karen9

This is Ashby de la Zouche Castle. It started as a 12th C manor house, but it had become a magnificent castle by the 15th C. It was the fortress of the first Lord Hastings, the friend of Edward IV.

Lord Hastings built this 24 metre high tower.

The castle was held by Royalist forces during the Civil War. The Parliamentarian forces bombarded it, demolishing half the tower.

Looking up at the tower. My sister and I climbed it. There are ninety-eight steps. There are no hand rails, but fortunately they are modern steps. There were rest places about every twenty or so steps. We came down slowly and carefully.

View down from the top of the tower.

Another view from the top of the tower. The building on the right is the remains of the 17th C manor house.

One of the fireplaces.

Yet another view of the tower.