The Huntingdon Peerage Chapter IX Ferdinando Sixth Earl of Huntingdon. FERDINANDO, sixth Earl of Huntingdon, heir and successor of Henry the fifth Earl (age 21), was born at Ashby [Map], January 11th, 1608. In March, 1627, he was returned to serve in Parliament for the county of Leicester, and two years after was joined with his father in the Lieutenancy of the counties of Leicester and Rutland. By indenture, dated May, 1638, he and his brother Henry, in consideration of the sum of 4,50l. granted, to John Earl of Bridgewater (age 29) and Thomas Davies, a moiety of the rectory of Mould, otherwise Mouldesdale, in Flintshire. On the 13th of November, 1641, his father being then still living, he had summons to Parliament amongst the barons of the realm; and in 1643 he succeeded to the family honours. He married Lucy, daughter and sole heir to Sir John Davys (age 38), of Englefield, Berks, Knt. (Premier Serjeant at Law to James the First, and Charles the First, as also Solicitor, and afterwards Attorney General in Ireland, and finally Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench,) by his wife Lady Eleanor (age 18), youngest daughter of George Lord Audley, Earl of Castlehaven (age 57), and, settling at Donnington Park, had by her four sons; Henry, John, Ferdinando, and Theophilus, born after the decease of his three brothers; and likewise six daughters, Alice, Eleanor, both of whom died young; Elizabeth, married to Sir James Laughan, of Cottesbroke, in Nottinghamshire, Bart, being his second wife, and dying without issue; Lucy, who died unmarried; Mary, espoused to Sir William Joliffe, of Caverswell Castle in Staffordshire, Knt.; and lastly Christiana.

Around 1660. Ashby Castle [Map] was deliberately destroyed by Parliamentary forces to avoid it becoming a Royalist stronghold.

In 1921 Ashby Grammar School Hood Extension [Map] was presented to Ashby Grammar School, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire by Joseph Hood 1st Baronet (age 57).

Joseph Hood 1st Baronet: On 31 Mar 1863 he was born at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. In 1922 Joseph Hood 1st Baronet was created 1st Baronet Hood of Wimbledon in Surrey. On 10 Mar 1931 he died. His son Harold Hood 2nd Baronet succeeded 2nd Baronet Hood of Wimbledon in Surrey.