The story of St Helen's is very much tied to the story of the ruined castle just to the south as both castle and church were built in the 1470s by Lord Hastings.
Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire
He was involved in 15th century politics and was beheaded in the Tower of London on the orders of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who very shortly became Richard III.
Much of the 15th century church remains, but considerable changes and additions were made by architect JpPSt Aubyn between 1878 and 1880.
There is a great deal of interest to be seen inside the church, perhaps particularly in the Hastings Chapel.
Among the many monuments here is a splendid alabaster tomb to the Second Earl of Huntingdon and his wife from about 1561. Around the base of the tomb little figures called mourners, each one different from the other, are separated by elaborate shields. There is also a monument to Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, who, in 1783, founded an evangelical movement called the Huntingdon Connexion.
Staunton Harold, Leicestershire
The chapel is in an idyllic position, with the big house on one side and a lake on the other. It is a building entirely in the Gothic style, but was actually built during the 17th century Commonwealth.
Acresford, Leicestershire
The church is in the former stores and maltings of Acresford Brewery, and because of its history and uniqueness in being located in a row of terraced cottages it is a Methodist Heritage Site.
Appleby Magna, Leicestershire
With its stone tower and spire, and windows of the Decorated period, from the outside Appleby Magna looks every inch a medieval church, which is what it is, and an excellent example of its kind.
