Ashley Lane: the History of Ashley, Part 1 July 2015
Ashley postcard dated June 1914 (courtesy Rose Ledbury)
Written in collaboration with the residents of Ashley, particularly Bob Alderman, Hilary Foord, Celia Denee, Eric and Sandra Callaway, Mike Turner, Pat Panton, Jacky and Tony Ceeney, Phil Martin, Ainslie Goulstone and all others who have been so helpful. Additional details courtesy of notes by Nellie Tye, who lived in the area in 1906.[1]
Several Ashley residents organised a walk in June 2015 to record the area's historic roots going up Ashley Lane on the west side and repeating the route on the east side of the road. This is the story of their adventure to Walk in the Footsteps of Ashley Giants of the Past. Photos courtesy Carol Payne, unless stated otherwise.
Where is Ashley?
Ashley is a special part of Box. It is an ancient, highly-developed manor, at times with a separate history from the central village, and at others directly linked with the route through Box. Now the hamlet is isolated, the area by-passed by later development.
Just off the A4 on this Ordnance Survey map of 1900 (courtesy Wilts History Centre), Ashley lies south of a most peculiar junction (sometimes referred to as the White Wall) on the Bath Road and this is a clue to the history of the area.
Ashley is a special part of Box. It is an ancient, highly-developed manor, at times with a separate history from the central village, and at others directly linked with the route through Box. Now the hamlet is isolated, the area by-passed by later development.
Just off the A4 on this Ordnance Survey map of 1900 (courtesy Wilts History Centre), Ashley lies south of a most peculiar junction (sometimes referred to as the White Wall) on the Bath Road and this is a clue to the history of the area.
Ordnance Survey map of 1900 (courtesy Wilts History Centre)
Before the A4 road was built to access the railway in 1841, Ashley Lane was the main road out of the west side of the village. The Lane then rejoins the course of the A4 at another strange junction after Shockerwick. As you can clearly see in this map of 1810, it was the main route out of the western side of Box village before the railway was built in 1841.
Andrews and Drury's map of 1810 (courtesy Wiltshire History Centre)
Many of the properties, including the oldest, were originally built as ribbon development on the route to Bath. Most are along Ashley Lane but there several along other ancient roads: Doctor's Hill, which takes travellers up to the old medieval highway from London to Bath via Longsplatt; and Wormcliffe Lane, which goes up to the Lower Kingsdown Road. Over the course of the last century many Ashley properties have been built in the grounds and outbuildings of these big houses.
This article follows the story of Ashley properties which developed in the areas around the Manor, Ashley House, the Farm, the Grove, the Green, The Barton and Littlemead since 1800. It omits the earlier history of the Long family and of Kingsdown House, which are to be covered separately in the website. We follow the story of the area going northwards along the east side of Ashley Lane (left from the A4) and the same route recording the west side.
Victorian Ashley
In the early 1800s it is difficult to locate precise properties in the hamlet of Ashley because they are identified only by the name of their occupant. When the railway was opened in 1841, the road down from Ashley Lane to Ashley Villa, opposite the Northey Arms Railway Hotel, was a major route allowing people from the southern part of Box village to get to the railway.
By 1851 the area was highly developed. Between Ashley Green and Ashley Cottages there were 33 households listed comprised of 96 adults over 16 years. What is striking is the range of the residents: Sarah Ellison (aged 71) and Elizabeth Hulbert (52) are described as pauper.[2] The list includes Alfred Leathart, Lieutenant Royal Navy; John Hall, Rail Engine Driver; and William Pinchin, Civil Engineer. It also includes James Nowell, Woodman; and numerous agricultural labourers and masons.
This article follows the story of Ashley properties which developed in the areas around the Manor, Ashley House, the Farm, the Grove, the Green, The Barton and Littlemead since 1800. It omits the earlier history of the Long family and of Kingsdown House, which are to be covered separately in the website. We follow the story of the area going northwards along the east side of Ashley Lane (left from the A4) and the same route recording the west side.
Victorian Ashley
In the early 1800s it is difficult to locate precise properties in the hamlet of Ashley because they are identified only by the name of their occupant. When the railway was opened in 1841, the road down from Ashley Lane to Ashley Villa, opposite the Northey Arms Railway Hotel, was a major route allowing people from the southern part of Box village to get to the railway.
By 1851 the area was highly developed. Between Ashley Green and Ashley Cottages there were 33 households listed comprised of 96 adults over 16 years. What is striking is the range of the residents: Sarah Ellison (aged 71) and Elizabeth Hulbert (52) are described as pauper.[2] The list includes Alfred Leathart, Lieutenant Royal Navy; John Hall, Rail Engine Driver; and William Pinchin, Civil Engineer. It also includes James Nowell, Woodman; and numerous agricultural labourers and masons.
Ashley Lane in 2015 is still a deeply rural road (photo CMP)
By the time of the 1911 census there were listed 28 households with 84 adults over 16 years. The affluence of the area had significantly improved as evidenced by less crowding and the quality of employment. Robert Davies was an Officer Customs & Excise 2nd Class; Robert Henry Ponting, Barristers' Clerk; Thomas Perkins, Headmaster of Private School; and Sidney Robinson, Member of Parliament. Other jobs listed include Albert Tye, roadman; Jacob Giddings, shepherd; Edward and his son Edward Frederick Currant, blacksmiths; and Henry Taylor, railway porter. Many of the families were long-established Ashley residents and the names of Jenkins, Ford and Pocock recur throughout this story. The names Gale, Hancock, and Smith are recorded in the story of The Grove Inn.
The area's story after 1800 divides between the period of ownership of the Northey family as landlord (and lords of the manor) before 1912 and the individual ownership of properties in the area after the sale of their entire estate in the hamlet between 1912 and 1919. We recall the story of the Northey sale in a separate article.
1. Ashley Lane Left hand side (going up the hill from the A4)
The area's story after 1800 divides between the period of ownership of the Northey family as landlord (and lords of the manor) before 1912 and the individual ownership of properties in the area after the sale of their entire estate in the hamlet between 1912 and 1919. We recall the story of the Northey sale in a separate article.
1. Ashley Lane Left hand side (going up the hill from the A4)
Ashley Lane shown in the second edition of the Ordnance Survey map in 1904 (courtesy Wilts History Centre)
Northern Properties
The properties closest to the A4 on the east side were mostly built in the 1900s. They include Acton House, Tangara, Stonehey, Red Marley, Ashley Croft, Ashley Orchard, Trematon; and also Westford, Estaires and Appledore all built by the same builder in 1926 (although since extended). Appledore was possibly used as the builder's yard as the back garden has a layer of hardcore under the surface.
Although the properties are comparatively modern, the names they have been given reflect their historic past and the traditional use of the land they occupy: Stonehey refers to the difficulty in using the field for hay-making; Ashley Orchard and Appledore relate to the fruit grown on the site.
The properties closest to the A4 on the east side were mostly built in the 1900s. They include Acton House, Tangara, Stonehey, Red Marley, Ashley Croft, Ashley Orchard, Trematon; and also Westford, Estaires and Appledore all built by the same builder in 1926 (although since extended). Appledore was possibly used as the builder's yard as the back garden has a layer of hardcore under the surface.
Although the properties are comparatively modern, the names they have been given reflect their historic past and the traditional use of the land they occupy: Stonehey refers to the difficulty in using the field for hay-making; Ashley Orchard and Appledore relate to the fruit grown on the site.
Littlemead
In March 1948 one of the fields of Spencer's Farm called Little Leigh Mead appears to have been sold to P J (Phillip) Goulstone.[3] In 1963-64 the whole area was cleared for residential development and the historic name of the field was abbreviated to become Littlemead. Littlemead nowadays has thirty separate houses.
In March 1948 one of the fields of Spencer's Farm called Little Leigh Mead appears to have been sold to P J (Phillip) Goulstone.[3] In 1963-64 the whole area was cleared for residential development and the historic name of the field was abbreviated to become Littlemead. Littlemead nowadays has thirty separate houses.
Littlemead in 2015 (courtesy CMP)
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The Littlemead and A4 junction in 1936 (courtesy Wilts History Centre)
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Ashley Cottage
Ashley Cottage may have been the lodge of Spencer's Farm. It had an important occupier in 1814 when the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge stayed there.[4] He knew the area because in 1797 he had spent a productive time in Somerset with William and Dorothy Wordsworth and Charles and Mary Lamb where Coleridge wrote Kubla Khan and The Ancient Mariner and Wordsworth composed The Lyrical Ballads. But it was all different twenty years later in Ashley; he was unwell, suffering opium-addiction problems, and depressed. Nonetheless during his time in Ashley he started a major piece of work, the translation of Goethe's classic play, Faust.
We get only brief references to later occupiers of the property in the 1800s. In 1821 Thomas Holmes, Esq is listed there.[5] In 1834 Henry Cambridge owned the premises but lived in Bath.[6] In 1858 Samuel Lambert died in the cottage.[7] In 1881 Mr Tiley was resident, advertising for A good, plain cook, good character.[8]
Ashley Cottage may have been the lodge of Spencer's Farm. It had an important occupier in 1814 when the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge stayed there.[4] He knew the area because in 1797 he had spent a productive time in Somerset with William and Dorothy Wordsworth and Charles and Mary Lamb where Coleridge wrote Kubla Khan and The Ancient Mariner and Wordsworth composed The Lyrical Ballads. But it was all different twenty years later in Ashley; he was unwell, suffering opium-addiction problems, and depressed. Nonetheless during his time in Ashley he started a major piece of work, the translation of Goethe's classic play, Faust.
We get only brief references to later occupiers of the property in the 1800s. In 1821 Thomas Holmes, Esq is listed there.[5] In 1834 Henry Cambridge owned the premises but lived in Bath.[6] In 1858 Samuel Lambert died in the cottage.[7] In 1881 Mr Tiley was resident, advertising for A good, plain cook, good character.[8]
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In 1912 the property was tenanted by Reginald Horace Botcherby and Gertrude Botcherby and you can read the troubling story of this family at Neighbour against Neighbour, which reflects badly on the other residents of the Ashley hamlet. By 1926 Miss Catherine (Kitty) Skidmore, sister of Emily, was registered as an elector there and she died at the cottage on 29 January 1928.[9]
After her death, it was occupied by Col Harry Erling Sykes in the 1930s.[10] For a brief time Lady Rosalind Shippard, sister of Lady Methuen, lived and unexpectedly died there in 1935 (her daughter Mrs Rooke lived at Ben Mead).[11] Later it was owned by Desmond and June Nixon. Left: Ashley Cottage |
Spencer's Farm
Spencer’s Farm (now called Spencers Farmhouse) originates reputedly from the early 1600s, and possibly has medieval origins.[12] As such, it is one of the oldest residences in Box. The farm came into the ownership of the Northey family after 1726, who let it out to farming tenants.
Spencer’s Farm (now called Spencers Farmhouse) originates reputedly from the early 1600s, and possibly has medieval origins.[12] As such, it is one of the oldest residences in Box. The farm came into the ownership of the Northey family after 1726, who let it out to farming tenants.
Spencer's Farm
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In 1912 Edward C Martin and George Martin lived at Spencer's Farm.[13] This Old-Fashioned Stone and Thatched Residence was offered for sale in 1912 by the Northey family to George Alfred White. The property, Lot 18, was described as Farm premises which included a piggery, two-stall stable, cow-house for seven cows and out offices, with excellent grazing land. The house consisted of a parlour, kitchen, pantry, wash-house, dairy and four bedrooms, well water and capital gardens. It was let to Mr George Martin on a yearly Ladyday tenancy.
The premises consisted of : the Homestead, the Meadow, the pastures of Gully Close and Little Leigh Mead (later abbreviated to Littlemead) and an additional pasture. |
In March 1920 the property was sold to Major Pollard for £922 as farm buildings and orchard with 8 acres and 3 roods of land. George Martin was still the tenant.[14] Locals reported that Daisy Pollard, once a dairy farmer and wife of Major Pollard, gambled and when she lost on the horses was forced to sell, amongst other valuables, areas of the land of Spencer’s Farm! [15]
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The reason for the farm in the first place seems to be the spring that runs through the property. There is still a 25 foot well in the garden of the house. But its location was an inconvenience in managing the effluent of animals. There are stories of calves being housed in the dining room and effluent going down through nearby properties. In the 1970s the house was owned by the mother of June Nixon and later by the Beaven family who owned the glove factory in Holt.
Spencer's Farmhouse owned property to the south of the farmhouse. On 6 December 1966 the meadow, formerly the orchard of the house, was sold to John Harris, builder, who built White Smocks on the land. John also built Rustlings in the Grove area and other properties in the area. |
Well in the back garden of the farmhouse.
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In the 1960s, the post office letter box was at Spencer's Farm and there was a telephone kiosk outside. When the travelling library visited Ashley, Miss Pollard always made cups of tea for the librarians and had sweets for all the children.
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The Barton and Ashley Post Office
The Barton area is one of the oldest locations in the hamlet, dating from the 1600s. The name Barton refers to a farmyard, which is why the rank runs at right angles to Ashley Lane. The earliest property is number 4, The Barton (previously three separate cottages numbered 3 to 5). Numbers 1 and 2 are perhaps 100 years later. Ashley Post Office was situated in The Barton. It was run by Mrs Ford for three decades from 1912 to 1944. By 1933 she was referred to as a widow and is believed to be the sister of Charles Betteridge.[16] She may have been the widow of H Ford who is listed in 1912 as the occupier of Prospect Farm, although there are other references to the family including Isaac Ford of Ashley and William Ford who in 1911 farmed at Gridiron Farm (later called Kingsdown Farm).[17] Left: Early photo of The Barton Post Office which has a sign below the window on the right. (Photo courtesy Bob Hancock). |
At an earlier point, the Post Office had been at Crofton, fronting Ashley Lane. This was the property owned by Ted Martin, the gardener to Captain Stewart at Ashley Manor but before that it appears to have been the location of the infamous Grove Inn, Ashley. The story of the Grove Inn has been told in an earlier issue and is not repeated here. The house is reputed to have been built for a son of the notable family to hide him away because he may have been homosexual.
Photo of Crofton, the site of Ashley Post Office in 1911, with sign on the left of the building (courtesy Kevin Ford)
We have glimpses of the people who lived at The Barton over the years: the Hilliers, the Currants and Tyes. The Tye family lived at The Barton for over a century. Albert Tye was born there in 1856 and lived there all his life until his death in 1941. Nellie Tye, whose notes have enlightened this article, was one of his twin daughters.[18]
Edward Currant worked as a blacksmith. He was born in 1838. He married firstly Ann Tye in 1869 until she died in 1873 aged 26. He then married Rosa Ann (b 1854). Their children included Edward Frederick and Alice.[19] George Currant at Ashley is later referred to as Mrs Tanner's father. In 1912 Henry and Reuben Horsell are recorded as living in the hamlet, up the road by side of Mrs Tanner.[20] The children of the Hillier family, Olive, Elwyn David and Edith Joan, are mentioned in 1927-28.[21]
The area was still largely undeveloped when it was sold in 1946 by the owners H Pimbury (deceased) and Miss Blay. The properties included numbers 3 to 13 Ashley Road and 1 to 5 The Barton (the value of which was £1,475).[22] Now the area has been developed differently. The Barton has three properties: 1, 2 and 4.
Edward Currant worked as a blacksmith. He was born in 1838. He married firstly Ann Tye in 1869 until she died in 1873 aged 26. He then married Rosa Ann (b 1854). Their children included Edward Frederick and Alice.[19] George Currant at Ashley is later referred to as Mrs Tanner's father. In 1912 Henry and Reuben Horsell are recorded as living in the hamlet, up the road by side of Mrs Tanner.[20] The children of the Hillier family, Olive, Elwyn David and Edith Joan, are mentioned in 1927-28.[21]
The area was still largely undeveloped when it was sold in 1946 by the owners H Pimbury (deceased) and Miss Blay. The properties included numbers 3 to 13 Ashley Road and 1 to 5 The Barton (the value of which was £1,475).[22] Now the area has been developed differently. The Barton has three properties: 1, 2 and 4.
Grove Area
After the Bartons is an area of woodland with several very old (and huge) sycamore trees in the area. Again there are several in-fill residences built in the 1940s to 1960s: Grove House, Rustlings, North Leigh, Cranford, Lion Cottage and Broadlands. Many, like Grove House, have walls, buildings such as stables, and other evidence of their earlier usage. Each new resident tries to stamp their individual mark on the area just as Charles Freeman did when, in naval tradition, he planted a sapling oak tree in the woodland area fronting Ashley Lane. There is more about the Grove area in Part 2 of the history of Ashley, in the next issue.
After the Bartons is an area of woodland with several very old (and huge) sycamore trees in the area. Again there are several in-fill residences built in the 1940s to 1960s: Grove House, Rustlings, North Leigh, Cranford, Lion Cottage and Broadlands. Many, like Grove House, have walls, buildings such as stables, and other evidence of their earlier usage. Each new resident tries to stamp their individual mark on the area just as Charles Freeman did when, in naval tradition, he planted a sapling oak tree in the woodland area fronting Ashley Lane. There is more about the Grove area in Part 2 of the history of Ashley, in the next issue.
Sheylor's Farm
Sheylor's Farm was divided at one stage into the Upper and Lower Farms. It is often difficult to decide which of the properties is being referred to in contemporary records. Lower Sheylor's Farm is accessed from Ashley Lane, and Upper Sheylor's Farm is closer to Wormwood Lane.
Sheylor's Farmhouse is another early property in Ashley, parts of it dating from the late 1600s. The Pocock family owned Sheylor's Farm in the 1800s. They were tenant farmers renting the land from the Northey family in a time of farming decline after cheaper imported food flooded into the country following the abolition of import duties after 1846. We can see this from a desperate-sounding advertisement placed by Mr J Pocock in 1850: Wanted by respectable married man, without incumbrance,
a situation as working bailiff. His wife would have no objection to the management of a dairy.[23]
They were innovative farmers, however, using modern techniques to raise their status and to improve profits. By 1874 Jacob Pocock had started using artificial manure from Bryants of Bristol to increase his yields.[24] He was recognised by local people as a leading farmer: in 1867 he was judging Colerne ploughing matches and in 1874 he took the chair of Bryant's annual dinner.
But this was only short-term and the farm was too small to be viable, renting only a hundred acres.
The Matthews family took over the farm in the early 1900s. Their story is a fascinating insight into the problems of farming during the Great War. Before 1914 Walter Matthews needed general farm help: Lad Wanted; General Servant; Help Wanted, treated as family, milk sold.[25] But the supply of labour dried up during the war and wage rates rose making the farm less profitable. In 1914 he advertised farm labourer wanted 16s a week ; and a year later labourer wanted 18s a week.[26]
Worse followed in 1917: To let owing to occupier called-up, good farm 112 acres, chiefly pasture, immediate possession, cheese-maker preferred.[27] There were no takers and he vacated the farm. The landlord immediately wanted to dispose of it:
For sale or let 112 acres, chiefly good pasture.[28] The Northey Estate eventually sold it in 1919.
Sheylor's Farm was divided at one stage into the Upper and Lower Farms. It is often difficult to decide which of the properties is being referred to in contemporary records. Lower Sheylor's Farm is accessed from Ashley Lane, and Upper Sheylor's Farm is closer to Wormwood Lane.
Sheylor's Farmhouse is another early property in Ashley, parts of it dating from the late 1600s. The Pocock family owned Sheylor's Farm in the 1800s. They were tenant farmers renting the land from the Northey family in a time of farming decline after cheaper imported food flooded into the country following the abolition of import duties after 1846. We can see this from a desperate-sounding advertisement placed by Mr J Pocock in 1850: Wanted by respectable married man, without incumbrance,
a situation as working bailiff. His wife would have no objection to the management of a dairy.[23]
They were innovative farmers, however, using modern techniques to raise their status and to improve profits. By 1874 Jacob Pocock had started using artificial manure from Bryants of Bristol to increase his yields.[24] He was recognised by local people as a leading farmer: in 1867 he was judging Colerne ploughing matches and in 1874 he took the chair of Bryant's annual dinner.
But this was only short-term and the farm was too small to be viable, renting only a hundred acres.
The Matthews family took over the farm in the early 1900s. Their story is a fascinating insight into the problems of farming during the Great War. Before 1914 Walter Matthews needed general farm help: Lad Wanted; General Servant; Help Wanted, treated as family, milk sold.[25] But the supply of labour dried up during the war and wage rates rose making the farm less profitable. In 1914 he advertised farm labourer wanted 16s a week ; and a year later labourer wanted 18s a week.[26]
Worse followed in 1917: To let owing to occupier called-up, good farm 112 acres, chiefly pasture, immediate possession, cheese-maker preferred.[27] There were no takers and he vacated the farm. The landlord immediately wanted to dispose of it:
For sale or let 112 acres, chiefly good pasture.[28] The Northey Estate eventually sold it in 1919.
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By 1920 Harry Stitch was farming at Sheylor's and again the war came back into the story of the farm. Harry was an ex-serviceman who was catching up with old comrades at Chapel Allerton, Cheddar, when he was fined for drinking a lemon and a dash .. during prohibited hours (at a quarter past 10pm).
By 1924 Mr Sully was breeding Rhode Island Red chicken but the profitability of farming in the Ashley area was questionable. Sheylors Farm has now been divided into Sheylors Farm, Sheylors Barn, The Granary (Sheylors Farm), The Stables (Sheylors Farm) and Holly Cottage (Sheylors Farm). Left: the wedding of LH Sully and Miss Adelaide Elizabeth Dix at Wellow in 1935.[29] |
Ashley House
Ashley House is closer to Shockerwick than the village of Box, and it was built about 1840.[30] For many years it was a private house but in more recent times split into two called East and West Ashley House. In 1891 William Dumont aged 60, Retired Major-General Infantry, lived there with his wife Ada Georgia aged 37, three children under 6 and five servants.
One of the most fascinating periods at the house was in the years before the Great War. Lloyd George's budgets of 1906 to 1911 brought in a host of reforming measures: free school meals, Old Age Pensions for people over 70 years and National Insurance in the event of unemployment or illness. In the face of bitter opposition from the House of Lords, the government forced the measures through by flooding support into the Lords.
Box was caught up in these matters because Sidney Robinson, the Liberal MP, who succeeded Charles Morley of Shockerwick as Member of Parliament for Breckonshire in 1906, decided to live at Ashley House during the most exciting period of the Liberal reforms. Miss Tye described the Robinsons as lovely people, plenty of money, took an interest in others.[31]
In 1912 William Young, butler, lived permanently in the house. In 1911 Caleb Packwood lived at Fir Grove, Ashley. He was a domestic chauffeur to Mr Robinson and supported his wife and six children in six rooms out of his wages. William Young was a domestic butler who lived with his wife (District Nurse) in four rooms at Ashley Lodge. In more recent years Ashley Lodge was sold to Commander Richardson.
In the 1960s Ashley House was sub-divided; part owned by Major Parry and part by Dr Muir. Ashley House is now further divided into Ashley Lodge, Cedarhurst (Ashley House), Lawnwood and Under Lawnwood (Ashley House) and West Ashley House. Ashley Mews (Ashley House Stables) and Sheelin Lodge are also part of this area.
Ashley House is closer to Shockerwick than the village of Box, and it was built about 1840.[30] For many years it was a private house but in more recent times split into two called East and West Ashley House. In 1891 William Dumont aged 60, Retired Major-General Infantry, lived there with his wife Ada Georgia aged 37, three children under 6 and five servants.
One of the most fascinating periods at the house was in the years before the Great War. Lloyd George's budgets of 1906 to 1911 brought in a host of reforming measures: free school meals, Old Age Pensions for people over 70 years and National Insurance in the event of unemployment or illness. In the face of bitter opposition from the House of Lords, the government forced the measures through by flooding support into the Lords.
Box was caught up in these matters because Sidney Robinson, the Liberal MP, who succeeded Charles Morley of Shockerwick as Member of Parliament for Breckonshire in 1906, decided to live at Ashley House during the most exciting period of the Liberal reforms. Miss Tye described the Robinsons as lovely people, plenty of money, took an interest in others.[31]
In 1912 William Young, butler, lived permanently in the house. In 1911 Caleb Packwood lived at Fir Grove, Ashley. He was a domestic chauffeur to Mr Robinson and supported his wife and six children in six rooms out of his wages. William Young was a domestic butler who lived with his wife (District Nurse) in four rooms at Ashley Lodge. In more recent years Ashley Lodge was sold to Commander Richardson.
In the 1960s Ashley House was sub-divided; part owned by Major Parry and part by Dr Muir. Ashley House is now further divided into Ashley Lodge, Cedarhurst (Ashley House), Lawnwood and Under Lawnwood (Ashley House) and West Ashley House. Ashley Mews (Ashley House Stables) and Sheelin Lodge are also part of this area.
2. Ashley Lane Right hand Side (going up the hill from A4)
For many years the area just off the A4 was known as the White Wall, reflecting the separation of Ashley Lane from the A4.
The first few houses are modern: Becketts and Hillcrest.
Ailsa Craig
The house on the corner of the triangle is believed to date from the early 1800s. Robert James McDowell Davies lived there in 1911 with his wife, Alice, and two-year-old son, Arthur. He was an Officer of Customs & Excise and they could afford to live in seven rooms with a General Domestic Servant, Elsie Latcham, aged 15 years. When Miss Skidmore lived at Ashley Leigh, her chauffeur was resident in the house.
In the 1960s a man called Mr Mullins lived there. He was a Water Diviner, part of a firm of diviners operating in Bath under the name J & HW Mullins.
Right: Ailsa Craig and Below: a video of Mr Mullins in 1951.
The house on the corner of the triangle is believed to date from the early 1800s. Robert James McDowell Davies lived there in 1911 with his wife, Alice, and two-year-old son, Arthur. He was an Officer of Customs & Excise and they could afford to live in seven rooms with a General Domestic Servant, Elsie Latcham, aged 15 years. When Miss Skidmore lived at Ashley Leigh, her chauffeur was resident in the house.
In the 1960s a man called Mr Mullins lived there. He was a Water Diviner, part of a firm of diviners operating in Bath under the name J & HW Mullins.
Right: Ailsa Craig and Below: a video of Mr Mullins in 1951.
Ashley Leigh
The house is believed to have been four cottages dating from the late 1700s, which was later extended to the north. In the late 1800s they were railway houses for GWR workers, in the 1920s used as a goat-breeding centre by Miss Emily Skidmore, and in the 1930s Sir Charles Hobhouse, the Liberal Member of Parliament lived there.[32]
The house is believed to have been four cottages dating from the late 1700s, which was later extended to the north. In the late 1800s they were railway houses for GWR workers, in the 1920s used as a goat-breeding centre by Miss Emily Skidmore, and in the 1930s Sir Charles Hobhouse, the Liberal Member of Parliament lived there.[32]
Ashley Leigh Cottage
Miss Emily Skidmore had Ashley Leigh Cottage built for her chauffeur William James Peadon, who lived there with his wife, Fanny Augusta Peadon. When Emily died she left it to him and he was still there in 1936. Later it was owned by William Henry Smith Snow.
Miss Emily Skidmore had Ashley Leigh Cottage built for her chauffeur William James Peadon, who lived there with his wife, Fanny Augusta Peadon. When Emily died she left it to him and he was still there in 1936. Later it was owned by William Henry Smith Snow.
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Thistle Barn and Bré
Thistle Barn is one of the oldest buildings in the area dating from 1652. After the Second World War, Wiltshire County Council acquired the site and created a council smallholding, which they let to Charlie Poulsom. The barn was used as a dairy farmyard until the 1970s when Charlie Poulsom occupied it. The rings on the walls still exist where he kept his milk churns. He also dealt in goats, cheese and eggs. There is a substantial pond behind the house needed for cleaning the milk sheds and dairy. Charlie Poulsom lived at the White Cottage for several years. |
Thistle Barn (photo Carol Payne)
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The property now called Bré was built by the Council as the farmhouse for Charlie to occupy. Residents remember that he used to let out the cows after milking and they would make their own way up to the corner fields, grazing on the Green on their way. There were no pavements in the road in the early 1960s (or street lighting) so unless locals shut their gates, the cows would wander in.
Thistle Barn was converted into residential occupation in 2001.
Thistle Barn was converted into residential occupation in 2001.
Ashley Farm
The farmhouse is another early property dating from the 1700s. There are two intriguing references to Ashley Farm in the 1800s. In 1834 William Rogers is said to be at Ashley Farm and later the family occur at Ashley Grove. Around the year 1840 Joseph Pocock is listed there, although we know the family had their main holding at Sheylor's Farm.
The farmhouse is another early property dating from the 1700s. There are two intriguing references to Ashley Farm in the 1800s. In 1834 William Rogers is said to be at Ashley Farm and later the family occur at Ashley Grove. Around the year 1840 Joseph Pocock is listed there, although we know the family had their main holding at Sheylor's Farm.
Ashley Farmhouse
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We get a fascinating insight into the consequences of the sale of the Northey Estate in the period 1912-19. The Pritchard family had farmed there for number of years and George Pritchard died at the farm.[33] By 1920 the farming stock of this, and other local, farms were put up for sale by G Pritchard who is quitting the farm having been sold.[34]
The farming activity continued but it seems to have struggled as a tenanted dairy smallholding. In 1931 WG (Billy) Butt occupied the farm.[35] In 1939 Ivor Bishop Cook is listed as the farmer in occupation.[36] In 1942 an advertisement was placed for a Cowman and son for Ashley Farm, Box to manage 20-25 cows ... must be good, clean hand milker.[37] |
Ashley Farmland
The area to the south of Ashley Farmhouse has been sold off for separate development a number of times, each house being entirely original: Moonrakers, Homestead, Heatherdene, Cyfaleah, Findhom, Durlston, March House, Lindisfarne and High Chaparral, and Home Orchard.
The area to the south of Ashley Farmhouse has been sold off for separate development a number of times, each house being entirely original: Moonrakers, Homestead, Heatherdene, Cyfaleah, Findhom, Durlston, March House, Lindisfarne and High Chaparral, and Home Orchard.
Ashley Stud (part of which now called Ashley Firs)
Between Ashley Lane and the railway bridge towards Shockerwick was the Palomino Horse Stud owned by Eric Bayliss where he bred the most beautiful horses for their colour.[38] Prior to this the site was a riding stable before the Second World War. Eric Bayliss was the person who organised the Box Horse Show assisted by Bill Peters, and the two were very friendly.[39]
After Mr Bayliss bought Ashley Manor he sold Ashley Stud house to the Martin Family who renamed the house Ashley Firs. Another part of the property was sold to Mr Martin (no relative of Norman Martin) who was a poultry farmer who later went bankrupt. A family called Blanchard bought the house after the Martins, then in the 1960s an architect lived there until he moved to Ashley Manor. The origins of this property are still recalled in the name Ashley Stud Farm.
Between Ashley Lane and the railway bridge towards Shockerwick was the Palomino Horse Stud owned by Eric Bayliss where he bred the most beautiful horses for their colour.[38] Prior to this the site was a riding stable before the Second World War. Eric Bayliss was the person who organised the Box Horse Show assisted by Bill Peters, and the two were very friendly.[39]
After Mr Bayliss bought Ashley Manor he sold Ashley Stud house to the Martin Family who renamed the house Ashley Firs. Another part of the property was sold to Mr Martin (no relative of Norman Martin) who was a poultry farmer who later went bankrupt. A family called Blanchard bought the house after the Martins, then in the 1960s an architect lived there until he moved to Ashley Manor. The origins of this property are still recalled in the name Ashley Stud Farm.
Ashley Firs (courtesy Philip Martin)
Conclusion
Nowadays Ashley Lane is a self-contained area with little through traffic. It has been by-passed and allowed to develop with more residences than ever before. Some properties are modern in-fill buildings in the orchards and gardens of the hamlet. Others are out-buildings of the farms that existed before the 20th century. To some extent the hamlet resembles, in microcosm, the development of the whole of the parish of Box. We can see how the farms were sited next to the main Ashley Road, which resembles the Manor Farm in the centre of Box. Ashley remains less developed than the centre and still retains much of its historic character. Perhaps that is its main importance.
Nowadays Ashley Lane is a self-contained area with little through traffic. It has been by-passed and allowed to develop with more residences than ever before. Some properties are modern in-fill buildings in the orchards and gardens of the hamlet. Others are out-buildings of the farms that existed before the 20th century. To some extent the hamlet resembles, in microcosm, the development of the whole of the parish of Box. We can see how the farms were sited next to the main Ashley Road, which resembles the Manor Farm in the centre of Box. Ashley remains less developed than the centre and still retains much of its historic character. Perhaps that is its main importance.
Map of the area with names of residents in May 1960 (courtesy Eric & Sandra Callaway).
If, like me, you feel that this article begs more questions than it answers, do not despair! We are returning to the hamlet in the next issue and in 2016 we focus on the Tudor and Stuart history of the area including Ashley. We welcome all contributions, corrections and amendments to this article and apologise for any houses that have been omitted.
References
[1] Miss Tye lived in the area in 1911. She was related to the Angel family and through her father's first wife to the Burt family.
[2] It is uncertain if this was because the area was run down or if it was peculiar to the recorder of the 1851 census.
[3] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 1948
[4] Researched by Paul Rylance with information from The Coleridge Society: The Collected Letters, ed. EL Griggs, Volume 3, letters 908-955, pp.462-542, 8 Dec 1813 to 23 Nov 1814
[5] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 8 November 1821
[6] Register of Electors, Wiltshire History Centre
[7] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 29 December 1858
[8] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 2 June 1881
[9] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 4 February 1928
[10] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 24 May 1930 and 11 April 1931
[11] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 4 May 1935
[12] See Historic Buildings
[13] Register of Electors, 1912
[14] You can read more about the story of the Martin Family on this website.
[15] Referred to by June Nixon, who lived at Ashley Cottage.
[16] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 30 December 1933
[17] Register of Electors 1912
[18] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22 February 1941
[19] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22 February 1913
[20] Register of Electors 1912
[21] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 10 December 1927 and 12 May 1928
[22] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 2 November 1946
[23] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 17 October 1850
[24] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 12 November 1874
[25] Western Gazette, 1 November 1907; 13 September 1907; 7 February 1913
[26] Western Gazette 13 March 1914 and 26 March 1915
[27] Western Gazette 20 July 1917
[28] Western Gazette, 30 November 1917
[29] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 21 September 1935
[30] See Historic Buildings
[31] You can read more about this story at Parliament in Box
[32] You can read more about this property at Ashley Leigh
[33] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 1 January 1914
[34] Western Gazette, 13 February 1920
[35] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 April 1931
[36] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22 April 1939
[37] Western Gazette, 27 March 1942
[38] Courtesy Anna Grayson
[39] The story of Eric Bayliss and the Box Horse Show can be read in the next issue of the website
[1] Miss Tye lived in the area in 1911. She was related to the Angel family and through her father's first wife to the Burt family.
[2] It is uncertain if this was because the area was run down or if it was peculiar to the recorder of the 1851 census.
[3] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 1948
[4] Researched by Paul Rylance with information from The Coleridge Society: The Collected Letters, ed. EL Griggs, Volume 3, letters 908-955, pp.462-542, 8 Dec 1813 to 23 Nov 1814
[5] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 8 November 1821
[6] Register of Electors, Wiltshire History Centre
[7] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 29 December 1858
[8] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 2 June 1881
[9] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 4 February 1928
[10] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 24 May 1930 and 11 April 1931
[11] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 4 May 1935
[12] See Historic Buildings
[13] Register of Electors, 1912
[14] You can read more about the story of the Martin Family on this website.
[15] Referred to by June Nixon, who lived at Ashley Cottage.
[16] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 30 December 1933
[17] Register of Electors 1912
[18] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22 February 1941
[19] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22 February 1913
[20] Register of Electors 1912
[21] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 10 December 1927 and 12 May 1928
[22] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 2 November 1946
[23] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 17 October 1850
[24] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 12 November 1874
[25] Western Gazette, 1 November 1907; 13 September 1907; 7 February 1913
[26] Western Gazette 13 March 1914 and 26 March 1915
[27] Western Gazette 20 July 1917
[28] Western Gazette, 30 November 1917
[29] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 21 September 1935
[30] See Historic Buildings
[31] You can read more about this story at Parliament in Box
[32] You can read more about this property at Ashley Leigh
[33] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 1 January 1914
[34] Western Gazette, 13 February 1920
[35] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 April 1931
[36] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22 April 1939
[37] Western Gazette, 27 March 1942
[38] Courtesy Anna Grayson
[39] The story of Eric Bayliss and the Box Horse Show can be read in the next issue of the website