History of the Hamlet of Ashley Part 2 August 2015
Inscribed as Ashley 1905 (courtesy Rose Ledbury)
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Modern view outside Ashley Farm (courtesy Carol Payne)
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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.
Photos courtesy Carol Payne, unless otherwise stated.
Photos courtesy Carol Payne, unless otherwise stated.
We continue the story of Ashley with property development along the roads other than Ashley Lane dealt with in Part 1.
This article is divided into:
1. Ashley Grove
2. Ashley Green
3. Doctor's Hill
4. A4 down to Northey Arms
5. Wormcliffe Lane
6. Lower Kingsdown Road
This article is divided into:
1. Ashley Grove
2. Ashley Green
3. Doctor's Hill
4. A4 down to Northey Arms
5. Wormcliffe Lane
6. Lower Kingsdown Road
1. Ashley Grove Area
We get only glimpses of the early occupiers of the original property although there is a fascinating reference in 1799 when an advertisement appeared: Education - The Rev Charles Waller has opened a seminary for 16 young gentlemen at Ashley-Grove, near Box.[1] That is the only known reference to this establishment and we might imagine that it had a short life.
The area was owned in the 1840s by Henry Cambridge who lived at 7 Albion Terrace, Bath. It was mostly let to tenants. The Rogers family lived there until 1854 when the death of John Jenkins Rogers is recorded and in 1857 the death of his relict.[2] The property came up for sale in 1886 and appears to have been bought by George Powell, a Bath Charity Trustee, who was listed as living there the next year.[3].
The Ashley Grove area comprised a mini estate in 1886. A sale of the premises in that year described it as most attractive and conveniently situated with a freehold detached residence with coach house, stables, greenhouse, vinery, field and cottages; and also of a long leasehold field, garden and cottages adjoining.[4]
The house comprised: An entrance-floor, vestibule and ante-room, dining room, double drawing-room, breakfast room, kitchen, side kitchen, scullery and offices; on the first and second floors six bedrooms and large store-room; on basement cellarage and dairy. At the end of the Flower Garden were three glasshouses: a fernery and two vineries and three-quarters of an acre of orchard. It also had Four Cottages with garden ground appropriate to each and a Close of good pasture land with frontage to the main road, comprising nearly two acres.
The properties in the grounds were let out: in 1912 census Thomas Allen was recorded; in 1915 Major EB Rawlings was the tenant of the whole site.[5] In 1920 the freehold of the whole property was sold with vacant possession for £3,300, Two and a half acres of land, the house and three cottages.[6] The purchaser was another member of the Powell family, Mr W Howard Powell of Chippenham, but he owned the property for only a short time because there is a reference in 1923 to W Powell, lately of Ashley Grove.[7] In 1931 Mr A Carlton lived there.[8]
We get only glimpses of the early occupiers of the original property although there is a fascinating reference in 1799 when an advertisement appeared: Education - The Rev Charles Waller has opened a seminary for 16 young gentlemen at Ashley-Grove, near Box.[1] That is the only known reference to this establishment and we might imagine that it had a short life.
The area was owned in the 1840s by Henry Cambridge who lived at 7 Albion Terrace, Bath. It was mostly let to tenants. The Rogers family lived there until 1854 when the death of John Jenkins Rogers is recorded and in 1857 the death of his relict.[2] The property came up for sale in 1886 and appears to have been bought by George Powell, a Bath Charity Trustee, who was listed as living there the next year.[3].
The Ashley Grove area comprised a mini estate in 1886. A sale of the premises in that year described it as most attractive and conveniently situated with a freehold detached residence with coach house, stables, greenhouse, vinery, field and cottages; and also of a long leasehold field, garden and cottages adjoining.[4]
The house comprised: An entrance-floor, vestibule and ante-room, dining room, double drawing-room, breakfast room, kitchen, side kitchen, scullery and offices; on the first and second floors six bedrooms and large store-room; on basement cellarage and dairy. At the end of the Flower Garden were three glasshouses: a fernery and two vineries and three-quarters of an acre of orchard. It also had Four Cottages with garden ground appropriate to each and a Close of good pasture land with frontage to the main road, comprising nearly two acres.
The properties in the grounds were let out: in 1912 census Thomas Allen was recorded; in 1915 Major EB Rawlings was the tenant of the whole site.[5] In 1920 the freehold of the whole property was sold with vacant possession for £3,300, Two and a half acres of land, the house and three cottages.[6] The purchaser was another member of the Powell family, Mr W Howard Powell of Chippenham, but he owned the property for only a short time because there is a reference in 1923 to W Powell, lately of Ashley Grove.[7] In 1931 Mr A Carlton lived there.[8]
Photo courtesy Hilary Foord
The cottages seen above were at the junction of Doctor's Hill and Ashley Lane. They were pulled down in 1962 and the site re-developed to create Stonecroft and Newby. At one point it was thought that parts of these buildings were moved to be redeveloped as the Scout Hall close to the Rifle Club.[9] But this is incorrect. The current Scout building was put up in about 1972 and was a redundant concrete and asbestos-roofed building that was one of a number built on the land to the west of Ashley Firs, next to the railway line at lower Ashley. The huts were originally designed to house Pioneer Corps workers working at Ashley railway siding, moving munitions to the Farleigh storage site.
In the late 1950s or early 1960s G Williams & Sons of Bath purchased much of the land. Hollymeade and Grove House were built privately at this time. Williams divided Ashley Grove up and built Newby, Stonecroft and Ashley Corner, completing the work in 1962. Lower House was part of Ashley Grove, and was not in the rank of cottages. By the time that the larger house had been divided, a construction had been built on each end and the result was that Lower House and Ashley Grove became two semi-detached large houses.
Ashley Grove can still be seen in its former glory from both front and back of the building, particularly the walls and buildings in its grounds at the rear of the property.
In the late 1950s or early 1960s G Williams & Sons of Bath purchased much of the land. Hollymeade and Grove House were built privately at this time. Williams divided Ashley Grove up and built Newby, Stonecroft and Ashley Corner, completing the work in 1962. Lower House was part of Ashley Grove, and was not in the rank of cottages. By the time that the larger house had been divided, a construction had been built on each end and the result was that Lower House and Ashley Grove became two semi-detached large houses.
Ashley Grove can still be seen in its former glory from both front and back of the building, particularly the walls and buildings in its grounds at the rear of the property.
Ashley Grove Front view (courtesy CMP)
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The back view of Ashley Grove is most interesting (CMP)
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The properties which have been built in the grounds have some fascinating walls, stables and other buildings. Several of these are still visible at Grove House, believed to be the kitchen garden of Ashley Grove referred to in the 1886 sale particulars above. Grove House was built in 1957. The previous owners were named Roberts and it is understood that the father of Mrs Roberts was a stone mason who built the house.
Historic buildings in Grove House garden
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Grove House stables
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Stonecroft
There are several wells in the gardens of houses in Ashley and local anecdotes recall that they were in use in living memory up to fifty years ago. A well existed in the front garden of Stonecroft, filled in as it was in a difficult place. The company who undertook the work measured it as being 18-20 feet deep with water several feet below that. Neighbours, who used to live at Ashley Green before the cottages were demolished, recall Stonecroft's well being used for domestic purposes by the residents of the cottages. Ashley Green on the opposite side of the road from Stonecroft was once a laundry with another well there. There was also a well in the garden 18 ft deep with water 16 ft below that. It was used to draw water for a laundry which existed in Ashley Green at one time.
The Grove tennis court was sited in the grounds of The Grove behind the gardens of Stonecroft and Newby but ceased when the latter buildings were constructed in 1962.
There are several wells in the gardens of houses in Ashley and local anecdotes recall that they were in use in living memory up to fifty years ago. A well existed in the front garden of Stonecroft, filled in as it was in a difficult place. The company who undertook the work measured it as being 18-20 feet deep with water several feet below that. Neighbours, who used to live at Ashley Green before the cottages were demolished, recall Stonecroft's well being used for domestic purposes by the residents of the cottages. Ashley Green on the opposite side of the road from Stonecroft was once a laundry with another well there. There was also a well in the garden 18 ft deep with water 16 ft below that. It was used to draw water for a laundry which existed in Ashley Green at one time.
The Grove tennis court was sited in the grounds of The Grove behind the gardens of Stonecroft and Newby but ceased when the latter buildings were constructed in 1962.
One property (now called Ashley Green) has existed for over a century. In 1862 a ladies maid was wanted there by EH of Ashley Green.[13] In 1883 an advertisement was placed by Francis for a position as gardener by middle age single man who understands kitchen and flower gardens; can milk if required.[14] Later this house was run as a laundry for Ashley Manor and it was a little shop which sold jam. Today the houses on the Green include: Greenway House and Ashley Green.
3. Doctor's Hill
White Cottage and Hollymeade were probably once part of Ashley Grove. Development of this area has been limited partly because of the steepness of the road and also because it backed on to military firing ranges. White Cottage is early 1700s and has a date of 1704 scratched on a cornerstone.
Laurel Bank and Wilton Cottages are now at the extent of the army area. Wilton Cottages has 4 separate residences. Mike Turner's grandfather George Currant worked on the railway. George and Ella Currant lived first in the Barton and had four children. They then moved to 1 Wilton Cottages in 1908 and had seven more children: Winifred, kennel maid; Ethel, teacher; Arthur (Sonny), railway man; Stan, postman; Edie, domestic service; Fred, railway man; Molly; Phyllis, factory worker; Walter (Mackie) died age 21 on 10th May 1940 in Rexpoede, France; May; and Ken, farmer.
There were two rifle ranges on this area and down towards Littlemead. The Outdoor Rifle Range shot from Ashley towards the cemetery and was started after World War 1.[15] The Indoor Range was in a corrugated iron and concrete building (demolished in 1970s) behind the Scout hut. Bill Chaffey owned the house next door, Charlotte Cottage.
Number 4 was named Range View recalling that the area once looked out over the ranges which existed here after WW1. All the different branches of the services have used the ranges at times and they were used by the Home Guard for practice during the Second World War.[16] Merkin Farm runs a herd of goats on Doctor's Hill.
White Cottage and Hollymeade were probably once part of Ashley Grove. Development of this area has been limited partly because of the steepness of the road and also because it backed on to military firing ranges. White Cottage is early 1700s and has a date of 1704 scratched on a cornerstone.
Laurel Bank and Wilton Cottages are now at the extent of the army area. Wilton Cottages has 4 separate residences. Mike Turner's grandfather George Currant worked on the railway. George and Ella Currant lived first in the Barton and had four children. They then moved to 1 Wilton Cottages in 1908 and had seven more children: Winifred, kennel maid; Ethel, teacher; Arthur (Sonny), railway man; Stan, postman; Edie, domestic service; Fred, railway man; Molly; Phyllis, factory worker; Walter (Mackie) died age 21 on 10th May 1940 in Rexpoede, France; May; and Ken, farmer.
There were two rifle ranges on this area and down towards Littlemead. The Outdoor Rifle Range shot from Ashley towards the cemetery and was started after World War 1.[15] The Indoor Range was in a corrugated iron and concrete building (demolished in 1970s) behind the Scout hut. Bill Chaffey owned the house next door, Charlotte Cottage.
Number 4 was named Range View recalling that the area once looked out over the ranges which existed here after WW1. All the different branches of the services have used the ranges at times and they were used by the Home Guard for practice during the Second World War.[16] Merkin Farm runs a herd of goats on Doctor's Hill.
4. A4 Area to Northey Arms
The road from the triangle on Ashley Lane leads to the Northey Arms. Several properties are in this area including Three Gables (built in 1970s), Ashley Villas (partly on the Ashley road and partly on the A4), Stanmore House and Woodlands. FJ (Freddie) Goulstone, the grandfather of David Goulstone (of Lower Shockerwick Farm), lived at Woodlands in retirement before 1955 and a specially-built plank bridge was constructed across the brook to enable him to walk over to get to Hill House for tea at 3 o'clock sharp every day !
Ashley Villa
These houses were probably built in the 1890s. The Bath photographer, Augustus F Perrin, lived for many years at Ashley Villas, opposite the Northey Arms. Many of the old photos of the people and the area were taken by Gus Perrin. The property had a stone flagged floor and was bought by contributions from the family of Norman Martin as a home for Norman's sister Alice. On the other side of the road is Grey Tiles.
Ashley Villa was bought by George Martin and others for occupation by his sisters (all unmarried), Rebecca, Margaret and Alice Martin in 1920. Rebecca and Margaret died intestate leaving Alice the owner. Around that time George and Susanna Martin of Spencer’s Farm had also died leaving Norman Martin, aged around 19, homeless so he went to live with his aunt, Alice, in Ashley Villa until his marriage in 1930. Alice lived until the 1960s in Ashley Villa.
Grey Tiles
Grey Tiles was originally the orchard of Ashley Leigh. After the death of her husband Mrs Campbell sold Ashley Leigh to Mr and Mrs Moberley and had Grey Tiles built in the grounds in the 1950s. Mrs Campbell continued to live there with a companion, Gladys Lane, after her husband's death. Later Mr and Mrs Holford owned it. Grey Tiles is reputed to be on the course of an old drovers road and has a freshwater pond below it which may have been used to water animals. It may have joined up with Wormcliffe Lane, possibly a pilgrims' way into Bath. It was once the laundry for the Northey family.
The road from the triangle on Ashley Lane leads to the Northey Arms. Several properties are in this area including Three Gables (built in 1970s), Ashley Villas (partly on the Ashley road and partly on the A4), Stanmore House and Woodlands. FJ (Freddie) Goulstone, the grandfather of David Goulstone (of Lower Shockerwick Farm), lived at Woodlands in retirement before 1955 and a specially-built plank bridge was constructed across the brook to enable him to walk over to get to Hill House for tea at 3 o'clock sharp every day !
Ashley Villa
These houses were probably built in the 1890s. The Bath photographer, Augustus F Perrin, lived for many years at Ashley Villas, opposite the Northey Arms. Many of the old photos of the people and the area were taken by Gus Perrin. The property had a stone flagged floor and was bought by contributions from the family of Norman Martin as a home for Norman's sister Alice. On the other side of the road is Grey Tiles.
Ashley Villa was bought by George Martin and others for occupation by his sisters (all unmarried), Rebecca, Margaret and Alice Martin in 1920. Rebecca and Margaret died intestate leaving Alice the owner. Around that time George and Susanna Martin of Spencer’s Farm had also died leaving Norman Martin, aged around 19, homeless so he went to live with his aunt, Alice, in Ashley Villa until his marriage in 1930. Alice lived until the 1960s in Ashley Villa.
Grey Tiles
Grey Tiles was originally the orchard of Ashley Leigh. After the death of her husband Mrs Campbell sold Ashley Leigh to Mr and Mrs Moberley and had Grey Tiles built in the grounds in the 1950s. Mrs Campbell continued to live there with a companion, Gladys Lane, after her husband's death. Later Mr and Mrs Holford owned it. Grey Tiles is reputed to be on the course of an old drovers road and has a freshwater pond below it which may have been used to water animals. It may have joined up with Wormcliffe Lane, possibly a pilgrims' way into Bath. It was once the laundry for the Northey family.
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Above; Two postcards of Smith's Yard, Ashley, from the early 1900s, courtesy Box Parish Council
Ashley Steam Saw Mill
Near the Northey Arms in the early 1900s was a saw mill and builders yard.[17] In 1913 it was owned by Edward John Smith, who described himself as builder and wainwright, when Edward Frederick Currant of The Bartons, was killed in an industrial accident there.[18] It was another tragedy for the Ashley area after a railway fatality in November 1912.[19]
There are references also to a forge on the site possibly run by Edward Currant, great uncle of Mike Turner. The Saw Mill employed a number of people. In 1911 Albert Hibberd was a carter at Prospect Cottages working for the Saw Mills and other contractors. William Spencer (aged 59) at Hill View, Ditteridge, was a carpenter working at the Saw Mills.
By 1940 the Smith family were resident at The Bartons when Henry Bert Smith of the Bartons, eldest son of the late Mr J Smith of Ashley married Miss Norah Emily Pictor of Box.[20] The saw mill may be the same building that is referred to as a workshop when it was sold in 1946.[21]
Near the Northey Arms in the early 1900s was a saw mill and builders yard.[17] In 1913 it was owned by Edward John Smith, who described himself as builder and wainwright, when Edward Frederick Currant of The Bartons, was killed in an industrial accident there.[18] It was another tragedy for the Ashley area after a railway fatality in November 1912.[19]
There are references also to a forge on the site possibly run by Edward Currant, great uncle of Mike Turner. The Saw Mill employed a number of people. In 1911 Albert Hibberd was a carter at Prospect Cottages working for the Saw Mills and other contractors. William Spencer (aged 59) at Hill View, Ditteridge, was a carpenter working at the Saw Mills.
By 1940 the Smith family were resident at The Bartons when Henry Bert Smith of the Bartons, eldest son of the late Mr J Smith of Ashley married Miss Norah Emily Pictor of Box.[20] The saw mill may be the same building that is referred to as a workshop when it was sold in 1946.[21]
5. Wormcliffe Lane
As well as Ashley Lane and Doctor's Hill, a third significant road ran through the hamlet taking travellers through Wormcliffe Lane via a road called Bathford Lane in the 1851 census, which ran below The Swan from the Methodist Chapel to the county border. At this time the road was still a main route to Bath via Bathford and gave access to Bath to a number of the great houses in Ashley. Going up the road on the right are the following properties.
As well as Ashley Lane and Doctor's Hill, a third significant road ran through the hamlet taking travellers through Wormcliffe Lane via a road called Bathford Lane in the 1851 census, which ran below The Swan from the Methodist Chapel to the county border. At this time the road was still a main route to Bath via Bathford and gave access to Bath to a number of the great houses in Ashley. Going up the road on the right are the following properties.
Ashley Manor Area
Ashley Manor is the oldest surviving property in the hamlet (although there are several others that challenge its age). The present house can be traced back to the late 1500s when it was built as a grand manor house by the wealthy Long family.
Ashley Manor is the oldest surviving property in the hamlet (although there are several others that challenge its age). The present house can be traced back to the late 1500s when it was built as a grand manor house by the wealthy Long family.
Ashley Manor in 1920s (courtesy Box Parish Council)
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The Manor in 2014 (courtesy Carol Payne)
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In 1848 there is an intriguing reference that Weston Lodge School, Bath moved to Ashley Manor, Box but no further details have emerged about this.[22] Afterwards it was a private house again. It was owned by Dr Joseph Nash, the physician of Kingsdown Lunatic Asylum, whose children were born at the Manor House after 1865.[23] Dr Nash's mother, Jane Nash, was living at Ashley House in 1871.[24] In 1885 the children were growing up and their governess advertised for a new position: Governess: Subjects English, French, Latin, Music, Drawing. Disengaged September.[25]
In the years after 1891 George Wilbraham Northey was in occupation in the house, living in some style with his wife, four daughters, two visitors and seven servants. Col Northey died in 1906 and the family left the property.[26] After (but before the First World War) it operated as a private school for boys under the ownership of the prestigious-sounding Reverend Albert Victor Gregoire, rector of Ditteridge. In 1910 Rev Gregoire and his chauffeur were involved in a serious road accident when the back wheels of the car came off.[27] The report goes on to say the Rev Gregoire had previously owned a school at Weston, Bath. The Ashley school continued undiminished and a year later Rev Gregoire married Marjory Morgan of Glamorgan, who was 23 years younger than him.[28] In the 1911 census, there were 18 boy students aged between 9 and 13 years, a few from Bath and Cardiff but most from the north of England and one from Antigua, West Indies. The house had seven servants working in it and Thomas Tosswill Norwood Perkins is recorded as Headmaster of the Private School, a single man, resident at Ashley Manor Cottage with an assistant schoolmaster, cook and servant.
By August 1918 Capt Arthur Courtenay Stewart CBE RN, had bought the house.[29] The Stewart family story is a fascinating glimpse of a past era and we cannot fault them for their Victorian attention to their children. Several advertisements were put into local newspapers for a child's donkey, saddle and bridle and a wicker chair for riding a donkey.[30] Of equal importance was the 1919 advert Nurse wanted for little boy 3 and girl 7½; must be willing to winter abroad.[31]
Mrs Gwendoline Stewart was a prolific Pekinese dog-breeder and exhibitor. At the Paignton Dog Show of 1934 she bagged Five first prizes and two seconds with her two Pekinese dogs, Bumble Bee and Pegasus and her bitch Gem.[32]
In the years after 1891 George Wilbraham Northey was in occupation in the house, living in some style with his wife, four daughters, two visitors and seven servants. Col Northey died in 1906 and the family left the property.[26] After (but before the First World War) it operated as a private school for boys under the ownership of the prestigious-sounding Reverend Albert Victor Gregoire, rector of Ditteridge. In 1910 Rev Gregoire and his chauffeur were involved in a serious road accident when the back wheels of the car came off.[27] The report goes on to say the Rev Gregoire had previously owned a school at Weston, Bath. The Ashley school continued undiminished and a year later Rev Gregoire married Marjory Morgan of Glamorgan, who was 23 years younger than him.[28] In the 1911 census, there were 18 boy students aged between 9 and 13 years, a few from Bath and Cardiff but most from the north of England and one from Antigua, West Indies. The house had seven servants working in it and Thomas Tosswill Norwood Perkins is recorded as Headmaster of the Private School, a single man, resident at Ashley Manor Cottage with an assistant schoolmaster, cook and servant.
By August 1918 Capt Arthur Courtenay Stewart CBE RN, had bought the house.[29] The Stewart family story is a fascinating glimpse of a past era and we cannot fault them for their Victorian attention to their children. Several advertisements were put into local newspapers for a child's donkey, saddle and bridle and a wicker chair for riding a donkey.[30] Of equal importance was the 1919 advert Nurse wanted for little boy 3 and girl 7½; must be willing to winter abroad.[31]
Mrs Gwendoline Stewart was a prolific Pekinese dog-breeder and exhibitor. At the Paignton Dog Show of 1934 she bagged Five first prizes and two seconds with her two Pekinese dogs, Bumble Bee and Pegasus and her bitch Gem.[32]
Unfortunately for the family, history seemed to repeat itself (or perhaps it was just that the papers had an eye for scandal). In 1936 the Captain himself was involved as a passenger in a driving accident, when William Wayte, editor of a hunting periodical, was fined £3.14s for failing to stop at a Bath pedestrian crossing despite Capt Stewart's assertion that the car was travelling at about 10 knots and that If every motorist pulled up at every crossing in Bath, traffic would be held up indefinitely all day.[38]
In 1934 his son, Ivor Courtenay Stewart, was fined for causing an obstruction in Bridge Street, Bath, because his father told him to leave it there.[39] And in 1937 he was fined for cutting a corner on the Bath Road, Box whilst travelling at about 5mph.[40] And worse was to follow in 1940 when Capt Stewart, CBE RN (retired) was fined 10s for not having a blackout curtain at his bathroom window.[41]
When Gwendoline Stewart passed away in October 1961, vicar Tom Selwyn-Smith wrote a charming piece describing her in the Parish Magazine of November 1961, Here was a character rooted in the last century ... something Roman about her ... her vast family of dogs, said to number forty at one time ... it will be hard to forget her.
Ashley Manor was divided into three properties in the early 1960s, then amalgamated, and now divided into separate properties again: West Haven (Ashley Manor); Southleigh (Ashley Manor), Lyndale Lodge, and Ashley Manor. Ashley Barn and Hunters are in the grounds of the original Ashley Manor. On the opposite side of the road is Elmscroft. In-fill properties were built in the Ashley Manor estate land, including Rustlings, North Leigh, Cranford, Lion Cottage. It is possible that Broadlands too is built on what might have been part of Ashley Manor. In a later issue we hope to produce a fuller article about Ashley Manor, one of the oldest and most interesting properties in Box.
In 1934 his son, Ivor Courtenay Stewart, was fined for causing an obstruction in Bridge Street, Bath, because his father told him to leave it there.[39] And in 1937 he was fined for cutting a corner on the Bath Road, Box whilst travelling at about 5mph.[40] And worse was to follow in 1940 when Capt Stewart, CBE RN (retired) was fined 10s for not having a blackout curtain at his bathroom window.[41]
When Gwendoline Stewart passed away in October 1961, vicar Tom Selwyn-Smith wrote a charming piece describing her in the Parish Magazine of November 1961, Here was a character rooted in the last century ... something Roman about her ... her vast family of dogs, said to number forty at one time ... it will be hard to forget her.
Ashley Manor was divided into three properties in the early 1960s, then amalgamated, and now divided into separate properties again: West Haven (Ashley Manor); Southleigh (Ashley Manor), Lyndale Lodge, and Ashley Manor. Ashley Barn and Hunters are in the grounds of the original Ashley Manor. On the opposite side of the road is Elmscroft. In-fill properties were built in the Ashley Manor estate land, including Rustlings, North Leigh, Cranford, Lion Cottage. It is possible that Broadlands too is built on what might have been part of Ashley Manor. In a later issue we hope to produce a fuller article about Ashley Manor, one of the oldest and most interesting properties in Box.
Wormcliffe House
Further up this road is Wormcliffe House. The house is reputed to originate from the 1400s but this is as yet unproven and the present building appears to date from the 1600s and is marked on Francis Allen's map of 1630. Pilgrims going to Bath Abbey are reputed to have used a chapel of ease in Wormcliffe Lane and an outbuilding of the house has a medieval lancet window.[42] Elsewhere on this website you can read the story of the restoration of Wormcliffe House. The Barn Close and Springwell Cottage are presumed to be other out-houses of Wormcliffe House.
Further up this road is Wormcliffe House. The house is reputed to originate from the 1400s but this is as yet unproven and the present building appears to date from the 1600s and is marked on Francis Allen's map of 1630. Pilgrims going to Bath Abbey are reputed to have used a chapel of ease in Wormcliffe Lane and an outbuilding of the house has a medieval lancet window.[42] Elsewhere on this website you can read the story of the restoration of Wormcliffe House. The Barn Close and Springwell Cottage are presumed to be other out-houses of Wormcliffe House.
The medieval lancet window in the outbuilding in the garden of Wormcliffe House (courtesy Carol Payne)
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Photo courtesy Carol Payne
A number of properties exist on the opposite side of Wormcliffe Lane to Wormcliffe House: Passford House, Whittington, Croft Cottage, Swan Cottage and The Barn Close.
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6. Lower Kingsdown Road
Turning right on Wormcliffe Lane into Lower Kingsdown Road enters another whole area bordering onto Ashley. The properties here include Bay Tree Cottage, Littlehays, Cottesmore House, The Old Cottage, Barn Hayes and Oakway.
The area is renowned for its trees and the amount of water here and numerous of the buildings reflect these aspects. Ashley Wood Farm, the Kloof, Ridgeway and Cherry Cottage recall the nature of the area.
Ashley Waterworks
In 1912 the Northey family owned the Ashley Waterworks and Charles J Wilkins was recorded as living at Water Cottage.[43] The location of the works is remembered by the name Ashley Wood Pool and is situated below Ashley House where there was a lake fed by spring water from Wormcliffe. This spring also supplied water to Sheylors, Ashley Firs and Ashley House.
The water scheme was important to the Ashley area and the replacement of the old pumping station at Washwells was a cause of great concern in 1931.[44] The newspapers recorded it as Where Easter was Dry - Eight Days Drought in Box. The ratepayers of the hamlet, especially Captain Stewart had an indignation meeting (because only) small dribbles came through now and then ...
A number of modern properties have been developed on this road including Iona Cottage, Albion Cottage, The Poplars, Elmina, Fairwood, The Birches, Stonehurst, Lattice Cottage, Amorica before turning right to Woodland Manor and Ashley Wood.
Ashley Wood
In 1912 the wood was sufficiently profitable for the Northeys to keep the occupation in their personal possession.
Turning right on Wormcliffe Lane into Lower Kingsdown Road enters another whole area bordering onto Ashley. The properties here include Bay Tree Cottage, Littlehays, Cottesmore House, The Old Cottage, Barn Hayes and Oakway.
The area is renowned for its trees and the amount of water here and numerous of the buildings reflect these aspects. Ashley Wood Farm, the Kloof, Ridgeway and Cherry Cottage recall the nature of the area.
Ashley Waterworks
In 1912 the Northey family owned the Ashley Waterworks and Charles J Wilkins was recorded as living at Water Cottage.[43] The location of the works is remembered by the name Ashley Wood Pool and is situated below Ashley House where there was a lake fed by spring water from Wormcliffe. This spring also supplied water to Sheylors, Ashley Firs and Ashley House.
The water scheme was important to the Ashley area and the replacement of the old pumping station at Washwells was a cause of great concern in 1931.[44] The newspapers recorded it as Where Easter was Dry - Eight Days Drought in Box. The ratepayers of the hamlet, especially Captain Stewart had an indignation meeting (because only) small dribbles came through now and then ...
A number of modern properties have been developed on this road including Iona Cottage, Albion Cottage, The Poplars, Elmina, Fairwood, The Birches, Stonehurst, Lattice Cottage, Amorica before turning right to Woodland Manor and Ashley Wood.
Ashley Wood
In 1912 the wood was sufficiently profitable for the Northeys to keep the occupation in their personal possession.
We welcome all contributions, corrections and amendments to this article and apologise for any houses that have been omitted. Watch out for the Tudor and Stuart history of the area coming out in 2016.
References
[1] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 27 June 1799
[2] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 5 January 1854 and 25 April 1857
[3] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 13 May 1886 and 22 December 1887
[4] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 20 May 1886
[5] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 31 May 1915
[6] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 24 April 1920
[7] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 4 April 1923
[8] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 April 1931
[9] David Ibberson, Lambert's Way: Scouting in Box, 1985, p.7
[10] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 1 September 1934
[11] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 December 1943
[12] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 4 June 1896
[13] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 13 March 1862
[14] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 January 1883
[15] Information from Phillip Martin
[16] Courtesy Eric and Sandra Callaway
[17] David Ibberson, The Box Collection, p.26
[18] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22 February 1913
[19] Bath Chronicle, 23 November 1912
[20] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 May 1940
[21] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 2 November 1946
[22] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 18 September 1848
[23] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 23 November 1865 and Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 18 September 1867
[24] 1871 census
[25] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 9 July 1885
[26] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22 March 1906
[27] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 14 July 1910
[28] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 12 January 1911
[29] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 24 August 1918
[30] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 21 April 1917 and 26 January 1918
[31] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 17 May 1919
[32] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 28 July 1934
[33] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 5 November 1938
[34] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 13 June 1931
[35] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 5 November 1932
[36] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 1 July 1933
[37] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 7 October 1939
[38] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 July 1936
[39] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 27 January 1934
[40] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 3 April 1937
[41] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 23 November 1940
[42] Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, Vol 49, p.534
[43] 1912 Register of Electors
[44] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 April 1931
[1] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 27 June 1799
[2] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 5 January 1854 and 25 April 1857
[3] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 13 May 1886 and 22 December 1887
[4] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 20 May 1886
[5] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 31 May 1915
[6] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 24 April 1920
[7] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 4 April 1923
[8] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 April 1931
[9] David Ibberson, Lambert's Way: Scouting in Box, 1985, p.7
[10] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 1 September 1934
[11] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 December 1943
[12] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 4 June 1896
[13] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 13 March 1862
[14] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 January 1883
[15] Information from Phillip Martin
[16] Courtesy Eric and Sandra Callaway
[17] David Ibberson, The Box Collection, p.26
[18] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22 February 1913
[19] Bath Chronicle, 23 November 1912
[20] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 May 1940
[21] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 2 November 1946
[22] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 18 September 1848
[23] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 23 November 1865 and Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 18 September 1867
[24] 1871 census
[25] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 9 July 1885
[26] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 22 March 1906
[27] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 14 July 1910
[28] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 12 January 1911
[29] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 24 August 1918
[30] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 21 April 1917 and 26 January 1918
[31] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 17 May 1919
[32] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 28 July 1934
[33] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 5 November 1938
[34] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 13 June 1931
[35] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 5 November 1932
[36] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 1 July 1933
[37] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 7 October 1939
[38] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 July 1936
[39] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 27 January 1934
[40] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 3 April 1937
[41] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 23 November 1940
[42] Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, Vol 49, p.534
[43] 1912 Register of Electors
[44] Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 11 April 1931