Lion link to Derek's family tree?

I never cease to be amazed by the number of messages and requests for help I receive through my blogs.

This week a Telford man emailed me to order a copy of my book, Four Centuries at The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, and asked me to ring him as he wanted some help.

He ended his message cryptically: “My surname will give you a clue as to why I want you to call. Regards Derek Ashby.

I immediately thought of Shrewsbury solicitor John Ashby, who lived from 1722 until 1779, was town mayor from 1759-60, town clerk from 1767 until his death 12 years later and owner of The Lion.

Derek wondered if he was relative of John and asked me for any information I had about him.

I immediately sent him a copy of the research on the hotel done by local historian, W E ‘Bill’ Champion.

It is thanks to the Shrewsbury Chronicle  that we know John Ashby owned the hotel.

In its November 29, 1777, edition it states: “Last week was erected, over the new and elegant Assembly Room, at The Lion Inn in this town, on a beautiful pedestal, decorated with the arms of John Ashby Esq., a highly finished statue of a lion, larger than life, executed by Mr John Nelson, statuary carver of this place.

“This statue, and another of the same size and elegance, do great credit we think to the artist, as well as to the generous and public-spirited employer.”

That is all the Chronicle says, but it has helped historians in their research on the hotel.

In September 1775 Ashby employed William Haycock to erect a new inn on the site complete with a large Assembly Room, or Ballroom, which can still be seen today and has little changed since the late 18^th century.

When Ashby died on January 29, 1779, he left behind a fine reputation.

The Chronicle reported that: “He was a gentleman, whose exemplary virtues and amiable qualities are a more lasting monument of his good name, than any eulogy can express.”

However, his financial affairs were not so good and many of his homes and furnishings had to be sold to pay off the debts, including Sycamore Hotel, pictured below, the octagonal building at the rear of the hotel which he left to his wife and which can still be seen today.

All the best Derek with your research into your family tree and wouldn’t it be great if you were related to John Ashby of The Lion?

If you would like to read more about John Ashby and The Lion Hotel signed copies of my book can be ordered through John@jbutterworth.plus.com at the special price of £6.50 including postage anywhere in the UK and £8 anywhere in the world.