Donington Le Heath Manor House

Time: 1620
Location: Donington le Heath Manor House

The Donington le Heath manor house dates from 1620s. It is located near Leicester, just  southwest of Coalville. We found it a bit difficult to find, down some winding roads and signage was a bit poor, but eventually we came to it.

Sir Everard Digby

The house has recently undergone a massive renovation. It is a great example of a house built in the 13th century and then "modernised" in the 16th. Many families have owned the house, but it is the Digbys who we are interested in. They were connected to the Gunpowder plot of 1605 through Sir Everard Digby.

Before the house was purchased by the County, it was used as a pigsty, upstairs and downstairs. It is a terrible thought to think of this ancient building being used in such a careless and damaging manner!

This house is unique in that visitors are invited to interact with any of the furnishings inside. They are not original to the home and most are modern reproductions. You can sit at the table and pretend to have a meal. You can try on the clothing hanging on the hooks. I am not sure if you can sleep on the beds. I did not ask about that.

And speaking of beds, there is a Richard III connection with this house. Apparently THE BED that Richard slept in on his last night is reputed to be here at Donington. Now it is unrecognisable as an inn bed, with grand hangings from four posts. They think it is possible that the bottom portion of the bed, the part that is the threaded with the ropes to hold up the mattresses could possibly be THE BED, but it is questionable. It is really uncertain even how it came to be in this particular home. But it makes a good story!

Doniington is also reputed to have ghosts. People have seen a housemaid and a man in 17th Century clothing, reputed to be Sir Everard. Some ghost hunters have also recorded what they believe to be Richard III in the room with THE BED, although why King Richard would be connected to the bed since he didn't die there is the big question in my mind.

Now that the manor house is reopened, they will be hosting a number of events, including reenactments, crafts, talks, and fairs. 

   

Agincourt at the Guildhall

Time: 1415
Location: Agincourt, France and Guildhall, Leicester

One thing I have been lucky enough to do this trip is to go see a show at the Leicester Guildhall, a beautiful timber framed hall dating from about 1390. It was the meeting place of the Guild of Corpus Christi, a small group of powerful businessmen in Leicester. The hall was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1926, and it is one of the city's gems.

National comedian Anthony King has performed many shows at the Guildhall, including one on Richard III, which I will see later. His shows feature history told through comedic songs, sung by Anthony who accompanies himself simply on the guitar. Audience participation is often encouraged.

Today's show was about the Battle of Agincourt, upon the occasion of its 600 anniversary. During the Hundred Years' War, England under Henry V went to war with France. The battle was won for England, with only 400 English dead and 6,000 French. As a result, Henry V was recognised as heir to the French throne and the regent of France. Unfortunately his victory didn't last long, as he died a few short years later from camp fever.

What is especially fun about these musical programmes is that they are performed in the Guildhall's library, a room with bookshelves and timbers and lots of atmosphere at the top of the hall. The hall was built before the events taking place in the song, so it is easy to imagine coming to the Guildhall back in 1416 and being told the news of the battle.

We will go back this week to hear the Richard III concert. There is promise of a new song about the Leicester City Football Club, the new Premier League champions!

Kirby Muxloe Castle

Time: 1480
Location: Kirby Muxloe Castle

I have just arrived to England and what else would I do but visit a castle!

Kirby Muxloe Castle is in a small village near Leicester. It is an English Heritage property and open on certain days, including Saturday. We decided this would be a great start to my visit.

This castle was begun as a home by William, Lord Hastings in 1480. It was planned to be a family home and very elegant. It is one of the first brick buildings in the county, brick being a foreign building material and brickmaking skills had to be taught to local artisans. Most castles before this were made from local stone.

Kirby Muxloe Castle was never finished.

Lord Hastings was executed for treason by Richard III, and his widow, Katherine, was unable to complete the work or decided not to live there after all.

Now all that remains is one corner tower and a central block with a courtyard, surrounded by a moat.

Remaining Tower

Opening for the Gate