Ashwell: Medieval Settlement Remains and Village History

Ashwell is a destination for travellers interested in medieval settlement remains and historic village architecture. Its historic character includes archaeological remains as well as the Church of St Mary, Ashwell Old Hall and the Ashwell Wishing Well. You can explore Ashwell through different themes—from the archaeological landscape to church and architectural history.

Medieval traces at Old Hall

The Scheduled Monument includes parts of the medieval settlement of Ashwell, a watermill, mill ponds and gardens that belonged to a medieval manor house. The medieval settlement remains, along with the manor garden, watermill and mill ponds at Old Hall, are particularly well preserved as earthworks and buried archaeological deposits. The historical story therefore encompasses not only individual buildings, but also the surviving structure of a settlement and its associated features.

The medieval settlement remains, watermill and gardens are also listed among Rutland’s Scheduled Monuments. The form of the remains is also important in understanding them: earthworks and buried deposits sit alongside the architectural history of individual buildings. This gives Ashwell an archaeological focus that differs from an approach based solely on façades.

The architecture of Old Hall and St Mary

At Ashwell Old Hall, the architectural details can be described precisely: the walls are built of regularly coursed ashlar, red brickwork is also used at the rear, and the roof is covered with Collyweston slate. In contrast to the earthworks and deposits of the settlement remains, this is a matter of the materials used in a single building. Both perspectives give Ashwell’s history a distinct architectural or archaeological dimension.

The Church of St Mary stands in the largely undisturbed centre of Ashwell. Its origins date back to the 12th century; the church is mainly from the 14th century. W. Butterfield restored it in 1851. Inside is a wooden effigy of a crusader knight dating from between 1280 and 1320. The church welcomes visitors to its services; service arrangements may change. If you plan to attend, check the latest information in advance.

Village walk and Ashwell Wishing Well

A historic village walk through Ashwell is available with a printable map. The route guide for the Ashwell Village Walk was updated in 2020; it names Ashwell Village Hall as the starting point and passes the Ashwell Wishing Well near the junction with Langham Road. As route materials may be updated over time, check the map you intend to use before your visit.

The Ashwell Wishing Well is an ornate mid-19th-century structure with a religious message. On the walk, it is a named waypoint alongside the settlement history and the architecture of Old Hall and St Mary. The walk therefore provides a specific route description, while the other historical themes explore different aspects of architectural and local history.

If you are choosing between these themes for your stay, the walk offers a named starting point and waypoint, while the medieval settlement remains draw attention to the archaeological structure of the place. Old Hall and St Mary add to the picture with specific building materials, restoration history and a historic object inside the church. This allows you to choose Ashwell based on the themes that interest you most on your trip.

Discover more destinations: Seaton, Uppingham, Greetham, Empingham, Cottesmore, Oakham, Langham, Clipsham.

For the overview of the wider area: Rutland.