Ashill, Norfolk
| Ashill | |
| Norfolk | |
|---|---|
| File:The church of St Nicholas - geograph.org.uk - 707440.jpg St Nicholas Church, Ashill | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TF885041 |
| Location: | 52°36’7"N, 0°46’55"E |
| Data | |
| Population: | 1,508 (2021) |
| Post town: | Thetford |
| Postcode: | IP25 |
| Dialling code: | 01760 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Breckland |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
South West Norfolk |
| Website: | Ashill Parish Council |
Ashill is a village in Norfolk, sitting between Watton and Swaffham in the north of the county.
The wider civil parish had a recorded population of 1,508 at the 2021 census.
History
Ashill was originally called 'Asleigh', which indicated a clearing in the Ash wood. The parish church, St Nicholas, dates from the 14th century and stands close to the group of houses that form the oldest part of the village. The village centres on the green and a duck pond. Drovers travelling to Swaffham market would stay overnight on the green, using a shed as accommodation, whilst their cattle grazed on the green and drank from the pond.
A school was built using funds from Rev. Bartholomew Edwards and opened in 1848. Bartholomew was the longest-serving incumbent of a single parish, totalling 76 years in Ashill, from 1813 to 1889.[1] The National Society for Promoting Religious Education built an adjoining classroom and school house in 1876 and the school name was changed to Ashill National School. The school was taken over by Norfolk Education committee in 1957, but sold on again in 1979.[2] It was once the headquarters for the local St John Ambulance division, but has been renovated into a house.
The present school was opened in 1989.
Churches
The parish church, St Nicholas, originates from the 14th century but also features many aspects from more recent times. The north windows hold some 15th-century mediæval glass, the chancel features 19th-century glass by Lavers, Barraud and Westlake, whilst the roof is of 17th-century origin.
There is also a Charismatic Anglican congregation in the village that operates outside of the parish system but is still a member of the Church of England.[3] It was first planted in 1997 after a controversy over the removal of the pews to allow more room in St. Nicolas.[4] The church moved between local community centres before buying a garage in Ashill and converting it into what is now the Well Christian Centre.
Society
A community centre complex was completed in the 1970s and provides an event hall, grassed playing field, tennis court, basketball court and play area. The village has its own free monthly newsletter, Ashlink Magazine, which contains local notices, announcements, detail on local events, clubs, societies and submissions from local residents.
Outside links
| ("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Ashill, Norfolk) |
References
- ↑ Historic Herefordshire On-Line: Sites and Monuments Record database
- ↑ Ashill V.C.P. School
- ↑ "Fountain of Life, Ashill". http://www.networknorwich.co.uk/Articles/165322/Network_Norwich_and_Norfolk/Directories/Church_Directory/Mid_Norfolk_Churches/Fountain_of_Life_Ashill.aspx.
- ↑ "30 Days". http://trushare.com/08JAN96/JA9630DA.htm.