Ashby-de-la-Zouch: Seventeenth century life in a small market townIn Ashby de la Zouch the seventeenth century was a period of dramatic change. At the beginning of the century this small market town prospered as the Earls of Huntingdon, lords of the manor, played an active part in national politics and entertained Kings at their family home of Ashby castle. During the Civil War this castle became a Royalist stronghold and was besieged for sixteen months. After the war the victorious Parliamentarians ensured that the