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Kirby Muxloe Castle

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

The beautiful remains of a moated 15th century mansion, left unfinished when its owner was executed for treason. The owner was William, Lord Hastings, who began work on Kirby Muxloe Castle in 1480, creating a fortified house of red brick surrounded by a wide moat.

There was already a 14th century house on the site, built by the Pakeman family, when Hastings began his castle. Remains of that first house can be seen within ther castle enclosure.

The Hastings family gained ownership of the Kirby Muxloe estate in 1460, and Lord Hastings demolished much of the earlier house in order to use the stone to build his new castle.

Work had only been going on for three years when Lord Hastings was caught up in the transition of power from Edward IV to Richard III. Hastings had been a firm a favourite of Edward, and actually supported Richard's claim to the throne. So it came as some surprise when, in JUne 1483, Richard had Hastings suddenly seized, charged with treason, and summarily executed. One theory is that Hastings refused to support Richard's plans to kill his young nephews, the so-called Princes in the Tower.

While we will probably never know the true reasons for Hasting's execution, the effect on Kirby Muxloe Castle was sudden and dramatic. Work ceased, and the site was abandoned.

The castle site is entered by way of an imposing gatehouse, and a strong three story tower stands silent watch over the moat. The moat encloses a site 110 metres long and 90 metres wide, while the island upon which the castle stands is 80 metres by 60 metres. The gatehouse and west tower are in red brick dressed with stone, making this one of the first groups of brick buildings in the Midlands.

Quite apart from the historic architecture, Kirby Muxloe is a gorgeous, romantic site, a time capsule of a bygone age.

Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, England, LE9 2DH

About Kirby Muxloe Castle
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: At Kirby Muxloe, on the western fringes of greater Leicester. Near junction 21A of the M1.
Website: Kirby Muxloe Castle
English Heritage
Location map
OS SK525044
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Jewry Wall, Leicester - 3.5 miles (Roman) Bosworth Battlefield and Country Park - 7.3 miles (Museum) Donnington-le-Heath Manor - 8.2 miles (Historic House) Ashby-de-la-zouch Castle - 12.8 miles (Castle) Twycross Zoo - 12.9 miles (Family) Staunton Harold Church - 12.9 miles (Church) Ashby Museum - 13 miles (Museum) Moira Furnace - 14.7 miles (Historic Property)

Nearest Towns and Villages Naseby - 19.3 miles away Derby - 22.4 miles away Woolsthorpe - 26.6 miles away Warwick - 28.8 miles away Barrowby - 29.6 miles away Castle Bytham - 30 miles away Grantham - 30.9 miles away Stamford - 31.1 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Kirby Muxloe Castle

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Elms Farm Lodge - 10.2 miles from Kirby Muxloe Castle Fleckney, Leicestershire Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £260

Elms Farm Cottage - 10.2 miles from Kirby Muxloe Castle Fleckney, Leicestershire Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £180

The Saddlery - 23 miles from Kirby Muxloe Castle Willoughby, Warwickshire Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £370

More Self Catering near Kirby Muxloe Castle

Nearest Hotels

Days Inn Leicester - 1.2 miles from Kirby Muxloe Castle Leicester, Leicestershire Stay from: £25.00

Leicester Central Premier Inn - 2.6 miles from Kirby Muxloe Castle Leicester, Leicestershire Stay from: £52.00

Leicester Marriott Hotel - 2.9 miles from Kirby Muxloe Castle Leicester, Leicestershire Stay from: £42.50

More Hotels near Kirby Muxloe Castle

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Campbells Hotel - 3 miles from Kirby Muxloe Castle Leicester, Leicestershire From: £27.50

Sunshine Cottage - 5 miles from Kirby Muxloe Castle Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire From: £42.00

Ambion Court Hotel - Winter B B Deals - 8.3 miles from Kirby Muxloe Castle Dadlington, Leicestershire From: £35.00

More bed and breakfasts near Kirby Muxloe Castle

Leicester
Tourist Information Centre
7/9 Every Street
Town Hall Square
Leicester
Leicestershire
England
LE1 6AG
Tel: 0844 888 5181
Fax: 01162 221 534
Email: info@goleicestershire.com
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