Eleven Centuries In Ashwell
Hertfordshire Life|September 2017

The north Herts village of Ashwell is enjoying a special year marking 1,100 years since its founding. Bianca Wild looks at its rich history and ongoing celebrations.

Eleven Centuries In Ashwell

Picture-postcard Ashwell has been a hive of activity this year with events to mark its 1,100th anniversary. Everything from street parties to a major Ashwell at Home event have been held to celebrate the history of the north Herts village.

But where did it all start? Evidence of activity in the area can be found much earlier than the 917 date chosen for this year’s celebrations. Ashwell historian David Short has written extensively on the period and notes that during the Roman occupation of Britain (before the sacking of Rome and the withdrawal of Roman administrators and soldiers in 410), Roman presence was felt in the area. In 2002, in a field in Ashwell End at what is now the outskirts of the village beside the river Cam, a source of which rises in the village, a metal detectorist uncovered 26 silver and gold plaques and jewellery – votive offerings at a shrine complex to a previously unknown goddess. The goddess was Senua (or Senuna) – a Celtic diety with elements of the Roman Minerva.

After the Romans, incoming Anglo-Saxons settled and built houses scattered around the countryside, populations grew and estates were formed. Ashwell, with its freshwater springs, was the centre of such an estate, which also included nearby Hinxworth, Caldecote, Newnham, Radwell and Bygrave. The church serving the estate would have been a minster – something between a parish church and a monastic house.

The 9th century saw a spell of Viking inhabitancy in the country, but this was to come to an end when Edward the Elder, son of Alfred the Great, reclaimed the land and created burhs and towns, including Ashwell in 917.

Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September 2017-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HERTFORDSHIRE LIFESe alt
Hertfordshire Life

Explosive history

With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Hertfordshire Life

A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer

Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Hertfordshire Life

Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
The greatest traveller
Hertfordshire Life

The greatest traveller

Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

Return of the Queen of Romance

Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
In bed with CELEBS
Hertfordshire Life

In bed with CELEBS

Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Roam with a view
Hertfordshire Life

Roam with a view

We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
Hertfordshire Life

Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

A walk down Surreal Street

Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
5 minutes with
Hertfordshire Life

5 minutes with

Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020