Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

The Castle
Hob Uid: 345187
Location : Northamptonshire South Northamptonshire Castle Ashby
Grid Ref : SP8625059230
Summary : Castle extant during the 11th century and in ruins during the 1530s. The present house was constructed in 1574 and completed circa 1600. The house was constructed around a courtyard and was generally of two-storeys, with a tower projecting at each corner. There were later additions of circa 1624-1635, early 18th century and 1748. The hall was rebuilt between 1771-1772 and there were major renovations between 1797-1807. T G Jackson remodelled the house circa 1880 and Fairfax Wade carried out alterations in 1884. There were also 20th century alterations.
More information : (SP 862592) The Castle (LB) (1) Castle Ashby had been a castle from the 11th c but when Leland saw the place in the 1530's it was "now clean down". In 1565 it was still an "old ruined castle". In 1574 work was started on the present mansion. Other important work was carried out in c 1600 and c 1630-40, since when features of the interior have been altered, but none of the exterior.(2) Country house. Begun 1574 for Henry, 1st Lord Compton and completed c.1600 for William 2nd Lord Compton and 1st Earl of Northampton (created 1618). 1624-35 major remodelling including construction of south screen, and raising and enlarging of east and west ranges. Hall range doubled in depth, other additions and alterations made early C18. West range partly remodelled and other work carried out 1748. Hall rebuilt 1771-72 following collapse of roof. Extensive renovation 1797-1807. Long Gallery and Chapel remodelled by T.G. Jackson, c.1880. Hall rebuilt by Fairfax Wade 1884 following second collapse of roof. Other C20 alterations. Coursed squared limestone and limestone ashlar, lead roofs, stone internal stacks. Courtyard house, originally U-plan. Entrance front to south consists of 2-storey, 9-window screen flanked by 3-storey, wings.Grade I. (3) A country seat of the Marquis of Northampton. The Castle is outstanding. See photos. (4) Additional references. (5-6) Listed as a vanished castle by Cathcart King. (7)

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Source Number : 1
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Source details : OS 6" 1958
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Source Number : 3
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Source details : MHLG Northampton RD 1961
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Source Number : 4
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Source details : F1 JB 8-SEP-70
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Source Number : 5
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Source details : Northamptonshire
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Vol(s) : Part 30

Source Number : 6
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Source details : South Northamptonshire (Sep 1988)
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Source Number : 7
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Page(s) : 319
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Extant in C11
Monument End Date : 1099
Monument Start Date : 1066
Monument Type : Castle
Evidence : Documentary Evidence

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : In ruins in 1530s
Monument End Date : 1539
Monument Start Date : 1530
Monument Type : Castle
Evidence : Documentary Evidence

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Constructed 1574-1620
Monument End Date : 1620
Monument Start Date : 1574
Monument Type : Country House, Courtyard House
Evidence : Extant Building

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Major remodelling 1624-1635
Monument End Date : 1635
Monument Start Date : 1624
Monument Type : Country House
Evidence : Extant Building

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Alterations in the early C18
Monument End Date : 1732
Monument Start Date : 1700
Monument Type : Country House
Evidence : Extant Building

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Altered in 1748
Monument End Date : 1748
Monument Start Date : 1748
Monument Type : Country House
Evidence : Extant Building

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Hall rebuilt in 1771-1772
Monument End Date : 1772
Monument Start Date : 1771
Monument Type : Country House
Evidence : Extant Building

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Major renovation 1797-1807
Monument End Date : 1807
Monument Start Date : 1797
Monument Type : Country House
Evidence : Extant Building

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Altered in the 1890s
Monument End Date : 1899
Monument Start Date : 1890
Monument Type : Country House, Domestic Chapel
Evidence : Extant Building

Monument Period Name : 20th Century
Display Date : C20 alterations
Monument End Date : 1998
Monument Start Date : 1900
Monument Type : Country House
Evidence : Extant Building

Components and Objects:

Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : Listed Building List Entry Legacy Uid
External Cross Reference Number : 235416
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : NBR Index Number
External Cross Reference Number : 61855
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : SP 85 NE 2
External Cross Reference Notes :

Related Warden Records :

Associated Monuments :
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Related Activities :

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EVALUATION
Start Date : 1992-01-01
End Date : 1992-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : ARCHITECTURAL SURVEY
Start Date : 1995-11-14
End Date : 1995-11-14

Historic England Research Records

The Castle