Ashby-de-la-Zouch: Seventeenth century life in a small market town

Book excerpt: In Ashby-de-la-Zouch the seventeenth century was a period of dramatic change. At the beginning of the century this small market town prospered as the Earls of Huntingdon, lords of the manor, played an active part in national politics and entertained Kings at their family home of Ashby castle. During the Civil War this castle became a Royalist stronghold and was besieged for sixteen months. After the war the victorious Parliamentarians ensured that the castle was made uninhabitable. When the monarchy was restored in 1660, the Earls of Huntingdon moved away to Castle Donington. "ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH - Seventeenth century life in a small market town" looks at the effect of national events on ordinary townspeople. The author was awarded a doctorate for his thesis on social and economic conditions in Ashby during this period. This book is a condensed and updated version of this thesis.