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Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marketstreet020.jpgAuthor: Jimfbleak
Ashby-de-la-Zouch is a small market town in North West Leicestershire, England. Often known simply as Ashby, it has a population of around 13,500 people (2012 estimate).
Ashby-de-la-Zouch dates back to the Anglo-Danish period, when it was established. The name Ashby is Anglo-Danish meaning Ash-tree Farm. The French addition to its name came about following Norman Conquest, when the town became a possession of the La Zouche family. The Ashby-de-la-Zouch Castle, now in ruins, was built in the 12th century.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch and its castle passed into the hands of the Hastings family in 1464. The main street through town is Market Street. During the Middle Ages most of the houses here are timber framed. However these houses were later finished with brick façades which keep the timber framing hidden.
By the 19th century, a number of industries had developed in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, among them ribbon manufacturing, coal mining, leather making and brick making. These were helped with the construction of the Ashby Canal in 1804 and the Leicester to Burton upon Trent Line of the Midland Railway in 1845. It also gained popularity as a spa town.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch Castle: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ashbycastle.JPGAuthor: Jimfbleak
Visiting Ashby-de-la-Zouch
From London, take the M1 motorway until Exit 22, then continue heading northwest on the A511 road until arriving at Ashby-de-la-Zouch.Places of Interest in Ashby-de-la-Zouch
- Church of Our Lady of Lourdes: Roman Catholic church built in 1908-15 and funded by the 15th Duke of Norfolk.
- Holy Trinity, Ashby-de-la-Zouch: Anglican parish church built between 1838 and 1840.
- St Helen's Church, Ashby-de-la-Zouch: Anglican parish church dating back to the 14th century, but rebuilt in 1878.
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