Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Castle Ashby House (or just The Castle) is a country house at Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. It is a leading example of the Elizabethan prodigy house, with a Palladian section closing the front courtyard added in the 18th century. The original castle came about as the result of a licence obtained in 1306 by Walter Langton, Bishop of Coventry, to castellate his mansion. In 1512 William Compton purchased Castle Ashby. In 1574 his grandson, Henry Compton pulled down the mediæval castle and started the present building. The house was originally built as an ‘E’ shape to celebrate the reign of Elizabeth I but in 1635 the front façade was added by Inigo Jones, thus creating the courtyard. In the Civil War the family fought on the side of the King during which the east front of the house was set on fire and severely damaged. The marks of the flames can still clearly be seen on the lintels of the windows. The house boasted a succession of Royal visitors; Elizabeth in 1600 and James I in 1605. In 1695 William III also visited the Estate and was instrumental in introducing the concept of creating impressive avenues in the gardens. In 1761 Capability Brown removed those to the North and West and replaced the one to the East with clumps of trees. This left the one to the South which stretches for three and a half miles to the old deer park. Early in the 19th century the 9th Earl Compton and 1st Marquess did much work in the house. It is within the council area of West Northamptonshire.
Historic England Listing 1000385.

Place Type: Historic House
Historic County: Northamptonshire
Lat, Long: 52.224718,-0.73769599
Grid Reference: SP 8632 5925
Civil Parish: Castle Ashby CP
Council Area: West Northamptonshire CA
Police Area: Northamptonshire PA

GBPN ID: 304902
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Castle_Ashby_House,_Northamptonshire_304902

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