The parish and village of Astley is within the North Warwickshire district of the English county of Warwickshire. This is an ancient village which includes Soley End.
The HIstoric Church of Astley
In 1343, Sir Thomas Astley rebuilt the parish church of St Mary the Virgin. In the tower of the church, an Anglo-Saxon sundial carving taken from a previous church was retained. In 1530, Thomas Grey, the 2nd Marquess of Dorset was buried in the church. The present church which was a 1617 rebuilt of the original has retained the chancel of the 1343 building, and the authentic east window was integrated into the tower. The church was rebuilt by the Chamberlayne family. Maintained inside the church are the Grey family’s effigies, 21 heraldic shields of Midland families on the ceiling and 18 choir stalls with images of the apostles and prophets illustrated.
Things to See and Do in Astley
Visitors must not miss Astley Castle, considered a landmark for the 21st Century. It is a castle built on the same site of two other castles. All three castles used the same moat. In the 19th Century, the castle was in the hands of the Newdigate family. Later, it became the residence of Lieutenant General Edward Newdigate Newdegate. It also became a hotel, but unfortunately, it is now in ruins after a 1978 fire gutted it down. A project spearheaded by the Landmark Trust to keep the ruins safe and to build holiday homes on the ruins is underway. Footpath trails surround the site of the castle every day for those who want to take a stroll.
Another place of interest is The Hope View Sensory Farm, a lovely farm and activity centre suited for people of all ages with offers interaction with farm animals as well as indoor activity. The Boomers and Swingers Golf Driving Range is for the golf aficionados.