NorthamptonshireASHBYSTLEDGERSBlessedVirginMary(CC0)1

Blessed Virgin Mary & St Leodegarius

The church of the Catesby family, whose manor is famous for the Gunpowder Plot Room where the conspirators formulated their plan, and where Robert Catesby and Thomas Percy were supposedly felled by a single shot here.

Ashby St Ledgers, Northamptonshire

Oriau agor

Open daily 9am to 6pm.

Cyfeiriad

Ashby St Ledgers
Northamptonshire
CV23 8UN

The family, though, had held the manor here since mediaeval times and it was John Catesby who refashioned the church in the early 15th century. So much has that work been venerated that he might easily recognise his church today despite later enrichments. Not only does his architectural form survive but also the rood screen, pews, the wall paintings and even the iron studded oak door.

The Catesby’s tenure of these estates ceased shortly after Robert Catesby’s death. In 1612 the manor was sold to a prosperous London draper, John Jansen, who may well have been responsible for commissioning the triple decker pulpit and contemporary pews.

Almost a century later in 1703 the Jansen family sold the estate to another London merchant, Joseph Ashley. The Ashley family were to make room for themselves, or at least their memorials, along the chancel walls.

The final changes to the church were brought about by the next owner, Ivor Guest, 2nd Lord Wimbourne who acquired the Estate at the end of the 19th century. He not only commissioned Lutyens to transform the manor house and to build cottages but also to add further to this spot. Lutyens worked on and off at Ashby St Ledger for 30 years, 1908 to 1938.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Famous connections

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

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Er iddi gael ei llosgi yn ystod Gwrthryfel Glyndŵr yn 1401, mae gan Eglwys Sant Steffan hanes cystal ag unrhyw gastell, gyda chroglen ganoloesol brin ac organ a all fod yr hynaf yn y DU.