Nominal: 606 Hz Weight: 2432 lbs Diameter: 49.25" Bell 1 of 10
Founded by Taylors, Eayre & Smith 2006
Dove Bell ID: 228 Tower ID: 10461 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Ashby-de-la-Zouch: St Helen
Diocese of Leicester
Church, 619344
http://sthelensashby.net/groups/267377/st_helens_church.aspx?redirected=1This church is on the Heritage at Risk Register (verified 2025-11-06)
View more information about this church on the Heritage at Risk website
Overview
Grid reference: SK 360 167
The medieval church was built by Sir William Hastings in 1474 alongside Ashby Castle, and has significant links to the heritage of this historic market town. Between 1878 and 1880 the architect James Piers Saint Aubyn was engaged to design major alterations including the addition of two outer aisles which gives the church the square appearance it has today. More recently (2008) restoration, recasting and rehanging work was done on the church bells - with 10 bells replacing the previous 8 - the bells are rung every week as well as by visiting ringers.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Church open to visitors everyday between 9am and 5pm Bell ringing Live music and concerts Regular choir Guidebook available Visitor toilets, baby changing facilities and parking available Assistance dogs welcome
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 770 m²
Exterior Description
On the south elevation of the Tower there is a Declining Vertical Sundial, believed to be the oldest in the UK.
Building Materials
Millstone Grit
14th Century
Millstone Grit
Sandstone
14th Century
Bromsgrove Sandstone
Sandstone
14th Century
Triassic Red Sandstone
Interior
Interior Description
the church itself houses an extensive collection of funeral monuments from C15-C18 including the Hastings Family Chapel and memorials to Selina Countess of Huntingdon and Robert Mundi. A candelabrum dating from 1733 and a three hundred year old finger pillory are items of interest in the church.
There is some fine stained glass, predominantly Victorian; but the East window and those in the Hastings chapel have roundels from the castle incorporated into 1920s leaded glass.
There is an impressive collection of plaques and memorials in the Hastings Chapel and along the north and south walls.
Bells
Nominal: 1526 Hz Weight: 668 lbs Diameter: 28" Bell 2 of 10
Founded by Taylors, Eayre & Smith 2006
Dove Bell ID: 8886 Tower ID: 10461 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 1361 Hz Weight: 686 lbs Diameter: 29" Bell 3 of 10
Founded by Taylors, Eayre & Smith 2006
Dove Bell ID: 8887 Tower ID: 10461 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 1209 Hz Weight: 645 lbs Diameter: 29" Bell 4 of 10
Founded by John Briant 1814
Dove Bell ID: 8888 Tower ID: 10461 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: multiple Cracked: No
Nominal: 1144.5 Hz Weight: 683 lbs Diameter: 31.5" Bell 5 of 10
Founded by John Briant 1814
Dove Bell ID: 8889 Tower ID: 10461 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: multiple Cracked: No
Nominal: 1015.5 Hz Weight: 955 lbs Diameter: 34" Bell 6 of 10
Founded by Thomas I Eayre 1741
Dove Bell ID: 8890 Tower ID: 10461 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: multiple Cracked: No
Nominal: 910 Hz Weight: 849 lbs Diameter: 34.75" Bell 7 of 10
Founded by John Briant 1817
Dove Bell ID: 8891 Tower ID: 10461 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Nominal: 805.5 Hz Weight: 968 lbs Diameter: 37.5" Bell 8 of 10
Founded by William Noone 1698
Dove Bell ID: 8892 Tower ID: 10461 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: multiple Cracked: No
Nominal: 765.5 Hz Weight: 1356 lbs Diameter: 41.5" Bell 9 of 10
Founded by Leicester foundry
Dove Bell ID: 8893 Tower ID: 10461 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: multiple Cracked: No
Nominal: 680.5 Hz Weight: 1715 lbs Diameter: 44.5" Bell 10 of 10
Founded by John Briant 1822
Dove Bell ID: 8894 Tower ID: 10461 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: multiple Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SK 360 167
Burial and War Grave Information
The church/building is consecrated.
The churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard is closed for burial by order in council.
The date of the burial closure order is O in C 04/09/1918 & 24/05/1933 varying existing Os in C
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
Churchyard Structures
War Memorial
Gate
C18 At northwest corner of the churchyard. Listed (UID: 187625) Grade II
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Sources
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