This picturesque fortified mansion was built for Lord Hastings, who was?dramatically seized and executed?by Richard III in 1483. Hastings? descendants still believe they have a direct line to the throne of England.
Explore the atmospheric moated remains, the fine gatehouse, and complete corner tower of this brick-built mansion, which have been extensively conserved by English Heritage. Make it part of an enjoyable family day out in Leicestershire with a picnic in the grounds or take a walk around the moat.
When he left a few hours later, it was to be dragged out onto Tower Green and hastily executed without trial. Few falls from grace in English history have been quite so?sudden or?so shocking ? even by the standards of the Wars of the Roses.
Born about 1430, William Hastings was the son of Sir Leonard of Kirby Muxloe, who became a retainer of Richard, Duke of York. By the time of Sir Leonard?s death in 1455 the rivalry between Yorkists and Lancastrians, the two branches of the royal house of Plantagenet, had escalated into war.