Ashill, Somerset

infobox UK place
country = England
static_

static_image_caption=
latitude= 50.94
longitude=-02.96
official_name =Ashill
population = 530cite web |url=http://www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/statistics/contents/population/estimates/2002mye/ |title=2002 population estimates |accessdate=2007-10-19 |format= |work=Somerset County Council ]
shire_district= South Somerset
shire_county= Somerset
metropolitan_borough=
metropolitan_county =
region= South West England
constituency_westminster= Yeovil
post_town=
postcode_district = TA19
postcode_area=TA
dial_code=01460
os_grid_reference= ST3217

Ashill is a small village in Somerset, England, situated seven miles south of Taunton, and three miles north west of Ilminster in the South Somerset district. The village has a population of 530.

It has a small junior school, a village pub named 'The Ashill Inn', a village hall and a playing field.

History

Ashill is mentioned in the Domesday book for its extensive woodland. The manor passed from the de Vaux family to Sir Thomas Moulton by 1317, and then through the Stretche and Beauchamp families to the Spekes who built "jordans" as their mansion, which was demolished in 1960s,cite book |last=Bush |first=Robin |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Somerset: The complete guide |year=1994 |publisher=Dovecote press |location=Wimbourne |isbn=187433627X ] although the grotto/summer house, dating from 1828 in the grounds survives. [cite web | title=Grotto at Jordans | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=263916 | accessdate=2007-10-19]

Church

The church is named The Church of the Virgin Mary and dates from the 12th or 13th century, with various later alterations. It has been designated by English Heritage as a grade II* listed building. [cite web | title=Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=263898 | accessdate=2007-10-19] The old rectory has some 16th century fragments but was largely rebuilt around 1800. [cite web | title=The Old Rectory | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=263907 | accessdate=2007-10-19]

Places of interest

* The 16th century "Rowlands" is the home of the Speke family. [cite web | title=Rowland's Farm House, and attached outbuildings around courtyard on north side, including well | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=263893 | accessdate=2007-10-19]
* Rowland's Mill is a Hamstone watermill dating from the 17th century. [cite web | title=Rowland's Mill | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=263894 | accessdate=2007-10-19]
* 18th century cider house. [cite web | title=Cider House | work=Images of England | url=http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?id=263913 | accessdate=2007-10-19]

References

External links

* [http://www.somerset3d.co.uk/logos%20&%20pictures/town%20&%20village%20pages/ashill.htm Photos of Ashill in 3d (Anaglyphs)]