In the 12th century a hall was built on the site but it was not until the 15th century that the large, residential Warwick Tower was built.

William, Lord Hastings was granted a licence to crenellate in 1474, in the same period that he constructed his fortified house at Kirby Muxloe.

The keep was 95 feet tall with four floors and an extension on the north-east side had seven floors. The tower had its own well, a useful precaution in case of a siege.

Lord Hastings rose to Lord Chamberlain under Edward IV, a reward for his loyalty in the Wars of the Roses. However, after the king's death in 1483 Lord Hastings refused to support his successor, Richard III.

Richard had Hastings beheaded, a scene that was included in Shakespeare's 'Richard III'.

Ashby-De-La-Zouch Castle Opening Times
2008: 21 Mar-Jun: 10:00-17:00 Mon & Thur-Sun; Jul-Aug: 10:00-18:00 Mon-Sun; Sep-Oct: 10:00-17:00 Mon & Thur-Sun; Nov-Mar: 12:00-16:00 Mon & Thur-Sun. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Last entry 30mins before close.
  Tel: 01530 413343 Ashby-De-La-Zouch Castle Website