History
1,000 years of Canons Ashby
Canons Ashby
Canons Ashby has been the home to the Dryden family since the 15th century. Throughout the centuries, this quiet family created a tranquil world in rural Northamptonshire with each generation adding their own legacy to the house, garden and parkland.
The history of Canons Ashby begins much earlier. The Augustinian order founded the priory in the 12th century close to a small settlement named Essebi. Known as the ‘Black Canons’ due to their distinctive black habits, this small order built the church which can be seen today, although is much smaller than when it was originally built.
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A family home for 400 years
Canons Ashby has been home to the Dryden family for over 400 years. More than a manor house but less than a grand...
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Medieval monks behaving badly
Our name is made up of ‘Ashby’ meaning ‘farmstead’ and ‘Canons’ from a group who founded the Priory.
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Motte and bailey mystery
Recent archaeological surveys have shown something unexpected and exciting.
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Sir Henry Dryden – the Antiquary
Known as ‘the Antiquary’, Sir Henry Dryden inherited the estate in 1837 at just 19 years old and was the squire...