Step back in time with Castles & Battles Trail, aninformative and useful guide detailing some ofthe most influential and historical events inBritain from the Battle of Bosworth to the Battleof Naseby and glorious castles from Rockinghamto Ashby.

To help make the most of your trail we have included a selection of other places you maywish to visit such as local museums where youcan see amazing artefacts such as the recentlydiscovered 2,000-year-old Roman cavalry helmet at Harborough Museum.

Whilst in the area, why not enjoy lunch at one ofthe gastro pubs featuring locally sourced produce,afternoon tea at a country house, or dinner at anaward winning restaurant. There is so much tosee you'll need more than a day to explore, so whynot visit goleicestershire.com/castles&battles for special accommodation offers.

This brochure is produced by Leicester Shire Promotions Limited, the official destinationmanagement organisation for Leicester and Leicestershire, funded by Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council. All information was believed to be correct atthe time of going to press. Leicester Shire Promotions cannot accept liability forinaccuracies, omissions or subsequent alterations in information supplied. You are advised to check opening times, prices, etc with establishments before your visit. Hallaton treasure photos courtesy of Leicestershire County Council.

Brought to you by in partnership with

CASTLES &

TRAILBATTLES

Brought to you by

in partnership with FREE

Leicestershire, Rutland & Northamptonshire

"Keep it under your hat........" where archerskept their spare bow strings.

More roundshot have been found on thefieldat Bosworth than found on all of the medieval battlefields of Europe put together.

DID

YOU

KNOW?

Trail 2

Naseby and Nearby

...that the origin of Western parliamentary democracy can be

traced very largely to the Battle ofNaseby?

...that Naseby was the first major battle of what was to be-come the British Army?

DID

YOU

KNOW?

Trail 3

Rockingham and Harborough

Charles I and the Royalist troops usedMarket Harborough as their base beforethe Battle of Naseby and then retreated tothe town after defeat.

Market Harborough was an important centre during the Nasebycampaign because it was the only crossing point of the river Welland.

DID

YOU

KNOW?

Trail 4

Oakham Castle and Rutland

Oakham is the finishing point for The Viking Way, a 147 mile footpath which

starts near the Humber Bridge in North Lincolnshire.

The Great Hall of Oakham Castle is one of thefinest examples of Norman domestic architecture in England.

DID

YOU

KNOW

?

Trail 5

Leicester and Kirby Muxloe Castle

The Castle Hotel has a secret undergroundpassage to the Castle discovered in 1975.

J. M. Barrie, the author of "Peter Pan", spent many hours in the Great Court as a newspaperreporter.

Kirby Muxloe Castle was never finished because King Richard III executed the owner William, Lord Hastings, in his push for thethrone in 1483.

DID

YOU

KNOW

?

Welcome

Places to Eat & Drink Colourworks Restaurant, Castle ParkWith beautiful riverside views opposite the historical Castle Gardens, serving, lunch, dinner, Sunday carvery with free parking during evenings andweekends.The Red Cow, Leicester Forest EastThe Red Cow started out in the 1650s as a very small inn within a row ofcottages. Enjoy a quiet spot by the roaring log-fire or make the best of theBritish summertime and dine alfresco in the beer garden at this quaintthatched inn.The Castle Hotel, Kirby MuxloeThis fine building was constructed in the 1630s as a farmhouse for nearbyKirby Muxloe Castle and the delightful restaurant is full of character andcharm with its oak beams and period features.

Places to Eat & Drink The White Horse, Empingham (near Losecoat Field)A village courthouse retaining its original features offering a selection of traditional and modern cuisine.Barnsdale Garden Centre Once owned by Geoff Hamilton (Gardeners World) and still runby the family today. An inspiring place to visit and ideal for afternoon tea.Whipper Inn, OakhamA delightful 17th century coaching inn, situated within the MarketPlace and close to Oakham Castle offering a modern cuisine.

Places to Eat & Drink Three Swans Hotel, Market Harborough This 16th century coaching inn blends traditional hospitality with the comfort of a modern hotel, providing excellent food and a warm welcome. Angel Hotel, Market Harborough A former coaching inn, the Angel Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with a quaint and cosy lounge ideal for relaxing after a busy day. Bewicke Tearooms at Bewicke Arms, Hallaton This award winning Tea Room serves clotted cream teas, lunches and a varied selection of homemade cakes and savouries.

Places to Eat & Drink The Red Lion at Sibbertoft A contemporary restaurant offering modern British cuisine and winners of The Publican Food & Drink awards ‘Wine Pub of the Year 2010’ and finalist of Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2011/2012. The Bulls Head at ClipstonThis is a 17th century inn steeped in history. The traditional oak beams have coins inserted into the cracks, placed there by Americanairmen during World War II. The Royal Oak, NasebyTraditional interior complemented by two open fires and a real life oak tree propping up the bar! Offering a selection of home cooked food.

Leicester Castle Situated by the River Soar, Leicester Castle was originally a Saxonstronghold rebuilt by the Normans in 1068, but the earliest stonestructure is believed to have been that built by Robert de Beaumont,1st Earl of Leicester, in 1107. Remains of the Norman motte, or centralmound, can still be seen. The former Great Hall of Leicester Castlestill exists today, which was converted into a County Court in the19th century. It is a Grade I listed building, and is located withinthe Castle courtyard. Adjacent to the hall is the 'Dungeon' or Johnof Gaunt’s cellar. Both the hall and the cellar are occasionally openfor public tours. A short walk from Leicester Castle is Castle Gardens,a picturesque garden ideal for a picnic or a relaxing stroll. A statueof King Richard III stands near the entrance to the park.Newarke Houses MuseumThe museum consists of two historical houses, Wygston's ChantryHouse and Skeffington House and tells the story of 20th centuryLeicester and the history of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment. Discover more about the story of Leicester at war. Through personalstories find out about the home front and the history of the Regiment,including a recreation of a First World War trench with sound andlighting.Kirby Muxloe CastleThis picturesque fortified mansion was built for Lord Hastings,who was dramatically seized and executed by Richard III in 1483.Explore the atmospheric moated remains including the fine gatehouse and a complete corner tower of this brick-built mansion.Make it part of an enjoyable day out with a picnic in the groundsor take a walk around the moat.

Oakham Castle The Great Hall was built by Walkelin de Ferrers, a Norman baron,in about 1180 and was the residence of the Lord of the Manor ofOakham and was occasionally visited by the King. By the early16th century many of the buildings were ruinous. However theGreat Hall continued in use as a courtroom.The hall is famous for its large collection of horseshoes given tothe castle by peers of the realm when they visit and include onepresented by HRH Prince of Wales in 2003 and the oldest beingfrom Edward IV in around 1470.Rutland Heritage TrailThe trail is a circular walk and cycle route where nearly two thousandyears ago, the invading Roman army made its way northwardsalong the route of Ermine Street, pausing in Great Casterton tobuild a camp to protect a strategic bridge over the River Gwash.Many hundreds of years later in March 1470, soldiers were to marchthis way again. Two medieval armies, bearing the red and whiteroses of Lancaster and York, met at the Battle of Losecoat Field.Rutland County Museum This museum provides a fascinating insight into the smallestcounty in England's rural past. Housed within the spectacular indoor riding school of the Rutland Fencible Cavalry, the museumfeatures displays on archaeology, social history and rural life.Children's activities available every half term and holidays, eventsand temporary exhibitions available throughout the year. SPECIAL OFFERSFor special offers and accommodation dealsthroughout Leicestershire, Rutland &Northamptonshire, visit

goleicestershire.com/castles&battles

Naseby – The BattleOne of the most important battles on British soil was fought at Naseby on 14 June 1645. It was here that Parliament’s New Model Army destroyed Charles 1’s Royalist army and struck the decisive blowin the First Civil War, leading eventually to parliamentary ascendancyand the constitutional monarchy we have today. This was a battle of ideas, and our history could have been very different if the King had won. Naseby – The Battlefield TrailThe Naseby Battlefield Trail consists of 8 viewing points and information boards over approximately 10 square miles, with additional information boards in Market Harborough. The Trail is best accessedby car, with short walks to the viewing points. There is ample walking if desired, although public access is limited in some areas. Most of the viewing points are accessible to wheelchairs. Naseby & Harborough ConnectionWithin a few hours of the battle, Oliver Cromwell took up his pen in Market Harborough (he spelled it "Haverbrowe" ) and wrote his famous report on the victory. Many of the survivors from the battle were locked up in St Dionysius church in the town centre and the following day over 4,000 of them were marched down to Northampton on their way to London. There is a small display about the Battle of Naseby in Harborough Museum. Abington Park Museum The museum includes the history of the Northamptonshire Regiment and the Northamptonshire Yeomanry. The museum is a Grade 1 listed building in the heart of the beautiful Abington Park and was once the home of Shakespeare’s granddaughter.

Rockingham Castle Visitors will immediately understand why William the Conqueror ordered a castle to be built here overlooking the beautiful Welland Valley. Richard the Lionheart played host to his Scottish counterpart here and Henry VIII granted the castle to Edward Watson, ancestor of the present owner. Rockingham Castle was also taken by Cromwell's Roundheads and then besieged by the King's troops and during the Victorian era the castle entertained famous guests such as Charles Dickens. Take a tour of the castle and a stroll in the beautiful 17th century terraced gardens. Rockingham Castle also has tea rooms and a gift shop and is home to a wide range of special events throughout the year. Harborough MuseumHarborough Museum, housed in the old corset factory, is set in the historic12th century town of Market Harborough. The museum plays host to the Hallaton Treasure, consisting of 5,000 gold and silver coins plus a Roman silver-gilt helmet discovered near the village of Hallaton in Leicestershire. Harborough Museum acts as an information resource for the townand surrounding area and includes a display about the Battle of Naseby and is the start of the town trail. The Hallaton Helmet at Harborough Museum The Roman cavalry helmet, found at the Hallaton shrine, was buried by a local Iron Age tribe around the time that the Romans invaded Britain in AD 43. It was no ordinary helmet. Decorated in silver-gilt, the crown features a wreath, the Roman symbol of military victory.

Trail 1

Bosworth Battlefield and Beyond

Places to Eat & Drink The Tithe Barn RestaurantSituated at the Heritage Centre, this beautiful oak beamed barn offers an extensive daily menu of hearty meals and light lunches using predominantly locally produced ingredients. Sutton Wharf at Sutton CheneySutton Wharf, near Bosworth Battlefield, is a delightful place to stop and enjoy lunch as you watch the boats drift by. The Royal Arms at Sutton CheneySituated in the idyllic rolling countryside, The Royal Arms is a renowned 4 star restaurant and inn, perfect for that rustic dining experience.

Discover the dramatic story of the Battle of BosworthBosworth is one of the three most important battles fought on British soil. It is the site where the Battle of Bosworth took place in 1485, and infamous as the place where King Richard III lost his life and crown to Henry Tudor and thus where the Tudor dynasty was born. Battle of Bosworth Heritage Centre & Country ParkBattle of Bosworth Heritage Centre & Country Park was set up on and around Ambion Hill in the 1970s to tell the story of the dramatic events of 1485 in this beautiful, rural part of Leicestershire. Explore the world of medieval warfare in the award winning, interactive exhibition and meet characters from the battle, pull a longbow, try on some armour and discover how the Battlefield was lost and found! Bosworth Battlefield Trail Discover the intriguing story of the Battle of Bosworth, whilst enjoying fine views of the surrounding countryside. The trail is 1.25miles (2.2km) long with 17 information posts, some with audio, which show the Battle in the landscape. The trail also includes a beautiful walk-through sundial, which commemorates the dead from the Battle and features the seats of power held by King Richard III, Henry Tudor and Thomas, Lord Stanley. The panoramic view from beneath Richard III's huge battle standard gives visitors a chance to see across to the actual Battlefield, which was rediscovered by a large scale landscape survey in 2009. Visitors wanting a longer walk can make their way down to the Battlefield along a network of footpaths. Battlefield Line Railway - Shackerstone StationOnce you've explored the Battlefield, visit the Battlefield Line Railway which runs from Shackerstone via Market Bosworth and has been in operation since 1873. The station is a Grade 2 listed building and it also features a museum with Victorian-themed cafe and a gift shop.

The sites and buildings you can visit alongthese trails are all steeped in the turbulenthistory of England and each one has a taleto tell - even the sites where little remainsand those whose detailed histories have not survived the centuries. This area has seen its fair share of militarystruggles over the centuries, with feudingnobles, rebels challenging Royal power andlong periods of all-out civil war. As thethreat of violence came and went withinthe area, local castles were strengthened,slighted, rebuilt and many then finally demolished. The family struggle now known as the Warsof the Roses rampaged throughout thecountry for nearly 20 years. This series ofbattles included the Battle of Northampton,where two Kings of England faced eachother in 1460, and ended in 1471 with theYorkist victory at Tewkesbury. Civil warthen resurfaced 14 years later with the Battle of Bosworth, where on 22nd August1485 King Richard III was killed and therebel Henry Tudor gained the EnglishCrown, heralding a new and tumultuousage for England.As with the Wars of the Roses, the most decisive battle of 'The English Civil War'took place in the region. The Battle of Naseby,fought on 14th June 1645, sealed the fate of the Royalist army and of Charles I. It wasthis 17th century civil war that led to thefinal downfall of many of our great castles.

you may also like to explore the followingmuseums and places whilst you are visitingthe area

ASHBy DE LA ZOuCH CASTLEThe castle was originally a manor house inthe 12th century and reached castle statusin the 15th century. Find out about the castle’scolourful history and how Edward IV’sChamberlain, Lord Hastings, added thechapel and the impressive Hastings Tower.Visitors can still climb the tower today withimpressive views from the top! Don’t missout on discovering the underground passagetoo from the kitchen to the tower which canstill be explored today.Tel:01530 413343www.english-heritage.org.ukASHBy MuSEuM The museum is located in North Street nextto the library and tourist information. Permanent displays include a model ofAshby Castle in Tudor times as well as theZouche and Hastings galleries. The museumpresents the history of the town from ancienttimes to the modern day and won theLeicestershire and Rutland Heritage Awardfor Museum of the Year in 2007 and 2010.Tel: 01530 560090www.ashbydelazouchmuseum.org.uk/

Blue Boar InnThe 'Blue Boar' was one of the best-known inns in Leicester during the 16th century, as Richard III sleptthere the night before the battle of Bosworth in 1485.At the time of the Battle it was called The White Boar Inn,but the name was then changed to The Blue Boar followingRichard's defeat at Bosworth. The Inn was eventually demolished in 1836.King Richard III's BedDonington le Heath Manor House, near Coalville, is hometo a large, oak four poster bed from the Blue Boar Inn. Tradition tells us that this is the very bed in which RichardIII slept on his way to the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. It ispossible that the very bottom of the bed may date fromthe late 15th century, but the rest is at least 100 yearslater. Queen Elizabeth's Horseshoe at Oakham Castle!The walls inside the old hall are decorated with over 200horseshoes, left by visiting dignitaries and royalty. Theorigin of this tradition has never been proved though thelink to the de Ferrers family name is generally undisputed.Ferrier was the Norman French word for farrier and thehorseshoe has been a symbol of the de Ferrers familysince Henry de Ferrers arrived in England in 1066. One of the horseshoes adorning the wall is said to have comefrom the horse of Queen Elizabeth I. Why is the battle of Empingham called the battle ofLosecoat Field?As the rebels fled from the field they discarded their coatsor livery jackets, either to speed their departure or to losethe heraldic emblems which would have condemned themas traitors. It is believed this is why the battle of Empinghambecame known as the battle of Losecoat Field.

BELVOIR CASTLEThe present Castle is the fourth to havestood on the site since Norman times. Theexisting Castle was completed in the early19th century after previous buildings sufferedcomplete or partial destruction during theWars of the Roses, the Civil War and a majorfire in 1816. From the elegance of the Elizabeth Saloon and the majesty of theState Dining Room to the delights of the Regents Gallery and the military splendourof the Guard Room, Belvoir possesses one of the most stunning interiors of the period.Tel: 01476 871002www.belvoircastle.com

History Local Myths

& Legends

KEYPlaces to visit

Motorway

Main Roads

Secondary Roads

DONINGTON LE HEATH MANOR HOuSEMuSEuMDonington le Heath Manor House is a surviving example of a family home builtaround seven hundred years ago and modernised in 1618. The manor house hasbeen home to many families and was onceowned by Everard Digby, one of the Gunpowder Plotters. The 13th century stone Manor House, renovated in the 17th century, is now a museum showing how people lived in medieval, Tudor and Stuart times.Tel: 01530 831259www.leics.gov.uk/donington

Little-known castles, whosewalls have long since fallen

Groby Castle Hill, LeicestershireThe castle is thought to havebeen built by Hugh deGrandmesnil in the late 11thcentury and the defenceswere torn down by KingHenry II a hundred yearslater. Time Team recently excavated the domestic buildings of the castle whichdate to the 13th century. Thecastle mound can be seenfrom Groby churchyard.Great Casterton, Woodhead CastleA stone-walled and moatedsite, with internal domesticearthworks and an enclosure,sited on high ground with extensive views of the surrounding countryside.Earl Shilton, LeicestershireThis castle is believed to havebeen built by Robert le Bossu,Earl of Leicester. Its wallswere probably demolished,along with most of the Earl of Leicester’s castles, on the orders of Henry II after thefailed rebellion of 1273. Themotte and bailey earthworkssurvive by the church.Hinckley Castle,LeicestershireThe town park now restsinside the bailey banks of themotte and bailey castle, whichon several occasions acted asthe East Midland’s base forthe Kings of England.

Castle Donington, Leicestershire The original castle is thought to have been built in the early12th century and is mentionedin the agreement of c.1150,very little survives today. Beaumont Chase, Rutland A motte and concentric doublebailey castle stands on ‘CastleHill’, a natural promontoryoverlooking the western extent of the Royal Forest ofLeicestershire and Rutland. The castle was probably builtin King Stephen's reign (1135-54) to protect and administer his hunting grounds.Sauvey Castle, Withcote,LeicestershireA ringwork and bailey castle,built in the reign of Stephen(1135-54) as a Royal huntinglodge at the confluence of several small tributaries ofthe River Chater. Whitwick, Leicestershire A motte and bailey castle builton a natural hill. The castle washeld by the Earl of Leicester inthe mid-12th century, byWilliam de Senevill for KingJohn in 1204 . The castle moundsurvives near the church. Lilbourne, near Rugby,NorthantsLilbourne Castle, on the banksof the River Avon and theLeicestershire border, is an impressive 11th century motteand bailey castle, founded bythe Earl of Leicester. The castleis unusual as the motte protectstwo small baileys, which aresurrounded by banks almostas high as the motte itself. In1218 Henry III ordered itstimber walls to be pulled down.

MAGAZINE GATEWAy, CITy CENTREBuilt as the main gateway into The Newarkefrom the town, Magazine Gateway was usedas a munitions store during the English CivilWar, and was incorporated into the barracksin 1894. It was isolated in the middle of thering road until recent developments to DeMontfort University made it more accessibleand has since become part of MagazineSquare.

ST MARy DE CASTRO CHuRCH, CITy CENTRESt Mary de Castro means ‘St Mary of the Castle’ and the Church was first built as thechapel of Leicester Castle. The castle andchurch were built by Henry, Earl of Leicester,in 1107. This was 41 years after the Battleof Hastings in 1066 which began the NormanConquest.King Henry VI became King in 1422 whenhe was only a baby and in 1426 when hewas 5 years old he was made a Knight in StMary’s. Afterwards his horse was broughtin and he rode out of the West door scatteringmoney to the people in the Castle.www.stmarydecastro.org.uk

HALLATON MuSEuMSituated in the heart of this picturesque village, just off the High Street, this small museum examines the history of the village.The exhibition 'Rituals, Hoards and Helmets'tells the story of the finding of The HallatonTreasure. Guided tours of the village andmotte and bailey available on request.Tel: 01858 555305

HALLATON CASTLE MOuNDHallaton is the best preserved example of amotte and bailey in Leicestershire and Rutland.Although there is no documentary evidencefor this castle, it is possible that it formedthe administrative centre of an estate. GeoffreyAlselin is recorded as owning the area inthe Domesday Book. It is unusually 600mfrom the church and overlooked from thewest, but very visible from the old LeicesterWay, so perhaps sited for status as much asfor defence. 19th century excavations found evidence of iron smelting inside the bailey.

SPECIAL OFFERSFor special offers and accommodation dealsthroughout Leicestershire, Rutland &Northamptonshire, visit goleicestershire.com/castles&battles

INFORMATION FOR GROUPSMany of the museums and attractions listed within this guide offer special rates forgroup bookings. We can also offer bespoke itineraries and tours for groups. Please call0116 299 6666 or visit goleicestershire.com/castles&battles for more information.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

For more information please visit: www.goleicestershire.com/castles&battles

Trail 1Trail 5

Trail 4

Trail 3

Trail 2SPECIAL OFFERSFor special offers and accommodation dealsthroughout Leicestershire, Rutland &Northamptonshire, visit

goleicestershire.com/castles&battles

Leicester7-9 Every Street, Town Hall Square, Leicester, LE1 6AG tel: 0844 888 5181 Ashby de la Zouch North Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1HUtel: 01530 411 767

RutlandRutland Water Nature Reserve,Egleton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8BTtel: 01572-770651NorthamptonshireRoyal and Derngate Theatres,Northampton, NN1 1DP Tel: 01604 838800

Castles in

Disguise

HARBOROuGH MuSEuM Harborough Museum, housed in the old corsetfactory, celebrates Market Harborough’s longhistory as a centre of trade and industry. Displays at the museum include the HallatonTreasure, a fantastic new exhibition displayingthe nationally important Iron Age and Romanfinds including 5,000 gold and silver coins anda Roman silver-gilt helmet. Also at the museumis the Battle of Naseby display which includesa town-trail detailing places of interest relatingto the battle. The museum also offers a unique selectionof gifts, souvenirs and publications.Tel: 01858 821 085www.leics.gov.uk/harboroughmuseumwww.naseby.com

JEWRy WALL MuSEuM, CITy CENTREDiscover the archaeology of Leicester’s pastand find out about the people of Leicesterfrom prehistoric times to the medieval period.The museum grounds contain one of Leicester’s most famous landmarks, the JewryWall, part of the Roman town's public bathsand thought to be one of the tallest survivingpieces of Roman masonry in the country.Tel: 0116 225 4971

Other things to

see and do