Display case showing variety of framed embroideries and greetings cards.

Embroidering Ashby Buildings

Every year, the little market town of Ashby de la Zouch has an Arts Festival. These tiny framed embroideries always receive positive comments and sales. The natural quality of the freestyle machine or free-motion stitches depict the quirky character of some of Ashby’s older buildings.

Framed embroidery of The Tap at 76 next to pound coin for scale.

The Tap @ 76

When I first moved to Ashby, number 76 Market Street was a cafe run by a lovely chappie with a genuine Ashbien accent. ( I was very upset that locals weren’t called Zouchians!) It is now a micropub run by Tollgate Brewery. When it was refurbished, the focus was placed on showing off the internal beams. Parts of this building are from the 15th century. In the 1850s it was a hatters and hosiers and it had been an agent for Marston’s Brewery.

Embroidery of Ashby de la Zouch's Town Hall.

The Town Hall

Next door to The Tap @ 76 is number 74 The Town Hall built in 1856. As you enter the gateway, there are now two shops, one either side. On the right hand side, there is a stairway leading to an enormous room across the width of the building. This is the town hall part which was used for social events. Behind the main entrance, is a renovated Victorian-style Indoor Market.

The Royal Hotel

In the early 1800s, Ashby became a spa town. The Royal Hotel was originally named The Hastings Hotel and built in 1828 for visitors to the Bath Spa nearby, (demolished in 1962). The Ashby Arts Festival once had it’s Open Exhibition there before it finally closed as a hotel in 2018. I remember the impressive staircase, one of the reasons for it’s listed status. Future plans are to restore the hotel and build houses on the site of the Bath Spa and it’s water storage tank.

The Lamb

The Lamb coaching inn was originally situated on the site of the Town Hall, number 74. It was demolished in 1856. Just to confuse you the name, The Lamb, was given to another public house at 56 Market Street, The Saracen’s Head. Records show it was owned in 1765 but by its construction could be 1600.

Further Ashby Designs

The above is just a sample of the twenty four designs I’ve made of buildings in Ashby de la Zouch. There is such a wealth of interesting buildings from the castle to small courtyards and mews. If you would like more information on it’s history try www.nwleics.gov.uk or www.ashbytowncouncil.gov.uk. The Ashby Arts Festival is the 11th and 12th May 2024.

Thank you for reading my Blog.

Sew Ashby de la Zouch