby de la Zouch Castle, it was also being built by William Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings.
But then, something dramatic happened. Lord Hastings was executed in 1483, and all construction on the castle stopped. It was left incomplete, a snapshot of building work from centuries ago. The Hastings family sold it in 1630, and for a long time, it was used as a farm. In 1911, the Ministry of Works took over the site and started repairing it. Today, English Heritage looks after Kirby Muxloe Castle, allowing visitors to explore its unfinished towers and walls.
Other Historic Castle Sites
While Ashby de la Zouch, Belvoir, and Kirby Muxloe are the most well-known castles with significant remains, Leicestershire has many other places where castles once stood. These include sites like Groby Castle, Hallaton Castle, Leicester Castle, and Shawell Castle. Often, only earthworks (mounds and ditches) or small ruins remain, but they still mark where important buildings once stood. These smaller sites remind us that castles were once a common and vital part of the landscape across England.
Images for kids
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A plan showing the layout of Groby Castle.
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The earthworks that remain at Hallaton Castle.
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A surviving wall at Leicester Castle.
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The remains of Shawell Castle.
