The sad story of Sam,
the shepherd boy of Canons Ashby
Many years ago, in 1644, England was torn in a civil war when families were
divided, and brother fought against brother to determine who should rule the
country, Parliament or the King. The Dryden family who lived at Canons
Ashby supported Parliament and the Roundhead army.
One day, a platoon of Roundhead soldiers accompanying some tax collectors
passed by Canons Ashby, so Lady Dryden decided to treat them to a good
hot meal of mutton pies and ale in the great kitchen. Lady Dryden asked Sam
the shepherd boy to keep watch over the nearby road, as it was known that
there was a company of Cavalier soldiers who supported the King nearby.
She asked him to blow a warning call on his whistle if he spotted the enemy,
and then took the Roundhead soldiers inside. Sam was a loyal boy, did as his
mistress asked, and waited outside the house to keep watch.
After a while, Sam heard the sound of horses’ hooves, and to his horror, he
saw a troop of cavaliers come riding along the road from the direction of
Woodford Halse. Quickly remembering his instructions from Lady Dryden,
Sam blew a warning call on his whistle to alert the Roundhead soldiers just as
the Cavaliers came thundering down towards Canons Ashby.
Disaster! The enemy soldiers heard the warning and were furious that they
couldn’t take the Roundheads by surprise. They captured Sam, tied him up,
and went to see if they could catch the Roundheads.
Thanks to the early warning from Sam, the Roundheads had time to snatch
up their weapons, and rushed out of the great kitchen into the courtyard to
defend themselves. A skirmish ensued, but the Cavaliers had the advantage,
forcing the Roundheads to retreat. They ran towards the old priory church in a
hail of musket balls, and then the Roundheads made a tactical error, deciding
to lock themselves into the church tower, thinking they were safe. However
their enemies decided to smoke them out, and set fire to the tower. Gasping
for breath, the Roundheads rushed out of the tower, where they were rounded
up, captured, and sent to gaol in Banbury Castle. Eventually they were
released after the tax money they had collected had been stolen from them.
But what of Sam? The Cavaliers were so angry with him spoiling their surprise
attack that they treated him cruelly. They cut out his tongue, and then
murdered him in cold blood, just for being loyal to the Dryden family. But loyal
Sam has never left Canons Ashby. The family were so sorry about his sad
end that they raised a statue in the Green Court to honour him. It is still to be
seen there today, along with the spirit of Sam caring for the safety of the
house and gardens, and everyone who visits and lives there. However those
who know Canons Ashby well, also know that Sam’s spirit walks in the
garden! If anyone misbehaves or seeks to cause damage to his beloved
Canons Ashby, Sam’s statue jumps down from its plinth and chases after the
miscreants, beating them with a big stick if he catches them.
This story is true, and Sam’s statue still chases those who don’t look after
Canons Ashby. Luckily everyone who visits this lovely place cares for it and
helps to keep it special for everyone. So Sam’s statue stands, still gazing at
his beloved Canons Ashby forever.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/canonsashby