Ashby St Ledgers
The village of Ashby St Ledgers and surrounding countryside is stunning. The picturesque village is situated just five miles from Daventry and has long been associated historically with the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, but it is now far more interesting for its fine – looking collection of thatched cottages, the local ironstone Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the historic Manor House.
Known in 1086 as Ascebi or the Ash settlement, the outstanding feature of this superb conservation village is the Manor House. The Manor house passed to the Catesby family by marriage, in the 14thc. The present building was established between the 15th and 17thc, then remodelled and enlarged during the first half of the 20th century by renowned architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, who worked on the house for over 40 years, between 1904 – 1938, under the direction of the 2nd Lord Wimbourne, Ivor Guest.
Lutyens was also responsible for many changes throughout the village, including The Cottage, built for Lord Wombourne’s agent, a coursed limestone and rubble plinth, pebble dashed brick, two storeys, five bays and two storey central porch with a hipped roof! William Catesby, Chancellor of the Exchequer to King Richard III was born and buried here. When Richard died on Bosworth Field in 1485, his loyal supporter was captured and beheaded.
Five generations later, another member of the Catesby family, was to achieve even greater fame or infamy! Robert Catesby had aligned himself strongly on the side of Roman Catholicism and as a result had suffered financially, at the hands of the corrupt, Chancellor Francis Bacon. He was forced to sell up his lands and move to Ashby to live with his mother. Standing by his principles he soon found himself tied up closely with the Gunpowder Plot, to blow up parliament and King James. The timber framed gatehouse was where the conspirators met and plotted.
On the 5th of November 1605, Robert Catesby, returned from London, only to find that the plot had been discovered and Catesby was tracked down three days later, and shot dead, after refusing to surrender.
Today, the Manor House and Gardens are available for private hire, including for weddings, special occasions and photo shoots, apparently rock band, Coldplay, did so!
Not only is Ashby St Ledgers a picturesque village, it also has a wonderful country Inn, The Olde Coach House Inn, once called the Coach & Horses. The historic 16th century coaching Inn would have seen travellers arrive at the Inn, on horseback, mule, horse – drawn carriages or even on foot, stopping at the Inn for some much-needed food, refreshment and a rest. Sometimes their visits would be fleeting, but at other times, both the horses and weary travellers would be accommodated overnight in rooms & stables. The distinctive name St Ledgers is taken from the patron saint of the church.
The Inn, which was at some point in its history, also a farmhouse, closed its doors in 2021 and reopened after a major refurbishment in 2024, much to the delight of excited locals. It is now a fifteen -bedroom pub, which still retains many original features including flagstone floors, low oak beams and exposed brickwork and has a smart exclusive restaurant and private dining area. The pub also boasts a large beer garden, which is perfectly suited for private events & large gatherings, al fresco dining or for simply enjoying a cold beer, out in the sunshine! It is village pub with loads of character, where the community comes together, and visitors are made to feel very welcome.
