Aston on Trent, Derbyshire – A Brief Descriptive Guide

Edited by
A. B. LONGBOTTOM
(Privately printed)

lytch_gate

SECOND Edition

REVISED AND ENLARGED

1970

Acknowledgements
The First issue of this little guide published in 1967, supplied a long felt want to visitors, and was soon exhausted.
Since then so much has happened that a revised issue is necessary, and I acknowledge the help of the Friends of the Village who supplied me with information, and made this little co-operative effort possible.
A.B.L – Aston on Trent, March 1970

Introduction
The history of Aston on Trent is inseparably associated with that ofWeston on Trent for after the Reformation, the Manor of Aston, as parcel of Weston cum membris, was rented to Sir William Paget who lived at Weston Hall. It afterwards passed to the Roper family, and their estates comprised the Manors of Weston, Aston, Shardlow and Wilne. Aston was originally called ‘Aestune’, the east ‘tun’ in respect of the neighbouring village of Weston.

In 1649, Robert Holden of Shardlow purchased part of the mansion and estate which belonged to the ancient family of Hunts of Aston, and also purchased that part of Aston which belonged to the Roper family, who were forced to sell through financial difficulties, Robert Holden died in 1659. After the sale of the estate to Robert Holden, the squirearchy continued to reside at Aston for upwards of 250 years, so they became known as the Holden’s of Aston, and the composite Manor was then termed the Manor of Aston.

The grandson of Robert Holden died in 1746 and left only a daughter, Mary Holden, who married James Shuttleworth, of Forcett, Yorkshire. He died, in 1773 and Mary, his wife, died in1791. Their second son took the name and arms of Holden, but he died without issue, so his next surviving brother, the Rev. Charles Shuttleworth, took the name and arms of Holden in 1791. His second eldest surviving son, by his third wife, was Edward Anthony Shuttleworth Holden, who was born August, 1805. He married Susan Drummond, the daughter of George Moore, of Snarestone Lodge, Leicester, on November 22nd 1832.

Edward Charles Shuttleworth Holden was the lastof the Squirearchy and surviving member of the Holden family to hold AstonHall, for he was the signatory to its sale to Col. William Dickson Winterbottom in 1898.

On the break-up of the Holden estates in 1898, Aston Hall and much of the surrounding land was purchased by Col. William Dickson Winterbottom, of Manchester. On his death Aston Hall was sold to the Nottingham County Council and converted into hospital for mental patients. In recent years it been great1y extended bythe provision or a. Nurses’ Home and additional wards for patients. Col. Winterbottom’s other properties in Aston were put up for auction in November, 1924, and sold to individual purchasers.

SPORT AND SOCIAL LIFE OF THE VILLAGE
Aston has always been well-known for its sporting proclivities and quite up to recent times it was the venue of the Meynell Hunt Point-to-Point Races which attracted hundreds of visitors. These Races, unfortunately, are no longer held at Aston, owing to changes in the ownership of the land on which the Races were held. Col. William Dickson Winterbottom, who formerly resided at Aston Hall, was a prominent member of the Meynell and Harrington Hunts.

The social focal point in the village is the Memorial Hall, which, is well adapted for its purpose, and is actively used by the various organisations.
The Cricket Ground is well-sited and is used extensively by the Aston Cricket Club, which was founded in 1875. The Aston Football Club has a pitch close by, which has been the nursery at several League players.

Aston Women's institute hold their meetings inthe Memorial Hall, and their activities contribute in no small measure to the community life of the village. The Methodist Women’s Fellowship holds their meetings in the new Methodist Church.
Aston has retained a certain amount at its rural community life, but in recent years it has assumed a dormitory character for its near neighbour, Derby.

In 1967 some old cottages in the centre of the village were demolished and a green pleasance made of the site, which adds greatly to the appearance of the village.

The Rectory
The old Rectory adjacent to the Church was demolished in 1969. This large rambling building, though extremely convenient for meetings of associations attached to the Church, was unsuitable as a residence for theRector, and a more suitable modern residence has been erected. A new Church Hall is envisaged, and parts of the extensive Rectory grounds are scheduled for building development.

Aston Church
Probably the first thing that will command the attention of any visitor to Aston is the beautiful situation of the Church of All Saints.
There has been a church on this site since Saxon days, although the only link now remaining from pre-Norman times is a stone which is embedded in the West wall adjoining the tower, which has a drip stone above it. On this stone may be observed a lacertian ornament on the upper part, and below it are three concentric circles with double diameters interlacing. This is, perhaps one of the most ancient features of the church.

The church is a fine example of a Midlands parish church, with its connections with the Saxon period and its Norman foundation. Its development follows typical lines, being rebuilt in the 13th century, added to and its roof raised in the 14th century. Although restored with a later window and furniture, it is virtually unchanged in its essentials since the end of that century.

It is an ancient Gothic building with a square tower, and has many interesting archaeological features. The walls are mostly of fine sandstone, typical of the lower strata of the Midlandsquarries. Restoration work has been carried on from time to time and differing qualities of colours, different shapes of stones, and differing bonds have been followed in the masonry work down the ages. The internal faces of the walls are of stone, un-plastered throughout except for one small area in the north aisle, which is finished in dark grey plaster.

The roof is supported by round Saxon columns and was originally high-pitched, but it was altered to its present flat design in the 16th century.
The lover part of the tower is Norman and is presumed to have been built about 1000. The cross cut on the tower arch is the original consecration cross. The tower is 62 feet from the ground to the top of the parapet. It has three levels approached by wooden ladders from the main floor level.

There is a ring off six bells all in active use, and the frames and hangings were made by Messrs Taylor and Co. of Loughborough. The clock in the tower is mechanically operated and has one face in the north wall. In the Chancel are three unusually long two light windows, which according to Dr Cox date from 1366-1377. The window light in the Ringing Chamber is worth more than passing notice.

The most ancient part of the church is in the west end. The main portionof the church and chancel is of 13th century work, the side aisles being erected later. The font, which is of handsome proportions, is unusual in the fact that it has a piece of stone cut out of it, to allow worshippers to touch the water inside when the lid is closed. This particular feature is rarely met within English churches. The pews in the church are of the reign of Elizabeth I and are noteworthy in the fact that they have holes cut in them, where the congregation of old placed their candles or tapers. It will be noticed that one of the pews has been badly scorched by fire at some time or other.

Beside the pulpit it will be observed that there is a. stone staircase which originally led up to the rood loft or screen which is now no longer in existence. On the right of the choir stalls is a 'squint’ window which is now built up. The corbel of one of the niches of the 14th century aisle window is apparently the base of a Jesse Tree, i.e. emblematic genealogy of Christ. It shows the sleeping Jesus and the lower parts of the tree growing out of him.

Under an arch on the north side of the church is an interesting tomb of alabaster, enriched with figures in bas-relief of angels holding shields of arms. That at the head of the monument has a chevron engrailed between three scallop shells, impaling a chevron between three crescents. On the tomb itself is the effigy of a man in a round cap and gown, having a dog at his feet. His left hand is holding the right hand of a female who is represented in a long gown, also with a dog at her feet.

This altar-tomb was erected in 1625to the memory of the Honourable Thomas Hunt and his wife, Alice Hunt, who formerly held Aston Hall before the advent of the Holden family. The Hunt family originally came from Overton, nearAshover in Derbyshire.
The tomb has been moved from its original position, which was under the arch between the chancel and the north chapel.

The scallop shells on the shield of the Hunt family have aroused many queries, but of their connection with the Hunts ‘history deponeth not’. Local records have been searched with a view to answering this question satisfactorily, but all to no purpose. It is a well known fact that those who made the pilgrimage to the shrine of St James at Boucas in Portugal, were privileged to wear a scallop shell, so one is forced to the conclusion that at some time or other some member of the Hunt family must have made that pilgrimage. Perchance some reader may be in a position to answer this query?
In the choir will be noticed a wall tablet to the memory of John Porter, M.A., who was the Rector of Aston in l635. There are also several mural tablets of the Holden family, and the Winterbottom family.

The church clock in the tower was given by the parishioners 1890 as a memorial to Edward Anthony and Susan Drummond Holden of Aston Hall.
In the churchyard at Aston may be seen the tombs of the Holdens, also those of the Winterbottom family.

Inside the church are two War Memorials; one in marble commemorates the officers and men of the Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry who fell in the South African War, and another in. metal is the Roll of Honour ofthe men of the Parish who died in the first World War, 1914-1918.

A special item of interest to visitors is the wooden case near the ringing chamber, which contains a flageolet, and formerly used in olden times to accompany the singing of the congregation.

The artistic lych-gate at the entrance to the churchyard, quite one of the best in the county, was erected in memory of James Holden, a former Rector of Aston, who resided at the Hall and later on at the Rectory.

The Methodist Church
Aston on Trent’s new Methodist Church was opened on October 14th, 1967. This new; modern dual-purpose building replaced the old chapel which dated from 1829, one of the oldest in the Castle Donington Circuit. Aston Methodist Church is integrated with the religious life of the village and with All Saints’ Church, and is showing the way in Methodist-Anglican relationships. The combined Anglican-Methodist Sunday School is well attended.

The School
The Village School was built in 1814 (N.B. this date is incorrect and should be 1845 –Webmaster April 2008), the land being given by Sir Richard Wilmot, Bart. In 1910 an addition was made in the form of a larger schoolroom for the elder scholars, and in 1967 a further room was added. The cost of the erection of the School was defrayed by the Holden Family, and on the schoolroom exterior wall can be seen the crest of the Holden’s of Aston. This is a moor cock rising Sable, winged Or, an interesting historical feature which is seldom observed by the casual visitor.

General Note
Aston on Trent is situated in the fairest part of pastoral South Derbyshire, and so far has escaped urbanization.
The acquisition of the 390 acres of the Elvaston Castle Estate, the former home of the Earl of Harrington, for adaptation as a country park, by the Derbyshire County Council and the Derby Corporation should preserve Aston in the green belt around Derby.

Aston’s Twin Village
Whilst in the vicinity of Aston the visitor should not fail to visit the twin village or Weston on Trent, which is but a mile or so to the west. Both artistically and historically Weston is most attractive. The Trent Valley is not so much valley as a basin, rimmed round with verdure-clad hills, and this feature in very perceptible on the way to Weston from Aston.
Weston Cliff has always been a favourite spot for anglers, artists and photographers, for it dominates as finea bit of canal and river scenery as maybe found.

The river Trent away down below meanders through rich meadow lands, and down river on the opposite bank are seen the trees and green glades of Donington Park. The general aspect of the area around the Cliff has changed considerably during recent years, since the establishment of the Ukrainian Settlement. The old Cliff Inn is now a well appointed Social Club, and its amenities comprise a swimming pool and a football ground. New roads around the church have replaced the old country footpaths that formerly led to the Cliff. Weston House is proposed to be acquired as a Home for Aged Ukrainians.

Weston has now a Village Hall which supplies a long-felt want.

The Church of St Mary at Weston is well worth a visit for it has many interesting features. Both aisles have good decorated windows, and the reading desk is made of 14th century bench ends.

In the graveyard lie those who fell in a “bout” between Royalist and Roundhead at King’s Mills. In1644, when SirJohn Gell carried the place which had been fortified by the King’s men, taking 200 prisoners.

In the year 1745, when the young Chevalier and his kilted following got as far south as Derby, local Parish records show that a man named John Pritchard was sent from Weston to the county town to see if “ye rebels” were coming, and that two other villages named Francis Henshaw and William Dawson, were primed, with three quarts of ale to watch for them from the Church tower.

William Rose, another Westonian, was paid the sum of one shilling for mending “ye town musquet”, and it was decided by the inhabitants to expend one shilling and sixpence in order to charge “ye said musquet”.

The “Home Guard” of those days were doughty men, and local records such as these make amusing reading.



Home Meetings and Events What We Do When and Where We Meet Events Program About AOTLHG Membership Constitution Contacts Projects Resources The History Area Pre-Historic Aston Timeline Settlement and Colonisation Medieval Ownership And Development Breakup Of The Old Estates Holden Estate Village Aston Hall, Its Breakup And Sale Agriculture And Its Organisation Village Industry And Community Village Farmsteads and Buildings A Little More History Longbottom's Guide Aston Churches Education in Aston The Big Houses Village Walk Aston at Work Aston at War Churchyard Survey Photographs Items for Purchase Reminiscences Site Information Links Site Map	Aston on Trent, Derbyshire – A Brief Descriptive Guide Edited by A. B. LONGBOTTOM (Privately printed) SECOND Edition REVISED AND ENLARGED 1970 Acknowledgements The First issue of this little guide published in 1967, supplied a long felt want to visitors, and was soon exhausted. Since then so much has happened that a revised issue is necessary, and I acknowledge the help of the Friends of the Village who supplied me with information, and made this little co-operative effort possible. A.B.L – Aston on Trent, March 1970 Introduction The history of Aston on Trent is inseparably associated with that ofWeston on Trent for after the Reformation, the Manor of Aston, as parcel of Weston cum membris, was rented to Sir William Paget who lived at Weston Hall. It afterwards passed to the Roper family, and their estates comprised the Manors of Weston, Aston, Shardlow and Wilne. Aston was originally called ‘Aestune’, the east ‘tun’ in respect of the neighbouring village of Weston. In 1649, Robert Holden of Shardlow purchased part of the mansion and estate which belonged to the ancient family of Hunts of Aston, and also purchased that part of Aston which belonged to the Roper family, who were forced to sell through financial difficulties, Robert Holden died in 1659. After the sale of the estate to Robert Holden, the squirearchy continued to reside at Aston for upwards of 250 years, so they became known as the Holden’s of Aston, and the composite Manor was then termed the Manor of Aston. The grandson of Robert Holden died in 1746 and left only a daughter, Mary Holden, who married James Shuttleworth, of Forcett, Yorkshire. He died, in 1773 and Mary, his wife, died in1791. Their second son took the name and arms of Holden, but he died without issue, so his next surviving brother, the Rev. Charles Shuttleworth, took the name and arms of Holden in 1791. His second eldest surviving son, by his third wife, was Edward Anthony Shuttleworth Holden, who was born August, 1805. He married Susan Drummond, the daughter of George Moore, of Snarestone Lodge, Leicester, on November 22nd 1832. Edward Charles Shuttleworth Holden was the lastof the Squirearchy and surviving member of the Holden family to hold AstonHall, for he was the signatory to its sale to Col. William Dickson Winterbottom in 1898. On the break-up of the Holden estates in 1898, Aston Hall and much of the surrounding land was purchased by Col. William Dickson Winterbottom, of Manchester. On his death Aston Hall was sold to the Nottingham County Council and converted into hospital for mental patients. In recent years it been great1y extended bythe provision or a. Nurses’ Home and additional wards for patients. Col. Winterbottom’s other properties in Aston were put up for auction in November, 1924, and sold to individual purchasers. SPORT AND SOCIAL LIFE OF THE VILLAGE Aston has always been well-known for its sporting proclivities and quite up to recent times it was the venue of the Meynell Hunt Point-to-Point Races which attracted hundreds of visitors. These Races, unfortunately, are no longer held at Aston, owing to changes in the ownership of the land on which the Races were held. Col. William Dickson Winterbottom, who formerly resided at Aston Hall, was a prominent member of the Meynell and Harrington Hunts. The social focal point in the village is the Memorial Hall, which, is well adapted for its purpose, and is actively used by the various organisations. The Cricket Ground is well-sited and is used extensively by the Aston Cricket Club, which was founded in 1875. The Aston Football Club has a pitch close by, which has been the nursery at several League players. Aston Women's institute hold their meetings inthe Memorial Hall, and their activities contribute in no small measure to the community life of the village. The Methodist Women’s Fellowship holds their meetings in the new Methodist Church. Aston has retained a certain amount at its rural community life, but in recent years it has assumed a dormitory character for its near neighbour, Derby. In 1967 some old cottages in the centre of the village were demolished and a green pleasance made of the site, which adds greatly to the appearance of the village. The Rectory The old Rectory adjacent to the Church was demolished in 1969. This large rambling building, though extremely convenient for meetings of associations attached to the Church, was unsuitable as a residence for theRector, and a more suitable modern residence has been erected. A new Church Hall is envisaged, and parts of the extensive Rectory grounds are scheduled for building development. Aston Church Probably the first thing that will command the attention of any visitor to Aston is the beautiful situation of the Church of All Saints. There has been a church on this site since Saxon days, although the only link now remaining from pre-Norman times is a stone which is embedded in the West wall adjoining the tower, which has a drip stone above it. On this stone may be observed a lacertian ornament on the upper part, and below it are three concentric circles with double diameters interlacing. This is, perhaps one of the most ancient features of the church. The church is a fine example of a Midlands parish church, with its connections with the Saxon period and its Norman foundation. Its development follows typical lines, being rebuilt in the 13th century, added to and its roof raised in the 14th century. Although restored with a later window and furniture, it is virtually unchanged in its essentials since the end of that century. It is an ancient Gothic building with a square tower, and has many interesting archaeological features. The walls are mostly of fine sandstone, typical of the lower strata of the Midlandsquarries. Restoration work has been carried on from time to time and differing qualities of colours, different shapes of stones, and differing bonds have been followed in the masonry work down the ages. The internal faces of the walls are of stone, un-plastered throughout except for one small area in the north aisle, which is finished in dark grey plaster. The roof is supported by round Saxon columns and was originally high-pitched, but it was altered to its present flat design in the 16th century. The lover part of the tower is Norman and is presumed to have been built about 1000. The cross cut on the tower arch is the original consecration cross. The tower is 62 feet from the ground to the top of the parapet. It has three levels approached by wooden ladders from the main floor level. There is a ring off six bells all in active use, and the frames and hangings were made by Messrs Taylor and Co. of Loughborough. The clock in the tower is mechanically operated and has one face in the north wall. In the Chancel are three unusually long two light windows, which according to Dr Cox date from 1366-1377. The window light in the Ringing Chamber is worth more than passing notice. The most ancient part of the church is in the west end. The main portionof the church and chancel is of 13th century work, the side aisles being erected later. The font, which is of handsome proportions, is unusual in the fact that it has a piece of stone cut out of it, to allow worshippers to touch the water inside when the lid is closed. This particular feature is rarely met within English churches. The pews in the church are of the reign of Elizabeth I and are noteworthy in the fact that they have holes cut in them, where the congregation of old placed their candles or tapers. It will be noticed that one of the pews has been badly scorched by fire at some time or other. Beside the pulpit it will be observed that there is a. stone staircase which originally led up to the rood loft or screen which is now no longer in existence. On the right of the choir stalls is a 'squint’ window which is now built up. The corbel of one of the niches of the 14th century aisle window is apparently the base of a Jesse Tree, i.e. emblematic genealogy of Christ. It shows the sleeping Jesus and the lower parts of the tree growing out of him. Under an arch on the north side of the church is an interesting tomb of alabaster, enriched with figures in bas-relief of angels holding shields of arms. That at the head of the monument has a chevron engrailed between three scallop shells, impaling a chevron between three crescents. On the tomb itself is the effigy of a man in a round cap and gown, having a dog at his feet. His left hand is holding the right hand of a female who is represented in a long gown, also with a dog at her feet. This altar-tomb was erected in 1625to the memory of the Honourable Thomas Hunt and his wife, Alice Hunt, who formerly held Aston Hall before the advent of the Holden family. The Hunt family originally came from Overton, nearAshover in Derbyshire. The tomb has been moved from its original position, which was under the arch between the chancel and the north chapel. The scallop shells on the shield of the Hunt family have aroused many queries, but of their connection with the Hunts ‘history deponeth not’. Local records have been searched with a view to answering this question satisfactorily, but all to no purpose. It is a well known fact that those who made the pilgrimage to the shrine of St James at Boucas in Portugal, were privileged to wear a scallop shell, so one is forced to the conclusion that at some time or other some member of the Hunt family must have made that pilgrimage. Perchance some reader may be in a position to answer this query? In the choir will be noticed a wall tablet to the memory of John Porter, M.A., who was the Rector of Aston in l635. There are also several mural tablets of the Holden family, and the Winterbottom family. The church clock in the tower was given by the parishioners 1890 as a memorial to Edward Anthony and Susan Drummond Holden of Aston Hall. In the churchyard at Aston may be seen the tombs of the Holdens, also those of the Winterbottom family. Inside the church are two War Memorials; one in marble commemorates the officers and men of the Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry who fell in the South African War, and another in. metal is the Roll of Honour ofthe men of the Parish who died in the first World War, 1914-1918. A special item of interest to visitors is the wooden case near the ringing chamber, which contains a flageolet, and formerly used in olden times to accompany the singing of the congregation. The artistic lych-gate at the entrance to the churchyard, quite one of the best in the county, was erected in memory of James Holden, a former Rector of Aston, who resided at the Hall and later on at the Rectory. The Methodist Church Aston on Trent’s new Methodist Church was opened on October 14th, 1967. This new; modern dual-purpose building replaced the old chapel which dated from 1829, one of the oldest in the Castle Donington Circuit. Aston Methodist Church is integrated with the religious life of the village and with All Saints’ Church, and is showing the way in Methodist-Anglican relationships. The combined Anglican-Methodist Sunday School is well attended. The School The Village School was built in 1814 (N.B. this date is incorrect and should be 1845 –Webmaster April 2008), the land being given by Sir Richard Wilmot, Bart. In 1910 an addition was made in the form of a larger schoolroom for the elder scholars, and in 1967 a further room was added. The cost of the erection of the School was defrayed by the Holden Family, and on the schoolroom exterior wall can be seen the crest of the Holden’s of Aston. This is a moor cock rising Sable, winged Or, an interesting historical feature which is seldom observed by the casual visitor. General Note Aston on Trent is situated in the fairest part of pastoral South Derbyshire, and so far has escaped urbanization. The acquisition of the 390 acres of the Elvaston Castle Estate, the former home of the Earl of Harrington, for adaptation as a country park, by the Derbyshire County Council and the Derby Corporation should preserve Aston in the green belt around Derby. Aston’s Twin Village Whilst in the vicinity of Aston the visitor should not fail to visit the twin village or Weston on Trent, which is but a mile or so to the west. Both artistically and historically Weston is most attractive. The Trent Valley is not so much valley as a basin, rimmed round with verdure-clad hills, and this feature in very perceptible on the way to Weston from Aston. Weston Cliff has always been a favourite spot for anglers, artists and photographers, for it dominates as finea bit of canal and river scenery as maybe found. The river Trent away down below meanders through rich meadow lands, and down river on the opposite bank are seen the trees and green glades of Donington Park. The general aspect of the area around the Cliff has changed considerably during recent years, since the establishment of the Ukrainian Settlement. The old Cliff Inn is now a well appointed Social Club, and its amenities comprise a swimming pool and a football ground. New roads around the church have replaced the old country footpaths that formerly led to the Cliff. Weston House is proposed to be acquired as a Home for Aged Ukrainians. Weston has now a Village Hall which supplies a long-felt want. The Church of St Mary at Weston is well worth a visit for it has many interesting features. Both aisles have good decorated windows, and the reading desk is made of 14th century bench ends. In the graveyard lie those who fell in a “bout” between Royalist and Roundhead at King’s Mills. In1644, when SirJohn Gell carried the place which had been fortified by the King’s men, taking 200 prisoners. In the year 1745, when the young Chevalier and his kilted following got as far south as Derby, local Parish records show that a man named John Pritchard was sent from Weston to the county town to see if “ye rebels” were coming, and that two other villages named Francis Henshaw and William Dawson, were primed, with three quarts of ale to watch for them from the Church tower. William Rose, another Westonian, was paid the sum of one shilling for mending “ye town musquet”, and it was decided by the inhabitants to expend one shilling and sixpence in order to charge “ye said musquet”. The “Home Guard” of those days were doughty men, and local records such as these make amusing reading.
This page was last updated on the 3rd April 2008. Page design © AOTLHG