Canons Ashby: A Majestic Tudor Manor with a Rich HistoryCanons Ashby: A Majestic Tudor Manor with a Rich History Nestled amidst scenic parkland, Canons Ashby is a magnificent Tudor country house with intricate gardens that holds a fascinating chapter in English history. Origins as an Augustinian Priory Before its transformation into an Elizabethan manor house, Canons Ashby was home to an Augustinian priory. Established in the 13th century, the priory was one of the first to succumb to Henry VIII’s Reformation in 1536. Its fate heralded the end of the monastic era in England. The Tudor Manor House The dissolved priory’s remains provided building materials for the construction of Canons Ashby Manor House. Sir Francis Bryan, a close friend of Henry VIII, repurposed the church into the present grand structure, albeit on a smaller scale than the original priory. The manor house boasts an impressive Painted Parlour, renowned for its trompe l’oeil decorations. This optical illusionary technique creates the illusion of depth and perspective, adding an enchanting touch to the room’s ambiance. St Mary’s Church The only surviving remnant of the medieval priory is St Mary’s Church, situated on the estate. Despite its smaller size, the church retains its historical significance and invites visitors to delve into the legacy of the Canons of Canons Ashby. Gardens and Parkland Canons Ashby is surrounded by breathtaking gardens that reflect different eras. Edward’s Garden, dating back to the 18th century, features colorful blooms, fruits, vegetables, and paddocks. The wider parkland reveals traces of medieval farming practices. Visitor Information Admission to Canons Ashby costs £13 for adults and £6.50 for children. National Trust members enjoy free entry. Visitors can explore the manor house, gardens, and parkland, and savor refreshments at the tearoom housed in the former stables. This magnificent Tudor estate offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, making it a delightful destination for a day trip or a memorable excursion into the past.
A magnificent Tudor country house with intricate gardens and beautiful parkland has a fascinating history as it was once a priory run by Augustinian priests. Although the historic priory is now less apparent, it was one of the first to fall during King Henry VIII’s famous reformation.
Canons Ashby is located in Daventry, Northamptonshire, approximately an hour and 45 minutes’ drive from Cambridge. Canons Ashby is an Elizabethan manor house, described as a “peaceful Tudor manor house”, built on the remains of a medieval Augustinian priory.
The National Trust said: “It was one of the first priories to be dissolved in 1536, having acquired a dubious reputation.”
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The Augustinian Priory was small, with a congregation of just 13 people. The National Trust explains that “The Augustinians were ordained priests, who worked among the lay community with pastoral care as part of their ethos.”
The beautiful gardens at Canon Ashby, once the site of an Augustinian priory(Image: National Trust Images/John Miller)
Over time the priory acquired a “dubious reputation” and was one of the first to be dissolved in 1536. “Sir Francis Bryan, a boyhood friend of Henry VIII, reduced the church to its present size – about a quarter of the original size of the priory. Remnants that were removed and recycled can be seen in the manor house.”
The only remaining part of this historic 13th century monastery is St Mary’s Church on the estate, where you can still experience the story of the Canons of Canons Ashby.
Although the church has become smaller, the Tudor house is very impressive. One of the most famous rooms is the Painted Parlour, which is as beautiful as it sounds, and features clever “trompe l’oeil (trick of the eye) decoration.
The Tudor Manor House is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland(Image: National Trust Images/John Miller)
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The estate also has beautiful gardens to stroll through, including one called Edward’s Garden which dates back to the eighteenth century and has colourful flowers, fruit, vegetables and paddocks. The gardens are surrounded by wider parkland with evidence of medieval farming.
After exploring this beautiful estate, you can stop for a cup of tea or coffee in a tearoom in the old stables. There is also a small shop in the old Victorian coach house.
Admission to Canons Ashby costs £13 for adults and £6.50 for children. National Trust members are of course free. More information can be found on the National Trust website.
