Braunston and Ashby St Ledgers Walk

Another sunny warm September walk, we really are being spoiled with the weather at the moment. Bit of a historical route lined up today.

However we start off on the canal , seem to have spent a lot of time by the water one way or another this last few months.   

 

We walk towards the Braunston Tunnel, just in time to see a Narrow-boat emerge. Braunston Tunnel is 2,042 yards (1,867 m) in length with no towpath.It was opened in 1796 and has three air shafts along the length. 

The plaque on the wall marks the opening of the tunnel. 

Bawdy boat name !

We continue canalside until we reach Braunston locks and then the Marina. The canalside pub 'The Admiral Nelson seems to be doing a good trade at least!

The marina lies at the crossroads of the Grand Union and Oxford canals, and indeed of the whole waterways.

Canal Airshaft

We cross over the bridge at the Marina and head towards the village of  Ashby St Ledgers (Jurassic Way).  Our first port of call is at The Olde Coach House Inn. A nice pint of Tribute Cornish Pale Ale goes down well.  Suitably refreshed we continue into the village. 

There are some beautiful thatched cottages in the village. I liked this quirky looking house in particular. It's clock tower was very striking (no pun intended) . The large horses heads on the gateposts are interesting too, maybe a veiled warning ? 

Mentioned in the Domesday book 'Ascebi' (ash tree settlement)The population of 173 (last census 2011) are keeping a low profile and it is eerily quiet. 

 

We keep walking straight through the village towards the church of St Leodegarius.  Looking to our left there really is some famous history to be seen! 

The Manor

It is said that the room above is where the Gunpowder plot was hatched. The Gunpowder Plot was a failed attempt to blow up England’s King James I (1566-1625) and the Parliament on November 5, 1605. The plot was organized by Robert Catesby (c.1572-1605) in an effort to end the persecution of Roman Catholics by the English government. Catesby and others hoped to replace the country’s Protestant government with Catholic leadership.

Church of St Leodegarius.

The manor was passed down the male family line to Robert Catesby.

The manor's central location was convenient to the houses of the Catesbys' many friends and relations, which supposedly made Ashby St Ledgers a type of 'Command Centre' during the planning of the Gunpowder plot.  In the room above the Gatehouse, with its privacy from the main house and clear view of the surrounding area, Robert Catesby, his servant Thomas Bates and the other conspirators are said to have planned a great deal of the Gunpowder Plot.

 

 

We leave the village passing the Old Dairy, the sign shows that it is still owned by the Crown. The Crown Estate purchased the Ashby St. Ledgers estate in October 2005. 

At the junction we take the path that is in the direction of Welton. It's a nice part of the walk across several fields although there is quite a steep uphill finish as you approach the village.

A nice little walk at just over 7 miles.

St Martins Church Welton