Canons Ashby House, Statue Of Shepherd Boy In Green Court

The statue of a shepherd boy in the Green Court of Canons Ashby House dates from around 1710 and is likely the work of John Nost (Jan Van Nost). It is made of lead and stands on a limestone base. The statue depicts a shepherd boy playing a flute, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a coat, a belt with a water bottle on his left side, loose breeches, and boots. He is posed in 'contraposto', with his left arm resting on a tree stump, and a small dog lies at his feet. The stone pedestal features a moulded base and cornice, with panelled sides. Originally, the statue was located in the park along the main drive from the gates on the Preston Capes road, where it turned at right angles to enter the current Green Court of Canons Ashby House. The gardens and park of Canons Ashby are recognized in the HBMC Register of Gardens at Grade II*.