Ashwell can be explored through three distinct historical perspectives: archaeological traces of a medieval settlement, distinctive architectural features, and a village walk with a named starting point. You can choose whether you are most interested in history preserved underground, architecture, or individual landmarks in the village.

Traces of a Medieval Settlement

The Scheduled Monument includes parts of Ashwell’s medieval settlement, a watermill, mill ponds and gardens that belonged to a medieval manor house. It is listed in Rutland’s schedule of monuments. The settlement remains, along with the manor garden, watermill and mill ponds at Old Hall, are particularly well preserved. Their condition is visible in the form of earthworks and buried archaeological deposits. This offers a different perspective from looking at individual buildings: Ashwell’s history can also be explored through traces in the landscape and underground.

Architecture and Materials

The choice of materials at Ashwell Old Hall is distinctive: the walls are made of regularly coursed ashlar, red brickwork can be seen at the rear, and the roof is covered with Collyweston slate. This makes it possible to consider the building’s features and materials together, rather than describing its architecture only in terms of its date. Unlike the earthworks of the Scheduled Monument, the focus here is on features of the building itself. Those interested in tracing architectural history through materials and form will find a clear second focus in this combination.

Village Walk and Wishing Well

The Ashwell Village Walk starts at Ashwell Village Hall and passes the Ashwell Wishing Well near the junction with Langham Road. A historical village walk through Ashwell is available with a printable map. As route materials may be updated over time, check the latest version before setting out. The named starting point and waypoint give the walk a clear sense of direction: the Wishing Well is both part of the described route and a cultural and historical feature in its own right. It is an elaborate structure dating from the mid-19th century, with a religious message. This thematic emphasis sets the well apart from the medieval settlement traces.

Church of St Mary

The Church of St Mary stands in the largely undisturbed centre of Ashwell. It dates mainly from the 14th century and was restored by W. Butterfield in 1851. Inside is a wooden effigy of a Crusader dating from between 1280 and 1320. Taken together, these details point to different periods: the building’s history, its restoration, and the dating of an item of church furnishings. Visitors are welcome to attend services; plan your visit around a service and check the current times in advance.

The dates highlight different periods: the medieval settlement remains and the main construction period of St Mary represent a medieval focus, while the design of the Wishing Well and the restoration of the church provide later points of reference. The Crusader effigy is dated to 1280–1320, adding another distinct period to this picture.

Discover more destinations: North Luffenham, Uppingham, Seaton, Cottesmore, Lyddington, Morcott, Langham, Greetham

For the regional travel overview: Rutland.