NOVEMBER 2025
Ashby Library and Museum Building, North Street
(formerly Ashby Church of England National and Infants School)
Ashby de la Zouch Library is housed in the historic North street building, originally constructed in 1836 as the Ashby Church of England National and Infants School (plans for the new build could be viewed at Mr Chaplin’s who lived at 5 Rawdon Terrace) The Library moved from Kilwardby Street into this building in 1990.
The building is shared with Ashby Museum, which also moved into the premises in 1991 (relocating from Lower Church Street) The Tourist Information Centre (now managed by Ashby BID) also re-opened in 2025 and is situated near the entrance to the Library.
In 1910 the boys Junior School moved to Ashby Church of England Primary School followed by the girls in 1944. The Infant school closed in 1987 so the children ‘joined forces’ with the juniors to create the Burton Primary School (as reported in the Burton Daily Mail, 8 June 1988).
The Community Library has been a recipient of funding and modernisation over the years with Ashby Museum also adding their extension in 2007 (main funder HLF).
Ashby Museum has full accreditation status and has won a number of awards for the delivery of their wide range of services i.e. learning, creativity, access and sharing expertise.
As previously stated the building was a school for over 150 years, so countless Heads and teachers plus thousands of children would have passed through its doors between 1836 – 1986.
Even today the building still provides an important Community education hub to the folk of Ashby.
Infant School Head Teachers (1943 – 1986)
1943-1948 Miss Enid Lilian Clarke
1948-1966 Miss Maisie Ellen Williams
1966-1970 Mrs Hazel Sibley
1971-1977 Mrs Hazel Finch
1979-1984 Mr John V Drinkwater
(all above on 1943-1984 Infant Heads image)
1984-1986 Miss Janet M Clark
(Janet is pictured with her staff on the 1986 Infants School Staff image)
Other images
School Children Morris dancing 1920’s (note Soap factory in background)
Sewing class 1920’s
