Blaby District Heritage Walk 6

Walk preview

1. 

   Step 1: Welcome to Route 6 of the Visit Blaby District Heritage Trails!

2. 

   Step 2: We will commence our walk at the beautiful ruins of Kirby Muxloe Castle - the castle was never finished and behind it is a fascinating story

3. 

   Step 3: The castle was actually never finished - its owner, Lord Hastings, was murdered before he oversaw it's completion

4. Step 4: The castle was commissioned by William, Lord Hastings, in 1480. He had risen to prominence in the late 15th century - where the War of the Roses was at its height - by successfully backing the Yorkist claim to the throne through Edward IV

5. Step 5: As a result of his support to the Yorkist King Edward IV, Lord Hastings was given extensive lands across Leicestershire and given permission to fortify a number of manor houses here, one of which being Kirby Muxloe Castle.

6. Step 6: However, with the brutal backdrop of civil war, fortunes could turn quickly. After Edward IV passed in 1483, the crown went to his young son, Edward V. However, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, moved quickly to have himself named Lord Protector