Kirby Muxloe Castle

Kirby Muxloe Castle is a fortified manor house of brick construction with a rectangular layout in Leicestershire. The site preserves several structures including a gatehouse, west tower, and water-filled moat encircling the grounds.

Construction began in 1480 under William Hastings, an advisor to King Edward IV, but halted in 1483 following Hastings' execution by Richard III. The project never resumed, leaving the structure incomplete to the present day.

The brick walls display patterns created with darker bricks, showing the craftsmanship and style preferences of the late 15th century. These decorative techniques were uncommon for their time and reflect the builder's wealth.

The site is managed by English Heritage with open access for visitors to explore the ruins and walk around the moat. The grounds are relatively open, so wearing suitable footwear is advisable, especially if the area is damp.

A brick workshop established on-site during construction produced about 100,000 bricks each week, showing the production capacity of this medieval operation. This local manufacturing was essential for supplying the vast quantities of material needed for such a large project.

Location: Kirby Muxloe

Inception: 1480

Made from material: brick

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kirby-muxloe-castle

GPS coordinates: 52.63660,-1.22729

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:43