Note: Whilst every effort has been made to include only those Press Cuttings known to be historically correct, the habits of Journalists over the years have not changed and minor inaccuracies may exist.
Sources which have been consulted include:
A 1981 Open University Project - "A Continuing Village - The Story of a Worcestershire Community" by D.A.B. Davidson Esq. (Worcester. County Record Office, Bulk Accession No. 9354)
Worcestershire Anglo-Saxon Charter-Bounds - Dr. Della Hooke - 1990 - The Boydell Press
The Editors of the Victoria County History for Worcestershire.
The Compilers of Domesday Book.
Roman Saltway Reconstruction
The old Iron-Age Saltway, from Martin Hussingtree to the Berkeley Arms, has been straightened and paved. Local labour from Aston was pressed into service to help carry out the work. A Well has been dug at the Egdon fork for the convenience of packhorse trains carrying Droitwich Salt to the south. Further improvements south of the Egdon fork, to Evesham and Pershore, are now in hand. A spokesman for popular Roman Army General Vespasian says "These works will considerably improve the military road network between the forts of Cirencester, Droitwich, Metchley and Wroxeter".
Autumn 103
Christianity Rules OK
Popular Emperor Constantine has decreed that Christianity is now to be the official Roman Empire religion. Worship of Household Gods, the Roman Pantheon and Ancestors will henceforth be discouraged in Aston.
Winter 313
Roman Army goes home
The Emperor Maximillian has withdrawn all legionary forces from Mainland Britain because of increasing unrest within the Roman Empire. Civic leaders of the main towns are meeting to discuss mutual defensive measures. An Aston resident is quoted as saying "Me and the other lads will form a Vigilante Group - we'll be able to look after ourselves. We've never really needed all those fat Roman soldiers".
Summer 446
Archbishop in County - Roman takes charge
Popular Archbishop Augustine, who represents the Pope and the Roman Christian Church, blessed villagers of Aston as he travelled along the Saltway to his meeting with British Bishops from the Celtic Christian Church at the Mitre Oak. It is understood they will be discussing a possible amalgamation of the two sects although many difficulties are foreseen, such as reconciling the different styles of tonsure and the date of Celebrating Easter.
Summer 560
Takeover by Hwicci
After decades of armed raids against the Romano-British by continual waves of invaders, the Hwicci have now formally set up a Kingdom covering most of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. They have adopted Christianity as their official religion and Archbishop Theodore has given them a diocese centred on Worcester. Delegates from Aston have welcomed the stability this should bring to the area.
Summer 679
Penda Slams Hwicci
Pagan King Penda, in his constant wars against Christian enemies, led the Mercian forces last year down the Saltway to an advanced base at Penda's Fen. He has been vigorously harrying the Hwicci from this Pinvin site ever since and they now accept him as Overlord of their Kingdom.
Autumn 703
Dreadful Deed at Halesowen
Popular 12 year old Kenelm, King of the Hwicci, who was a frequent visitor to Aston, has been murdered in Uffmoor Wood near Halesowen by his sister Quendryda. She then seized power. The King was hastily buried on the spot but so good was he in life that a Miracle Well immediately sprang up from his grave and a dove flew with a report of the crime to the Pope in Rome. The signs promoted investigation and the dreadful deed has been exposed. Last week his sister was miraculously blinded and then deposed.
Spring 760
St. Kenelm travels South
Following the miraculous events surrounding his death, the Pope beatified King Kenelm and agreed to the transfer of his body to Gloucestershire for decent burial. Moving the saintly corpse so far away, however, did not suit Worcestershire men and unseemly efforts were made to seize the relic and return it to Halesowen. Details are obscure but the final attempt may have occurred on the Saltway near Egdon. It must have failed, since the Saint is now safely buried in Winchcombe.
Summer 763
Ecclesiastical Court set up
Popular Saxon King Edgar has ordained an Ecclesiastical Court to be held as necessary in Low Hill House on the Saltway.
Summer 964
New Local Government
St. Oswald, the popular and powerful Bishop of Worcester, has completed the reorganisation of land holdings in the area started by his popular predecessor, St. Dunstan. The parish boundaries of the village (to be known as Aston Episcopi) have been laid down within the Hundred of Oswaldstow, where the Bishop will be overlord of all manors. The 'Hundred House' for settling all land disputes will be at Low Hill House. The Hundreds are divided into Manors. Aston Episcopi is on the edge of the manor of Northwick and nearby Stoulton is in Kempsey manor. Peopleton is within Westminster Abbey's Pershore Hundred estate.
Summer 970
Boundary with Peopleton
King Edgar has granted a Charter of Privileges to Pershore Abbey. This confirms that the boundary between Peopleton and Aston Episcopi will be from the Wood Ford at Beornwynn's Valley northwards up the Bow Brook to the Ox Hill then along the watercourse to the Stone Digging.
Spring 974
Cudley/Warndon Boundary fixed
Brihtlaf, Minister to Oswald, the Archbishop of York, has leased Cudley in nearby Spetchley Parish from the See of Worcester. The precise boundary of Cudley with Warndon Parish to the north will be: From the little meadow at the Three Boundary Stone past the Wood to the Birds Land and thence to the Spring and westward along the High Street to Swinesherd and then past the Little Meadow to Cynehild's Farmstead.
The new legal custom of describing boundaries in writing, of which this is the first example in the vicinity of Aston Episcopi, could prove beneficial if ever land ownerships are in dispute in the future. It is to be hoped the idea will catch on.
Spring 974
Snaet accused at Hundred House
It was alleged at the last Hearing of the Hundred House Court that Snaetch, who farms land on the edge of the Parish to the west of the Saltway, was illegally encroaching onto highway land at Low Hill. In a vigorous defence Snaet claimed that the land was known throughout Aston village as Snaetch's Hill, because of the use he had long made of it, and that this use should continue. Amidst popular acclaim the Court confirmed Snaetch's claim.
Autumn 976
New Bridge on Saltway
The ford carrying the Saltway across the Bow Brook immediately upstream of Beornwynn's Valley, by the Peopleton turn at Woodford, has been replaced by a bridge.
Spring 983
Boundary Row settled
Unseemly disputes between the men of Churchill and Bredicot will hopefully recur no longer now that Oswald, Archbishop of York and Bishop of Worcester, has granted the latter to the priest Goding and included the following Boundary description between the two parishes in the Lease: From the Stone Digging to the Dyke and thence westward over the Heath to the little Grove, then southward and to the east of the wolfpit along the path to the Bare Hill in front of the Dyke and along it to the Boundary Place the back to the Dyke and along it to the Salt Street.
Villagers in Aston Episcopi will be pleased that problems so near the northern border of the Parish may have been solved.
Winter 983
Aston/Stoulton Boundary
Popular Archbishop Oswald has leased land in Stoulton to this kinsman Eadwig, to Eadwig's wife Wulfgifu and to others in both Upper and Lower Wolverton.
He has fixed the joint boundary with Aston Episcopi as: From Snaet's Spring above the Marsh along the Rommes Valley to the Salt Street, thence southward past Oswald's Low to the Salters' Well and along the dyke to the Saw Brook and along this brook to the Bow Brook and along the Bow Brook to the Wood Ford at Beornwynn's Valley.
Spring 984
Danes sack Worcester
King Hardicanute having sent two Poll Tax Inspectors to assess Worcester, the incensed citizens very properly flayed them alive before hanging their skins on the Cathedral door. The King has now sent a Danish army to support his Inland Revenue. They have burnt the City to the ground though most of its inhabitants have barricaded themselves safely on Bevere Island.
Some from the southern parts of the City fled to Aston Episcopi and will live there until the City is rebuilt.
Autumn 1040
Norman harry Church
Following the Norman Conquest, most of the feudal divisions of the Saxon Manors have now been taken over the invaders. Whilst the Church has retained its overlordship in Oswaldstowe it is having difficulty in collecting its rents from the new holders. Walter Ponther, Roger de Lacy and above all Urso the Sheriff are being particularly rapacious - their armed retainers frequently divert Bishop Wulstan's proper tithes and taxes.
Summer 1067
Norman Ethnic Cleansing
Around Aston Episcopi, Walter Ponther has dispossessed Azor in Churchill, Brictwold the Priest in Bredicot and Godric in Peopleton. Roger de Lacy has ejected one Alric from Spetchley and another Alric from Lower Wolverton. Urso has seized Grafton Flyford from Alwin, Broughton Hackett from Brinctmer, Cudley from Aelfeva the Nun and part of Upton Snodsbury from Alfward. He has also insinuated himself into Mucknall, Stoulton and even an outlying part of Aston itself.
Autumn 1068
King slams Urso
Popular King William I has confirmed that Ordric, a loyal subject of the Church who holds most of the village of Aston Episcopi, should pay his rents direct to the Bishop and not through Urso the Sheriff.
Winter 1069
Domesday Book Survey
Domesday Book records that Aston Episcopi is now valued at 40/- per year. 400 out of the 8000 acres in the Parish Area are now in cultivation in common fields around the village, the remainder being scrubland and forest. There are 10 households - Ordic the Holder's, 5 villagers and 4 smallholders. Churchill is about the same size and value but also has a mill, a priest, 3 acres of meadow and 2 Furlongs of woodland in the Kings Forest lying immediately North of the village. Spetchley is worth 50/-, Upton Snodsbury £7.10.
Winter 1086
New Landowner
Bishop Theulf has given about half the village of Aston Episcopi to Robert de Everay, for reasons which are not being disclosed. It is understood that Robert should be taking up residence shortly. A spokesman for the Bishop has stated "The transaction is a result of the continual drive for Economy and Efficiency by the Episcopalian See".
Spring 1120
Aston to have Vicar
By the gift of two palfreys to the Bishop, Robert de Everay has won the right to present a candidate for the office of vicar to the parish of Aston Episcopi. It is understood he intends to build a stone Church.
Winter 1204
Horewell no longer to be Royal Forest
Under the 1217 Charter of popular King Henry III, mitigating the severe Forest Laws, Horewell has been disafforested. Villagers of Aston Episcopi on its northern border can now hunt and gather wood with impunity, instead of having their ears cut off if caught.
Churchill residents are less fortunate, since they lie within the Forest of Feckenham whose resident of Aston who narrowly missed punishment for poaching, says "It will not make too much difference to the way we live but it might make it safer".
Summer 1229
Part of village sold to Bishop
Bishop Walter de Cantilupe has acquired additional land within Aston Episcopi from the De Bracy family.
Spring 1242
Great Battle of Evesham - Montfort slain
Simon de Montfort, the leader of the Barons, has been defeated and killed by Prince Edward at Evesham. Henry III, the Prince's father, who was held captive by the Great Earl, has been released. The Baron's army has been wiped out.
The popular young Prince first marched northwards out of his Worcester base on the evening of 3 August, to deceive de Montfort spies that he was marching towards Kenilworth, but he doubled back down the Saltway and made a forced march to Evesham, stopping only at Egdon to water his horses. The battle started at first light on the 4th. and was over by midday.
With his renowned Plantagenet wit, Prince Edward joked after the battle "De Montfort lost his head three times today. Once when he didn't think I was coming to Evesham, next when he tried to fight it out with me and lastly when my men hacked it off".
Autumn 1265
White Ladies Rule OK
Revenues from Aston Episcopi have been granted by Bishop Godfrey de Giffard to the eight Cistercian Nuns running the priory at Whistones in Barbourne. Founded in 1255 and renowned for its Girls School and Free Herbal Medicines the Convent of St. Mary Magdalene has never been rich. Its popular Prioress has announced that the village will henceforth be known as White Ladies Aston.
Summer 1283
Black Death
In the last twenty years the plague of the Black Death has swept over England and many villagers in White Ladies Aston and adjacent areas have died. The rural population is now so low that many villages have had to be abandoned. Churchill, Broughton Hackett, Spetchley and Bredicot have lost most of their population. White Ladies still remains inhabited. According to a local spokesman "It's been a very bad time but at least the shortage of labour is driving our wages up".
Spring 1369
New Bell for White Ladies
Following extensive alterations in the "English" Style to the original Norman Church, a Bell has been provided in the tower. Cast in Worcester, it is inscribed "Sancto Jacobre ora pro nobis".
Winter 1420
Priory Closes
As part of popular King Henry VIII's Monastery Dissolution programme, Whistones Priory has been closed down. Its land has been sold to development entrepreneur Thomas Hill. Bishop Morton states "The name of the village will not change. This is a scheme to encourage individual home ownership. I foresee a boom in timber-framed house building and a consequential boost to the local economy".
Autumn 1536
Traveller will settle down
Much-travelled Merchant Adventurer Robert Leddington has married the wealthy Widow Callohill of White Ladies Aston. He told our Reporter: "I have been to Arabia, Barbary, Brazil, Chaldea, Egypt, the East Indies, Italy, Greece, the Moluccas, Palestine, Persia and Syria, but nowhere have I found a nicer lady than Alice Callohill or a more pleasant pad than White Ladies Aston. I shall not be travelling far in the future".
Autumn 1574
Magistrates rap illegal beer trade
Edward Webb and John Lett, both of White Ladies Aston, have been heavily fined at Worcester Quarter sessions for selling their home made beer to the general public. In awarding the punishment, the Chairman of the Bench declared "We are determined to stamp out this pernicious practise - it can make you blind as well as defrauding Her Gracious and popular Majesty Queen Elizabeth of Her just Revenues".
Winter 1599
More trouble at t'Mill
John Greaves, the Miller of Stoulton, accused White Ladies Aston resident Richard Pratt of breaking into his windmill and taking away "an instrument very necessary to the said windmill called a levy". Worcester Quarter Sessions Court heard that there had long been a history of bad blood between the two men.
Spring 1600
Private Medical Scheme
Dr. John Hall of Stratford, son-in-law of popular playwright William Shakespeare, has extended his practice into Worcestershire. He is treating Mrs. Symmons of White Ladies Aston for a Distillation of the Right Eye. She has been suffering from this complaint for a year and reports that Dr. Hall's treatment is affording her much relief.
Summer 1660
Did Queen Elizabeth sleep here?
Despite many rumors to the contrary, enquiries from all 21 families living in White Ladies Aston has revealed no trace that the late Queen Elizabeth ever slept anywhere in the village. Two capons and four hares were, however, contributed by the villagers to the 'poultry purveyance during her 1597 Progress.
Summer 1602
New Squire
Clothier and M.P. for Worcester Mr. Robert Berkeley has recently acquired a considerable estate from Mr. Philip Sheldon, including much of White Ladies Aston. It is understood that he proposes to build a house at Spetchley.
Spring 1612
Right Eye Cure
Dr. Hall of Stratford has published an important medical text-book titled "Select Observations on English Bodies or Cures both Empericall and Historicall.
Performed upon Very Eminent Persons in Desparate Diseases". This casebook includes the recent cure of an eye disorder suffered by Mrs. Symmons of White Ladies Aston.
Spring 1615
Hen rustling at White Ladies Aston
Widow Christiana Haynes of White Ladies Aston has been found guilty at Worcester Quarter Sessions of stealing two hens from her neighbour Francis King.
Summer 1615
£10 Fine
Edward Giles of White Ladies Aston, along with 160 other Gentlemen from Worcestershire owning land valued over £40 per annum, has been fined £10 for ignoring the Sheriffs summons to attend the Coronation of King Charles I.
Summer 1625
"Saltway in poor state", say Justices
White Ladies Aston villagers have been rapped by the Worcester Quarter Sessions for the state of repair of the Saltway through their Parish. "It's nothing but deep ruts and quagmires" complained the Chairman. "The whole length of the road is often impassable but nearby parishes keep it in better order than White Ladies" he added.
Winter 1633
Second Bell for Church
A second bell has been mounted in the tower at White Ladies Aston Church. Cast by Richard Dawkes of Worcester, it bears the inscription "Give Prays to God".
Summer 1636
Squire buys freedom and returns home
Mr. Justice Berkeley, Squire of the village of White Ladies Aston, has returned to his Septically home following his imprisonment in the Tower of London. He gained his liberty by paying £10,000 of the £20,000 fine imposed upon him last year by the House of Lords for "Endeavoring to subvert the Fundamental Laws and introduce an Arbitrary and Tyrannical Government against Law" - he remains deprived of his former office and disbarred from any further office.
Mr. Justice Berkeley appeared for the Crown in the 1637 successful prosecution of Oliver Cromwell's cousin, John Hampden, for non-payment of the Ship Money Tax.
Spring 1642
Parliamentary Army slips through Kings Net
Having failed to stop a Parliamentary Army under the Earl of Essex from marching to the relief of Gloucester in September, King Charles I abandoned his siege of that City and withdrew his forces onto a line along the Saltway between Evesham and Worcester, in the belief that the Earl would march up the Severn or Avon valley. Essex is, however, heading towards London and the King's Army is now giving chase. Popular Prince Rupert of the Rhine, the King's nephew and commander of the Royal Cavalry, mustered his forces near White Ladies Aston before marching south.
Autumn 1643
Newbury Battle
It is reported that the Army of King Charles I caught up with the Earl of Essex's Parliamentary Army at Newbury in Oxfordshire and a bloody but indecisive battle ensured. Two local men who marched with Prince Rupert's Cavaliers, Charles Berkeley and John Good were wounded.
Autumn 1643
Civil War bites hard
Groups of Parishes have been ordered to band together to provide supplies for specific units of the King's forces under new Royal Regulations recently announced. White Ladies Aston must join with 11 surrounding parishes to victual Sgt/Major Bishop's 80 man strong troop of Horse.
Summer 1644
Cromwell knocks out Charles II
Oliver Cromwell, General of the Parliamentary Forces sent to eject the self-styled "King Charles II" and his Scottish Army from Worcester, spent the night of 29th August with his friend, Mr. Justice Symonds, at his elegant White Ladies Aston home. On the 30th. he moved to Forward Headquarters at Mr. Justice Berkeley's house at Spetchley. On 3rd September he advanced from Nunnery Wood, attacked the City and routed the Royalist force.
Autumn 1651.
Plunder and Rape
Parliamentary troops plundered Aston Court when its owner, Mr. Good, refused to provide them with billets. Their Commander also forced his attentions on Miss Good but fortunately she escaped his brutal and licentious advances by hiding in a tree. Protests about the conduct of his soldiers are to be lodged with Oliver Cromwell.
Autumn 1651
Curate Ejected
John Moseley, Curate of White Ladies Aston, has been deprived of his post. His sermons caused great offence to the Anabaptist, Brownist and Quaker sects now active in the County.
Autumn 1652.
King Restored
The Restoration of popular King Charles II on 1st May was celebrated in White Ladies Aston with bonfires and a Peal on the Church Bells.
Summer 1660
Curate Ejected
Robert Brown, Curate of White Ladies Aston, has been deprived of his post. Although a good scholar, as a Baptist he has preached excessively in the past in favour of the Commonwealth and a Fifth Monarchy man he supports no form of earthly government.
Autumn 1661
Bells Galore
A third bell has recently been added to the White Ladies Aston Church peal. It was cast by William Clerk of Evesham.
Spring 1707
Local Men on Murder Charge
Thomas Symonds of White Ladies Aston and John Palmer of Libbery have been charged with the murder of Palmer's mother, Mrs. Alice Palmer of Upton Snodsbury, on 7 November. Two other members of the gang they led, William Hobbin and John Allen are charged as accomplices and a third, Giles Hunt, has turned Queen's Evidence. He has revealed that the gang broke into Mrs. Palmer's cottage, killed both her and her servant Hesther Loxley, took what money and valuables they could find and then burnt down the cottage to hide their crime.
He also revealed that they had done the same thing at Mrs Anne Cormel's house in Bretforton on 5th February last.
Winter 1707
Symonds and Palmer Hung
Thomas Symonds and John Palmer, leaders of the desperate band of ruffians who terrorised their neighbours in White Ladies Aston, Upton Snodsbury and Libbery, as well as spreading alarm and destruction elsewhere in the County, have been executed at Red Hill in Worcester. Their bodies were then taken to Upton Snodsbury where they were hung on a temporary gibbet erected near the scene of their last crime.
Spring 1708
Charitable effect of Murder
The lands leased by Mr. Symonds in White Ladies and elsewhere have, following his recent execution, reverted to the See of Worcester. Popular Bishop Lloyd has, however, directed that the Church must not be seen to benefit from such a dreadful deed and has set up a Trust, to be known as Bishop Lloyd's Charity, to receive the revenues. These will be devoted to the foundation of two Charity Schools in Worcester.
Summer 1708
Pay-as-you-use road
Parliament has cleared the way to setting up Turnpike Trusts to improve highways throughout the County. Revenues to cover continued maintenance will derive from Tolls on road users, to be collected at Gates situated at key positions along the new highways. It is understood that the Saltway will be in first phase of rebuilding.
Spring 1790
Dunkirk Hero home on leave
Ensign Richard Goodhall Elrington is recuperating at his Low Hill House home from the severe wounds he received at Valenciennes whilst defending the Colours of his regiment against an assault by overwhelming forces from the French Revolutionary Army. Interviewed on his sick bed, the 16 year old Ensign said "I can't wait to get back to the Netherlands - these Revolutionaries have just got to be stopped".
Winter 1792
Nelson at Low Hill House
Popular Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, victor of Copenhagen and The Nile, stayed several nights at Low Hill House in White Ladies Aston, the home of Colonel Thomas Elrington, during a tour he is making through the Midlands.
Autumn 1802
Old Soldier attends his Last Parade
Colonel Thomas Elrington has died at the age of 87. Commissioned 65 years ago, he fought at Fontenoy, Falkirk, Culloden, Lafeldi, in America and the West Indies and at Havannah. He was several times severely wounded.
Summer 1809
Gift to City
Major Richard Goodhall Elrington, who is presently residing at his Low Hill House home on leave from his duties with the 47th Regiment in India, has presented the City of Worcester with the complete set of chain armour and weapons used by Jo Hasem, a Pirate Chief of the ferocious and courageous Wahabees, who long terrorised the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. Two years ago Major Elrington led an expeditionary force from Bombay against these pirates at the behest of the Iman of Muscat and, in spite of being greatly outnumbered, destroyed their base at Rasselkima and many of their vessels.
Summer 1814
Hero Returns from Waterloo
Peninsular War Veteran Surgeon-Major Good of the 3rd Foot Guards has returned safely to his Aston Court home in White Ladies from Waterloo, where the Duke of Wellington finally defeated the French under their Emperor Napoleon. Asked about the Battle, Surgeon-Major Good replied "The British Army formed up into Defensive Squares early in the day. The French bombarded us with cannon and casualties were enormous, but the Squares held whenever they attacked us with cavalry or infantry. Eventually we wore them down, they would attack us no more and they left the field defeated".
Winter 1815
Land Ownership Rationalised
Following the trend in recent decades to bring more scrubland and common into arable production or pasture, most of the Parish Area has now been turned into Fields. With the concurrent reduction in the number of tenants having holdings in old Village Common Fields, an exchange of lands to rationalise ownership has now been agreed by the major landowners in White Ladies Aston. A Plan showing the changes has been produced by Surveyor Mr. J. Allen of Oxford and these are due to be confirmed shortly by an Official Award under the 1825 Inclosure Act.
Autumn 1826
Population rise
The recently published 1831 Census reveals that the population of White Ladies Aston has risen from its 1801 figure of 166 to a startling 381, an increase of 43 per centum. A spokesman for the Glove-makers of Worcester says "We have been criticised about paying low rates to the wives and children who do outwork for us in the villages like White Ladies Aston. This nails that Lie. They're breeding faster and living longer because of the additional income we're giving them".
Winter 1831
Poor may be always with us
White Ladies Aston has been forced to join with other Parishes to form the Pershore Union, which will administer Relief to the Needy under the new 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act. Rates will be raised on all properties and plans for building a Workhouse in Pershore, which will provide shelter for anyone declared destitute in the Union area, are well advanced. Against mounting criticism that the new Relief will be much more costly to administer than the 1601 and 1662 Poor Law Acts, where the destitute had only to be forcibly returned to their home parish,
and that compared with normal housing for the Poor the new Workhouses will be like luxury hotels, the Chairman of the Union Overseers says "Opposite sexes will be kept apart once they enter the Workhouse and inmates will have to carry out strenuous tasks if they do not want to go hungry".
Spring 1835
Turnpike works
Considerable repairs have been carried out by the Turnpike Trust to the Saltway. Revenues had fallen since Droitwich salt is more and more being exported by canal, but the Trust reluctantly agreed that the state of the road within White Ladies Aston Parish was so deplorable that immediate repair work was necessary.
Summer 1835
Tithe agreed
Following the production last year of a map by Surveyor Mr. James Webb of Worcester and the calculation of the proper tithes to be paid to the Church in respect of all land and property in White Ladies Aston, the Award was agreed on 17th November.
Winter 1839
Iron Horse in Worcestershire
The opening of Spetchley station on the newly-constructed Birmingham to Bristol railway occasioned great rejoicing in the county. Spetchley will serve as the main station for the Worcester and passengers alighting there will be taken by horse and carriage into the City. Mr. Brunel, the eminent Engineer says "The arrival of this modern facility will increase the prosperity of the whole area and station staff are already making their homes in surrounding villages such as White Ladies Aston".
Autumn 1840
New County Police Force
A County wide Worcestershire Police Force is to be set up, following recent Government Legistlation to improve the maintenance of Law and Order throughout Britain. Villages will continue to retain their Constables.
Winter 1840
Allotments for Village mooted
Following reports of the success of schemes elsewhere in the County for providing Quarter-Acre allotments, which cottagers with small gardens can rent to grow vegetables, a survey of the likely support in White Ladies Aston is to be undertaken.
Summer 1843
Crushed by Fall of Earth
26 year old agricultural labourer Thomas Woods, who was crushed by a fall of earth on 14th May, died on 3rd July.
Summer 1844.
Death of Major-General Elrington of Low Hill House
Major-General Richard Goodhall Elrington of Low Hill House has died. Born at Low Hill House 69 years ago, he joined the Army at the age of 14 and served in many parts of the World. During the French Revolutionary War he fought in the West Indies, South America, the Persian Gulf, India and Burma. He will be remembered by his comrades for his constant cheerfulness in the face of danger or adversity and by the village of White Ladies Aston for his generosity and kindness.
Summer 1845
Killed by Log
11 year old John Birch died when a falling log knocked him into a ditch and fractured his skull. John was the grandson of John Fisher, an agricultural labourer, who dropped dead whilst mowing last July.
Winter 1845
Voting List swells to 17
The Register of Electors enfranchised by their ownership of property and entitled to vote at General Elections now includes: George Allsup, Aston St., Shoemaker & Victualler at the Berkeley Arms; John Allsup, Sneachill, Farmer & Victualler at the Crown; Henry Clarkson, Aston Court, Farmer; Thomas Clarke, Court Farm, Farmer; Luke Day, Edwardes Lane, Timber Dealer, John Day, Sneachill, Sawyer; William Frederick Elrington, London and Low Hill, independent means; John Hollings, Low Hill, Farmer; George Jackson, Lower Aston, Farmer; James Locke, Lower Aston, Farmer; William Milinchip, Aston St., Coal Dealer; John Petford, Aston Common, Labourer; Thomas Roberts, Upper House, Farmer; Rev. Sherwood, The Vicarage,Vicar; Samuel Sparrey, Aston St., Labourer; William Waters, Aston Lane, Shopkeeper & Baker; William Worrall, Sneachill, Farmer.
Spring 1848
Road repair rate fixed.
Following a Report by Messrs. Locke and Roberts, the two White Ladies Aston farmers who act as Surveyors, the Parish Council has agreed to 0/3d Rate for the repair of roads in the village during 1848/49 and 'for so long as the state of the roads in the parish require it'.
Spring 1848
Vicar slams Poverty Trap and Church
The Rev. Henry Martyn Sherwood, Vicar for the last 10 years of White Ladies Aston, had added his voice to the current criticism of the Poor Laws and the Rural Church. He writes "White Ladies Aston is a nest of Poachers and of Thieves. Morality is hardly existent. The roads are so bad as to be almost impassable in Winter and no-one dares go out after dark. The whole place has been pauperised and degraded by the Poor Law system. Many villagers openly keep a special pair of breeches or a petticoat in which to appear for their dole. Hardly anyone can read or write. As for the Clergy, few of them attend to their duties at all.
The Vicar of one neighbouring Parish lives in Devonshire, another in London. One who lives as near as Worcester arranges for all marriages and christenings to take place on Sundays so that he need not go near the Parish during the week. Even on Sundays there is no service if it is rainy or cold, the parson contending that the fireside suits both him and his flock better".
Winter 1849
New name for Egdon Hall
George Allsup, host of the Egdon Hall hotel at the fork between the Pershore and Evesham roads, is renaming it "The Berkeley Arms", in honour of the Squire of White Ladies Aston. in which Parish the hamlet of Egdon lies.
Winter 1851
No more Rail Passengers - Station Closes
Spetchley Station, which opened in 1840, is to be closed to passengers. The opening of a new line into Worcester has reduced traffic to very low figures. The goods yard will remain open but travellers from White Ladies Aston and surrounding villages will now have to use the Stoulton Station.
Summer 1854
New Bredicot School opened
A Church School offering education at very low cost has been built in Bredicot. The Chairman of the Managing Board, the Rev. Sherwood of White Ladies Aston, said at the opening ceremony "This School will fill a long-felt need in the surrounding parishes. Whilst there has been a Sunday School in Churchill and Broughton Hackett since 1817, this is no substitution for the improved education we require for the labour force of tomorrow. To sign one's name with a 'X' is no longer good enough".
Autumn 1854
New Parish Clerk Elected
Wheelwright Abraham Price of Elm Tree Cottage has been appointed Parish Clerk to White Ladies Aston, following the resignation of Mr. George Manton. Mr. Price was the Parish Constable for 1847-9.
Spring 1857
Landlord Dies
Popular George Allsup, Victualler and landlord of the Berkeley Arms Public House for the last twenty years, has died. His wife, Ann, will take over the licence, assisted by her brother, Thomas Millichip of White Ladies Aston.
Winter 1858
Church doubled in size - Big new Aisle
Founded in Norman times, the historic Church of St. John the Baptist in White Ladies Aston, which has been closed for many months whilst extensive repairs, alterations and extensions were carried out, has been re-opened for regular services. A complete new North Aisle and Vestry have been built, the Early English stonework and timbers have been completely overhauled. New pews have been installed and the seating accommodation increased from 73 to 155.
An avenue of 22 Yew Trees, one for each year the Rev. Sherwood has been Vicar, has been planted on each side of the approach path. Costs of the work have been met by private subscription and a £50 Grant last year from the Incorporated Society for Building of Churches.
Summer 1861.
A Saucy Story
A large donation, which will cover much of the cost of the recent repair work to White Ladies Aston Church, has been made by Mr. Perrins of Worcester to honour a longstanding Family Debt of Gratitude. Mr. Perrin's grandfather who owned a chemist's shop, made up an Indian Sauce to a recipe left by Lord Sandys of Ombersley's housekeeper in 1812.
Capt. Sherwood, on leave from India, purchased a bottle and suggested to Mr. Perrins that he should produce it commercially. This he later did, in company with Mr. Lea, and the firm prospered so well that Mr. Perrin's father promised a reward to Capt. Sherwood's son, the Rev. Sherwood. An annual renewal of the offer became a tradition between the Perrins and Sherwood families but it has been repeatedly declined until the present occasion.
Summer 1861
Farm Survey
The results of a Labour survey on all farms in Worcestershire has recently been published by the County Landowners Association - the following is an extract for the Parish of White Ladies Aston:
| Name of Farm |
Acreage |
Labour Force |
| Court Farm |
200 |
Farmer |
3 Men |
2 Boys |
| Moat Farm |
190 |
Farmer |
3 Men |
2 Boys |
| Aston Hall Farm |
280 |
Farmer |
7 Men |
4 Boys |
| Low Hill Farm |
30 |
Farmer |
1 Man |
1 Boy |
| Aston Green Farm |
200 |
Farmer |
3 Men |
2 Boys |
| Sneachill Farm |
206 |
Farmer |
6 Men |
3 Boys |
Autumn 1861
Landlord Dies
Popular John Allsup, Victualler and landlord of the Crown Public House, has died. His wife, Eliza, will take over the licence.
Winter 1862
Edwardes Land Bridge Repairs
The Parish Council were up in arms at their last meeting when asked to approve payment of a bill for 8/5d from Wheelwright Abraham Price for repairs to Edwardes Lane Bridge. "This is all the fault of the Gypsies and other itinerant Traders who always camp in Edwardes Lane" protested Blacksmith Mr. Joseph Petford.
"I live there and I know. They damage the Bridge when they go to the stream to get water - they should be made to pay". he said.
Winter 1863
Vicar Builds Church Porch
The Rev. Henry Martyn Sherwood of White Ladies Aston has paid for the building a substantial porch over the main south door into the Church. Mrs. Mary Emma Sherwood, who married the Vicar this year, said "Henry is dedicating the Porch to the memory of his first wife, whom he married in 1834".
Autumn 1864
Wagon kills Farm Labourer
32 year old Farm Labourer Henry Smith of White Ladies Aston was killed in January when he fell beneath a wagon which then passed over him.
Winter 1865
Vicar Buys Velocipede
Villages in White Ladies Aston were amazed to see the Rev. Sherwood balancing on a two-wheeled metal framework which he propelled along the muddy village street by pushing foot-pedals attached to the wooden front wheel. It is understood that the Vicar has acquired this machine, of which there are only two in Worcestershire, for pleasure trips. Popular Village Carrier and Butcher Mr. Samuel Andrews told our Reporter "Unfortunately The Reverend keeps falling off.
He frightened my horses on my last Saturday journey into Worcester. He'd do better to stick to a pony. I can't see this is a sport which will ever prosper. I wish he'd keep to his shooting and fishing".
Summer 1868
Population Fall
The recently published 1871 Census reveals a steady decline in White Ladies Aston's population over the last three decades. In 1831 it stood at 381 - it is now 349.
Spring 1871
Lime Burners in Village
George Millicheap has joined John Allsup in the lime burning trade carried out for the benefit of farmers and builders in White Ladies Aston.
Spring 1871
School Costs slammed by Education Boss
It has been revealed that the annual cost of running Bredicot School has risen to £126, of which only £48 is recouped from Government Grant. The Chairman of the Society for the Promotion of Education within the Working Classes says "The shortfall has to be made up from private subscription and church collection, which cannot be increased much more, and by the "School Pence" provided by the Scholar's Parents. It is quite clear that the latter fees will rise unless the Government does something".
Spring 1874
Holy Post
A letter box, which will be cleared each weekday at 5.30pm by the Royal Mail Postman, has been built into the Vicarage boundary wall for the convenience of villagers in White Ladies Aston.
Note in later editions: 'It has been brought to the Editor's notice that the Rev. Henry Sherwood has taken great exception to the headline preceding this news-flash in earlier editions. The headline was meant to be jocular but it is agreed that it was in bad taste, it has been withdrawn, the staff who composed it have been fired and the Editor apologies unreservedly'.
Summer 1879
Khartoum Hero was Local Boy
General Gordon, whose death in Khartoum has shocked the nation, is still remembered in White Ladies Aston from the days he spent schoolboy holidays at Low Hill House.
Autumn 1885
County takes over roads
Under new Government regulations the County Council is to become the Highway Authority for all roads. Toll roads will be completely abolished from 1990. Speaking at the Parish meeting the Rev. Sherwood remarked "It is to be hoped that the County show a greater sense of responsibility in carrying out these new duties than they have with some others I could mention". County Clerk Bund Willis Bund responded "I will look into the Rev. Sherwood's complaints if he'll let me know what they are".
New Telegraph Office manned
An office supplied with an Instrument connected to the Telegraph System which has now been extended into the County has been set up at Spetchley Railway Goods Yard. The Public may use the machine for a small charge and a Clerk proficient in the use of the Instrument is available during normal working hours.
Winter 1888
Hedge cutting Competition
Prizewinners for this competition were as follows: 1st William Rawlings (10/-); 2nd Francis Bendall (7/6); 3rd Edgar Hawrey (5/-); Highley commended James Rawlings and Angelo Fisher.
Winter 1896
White Ladies Earth Tremor
A severe earthquake struck White Ladies Aston between 5.30 and 5.35 on the morning of 17th December. A succession of shocks produced a steady roar, which upset cattle and moved ornaments. Shocks were also felt in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, London and Gloucestershire.
Winter 1896
Jubilee Binge
To commemorate popular Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, a street party was held for the whole parish on 28th June. 100 children were given Tea & Cakes and later 200 adults partook of Dinner. Races, a Band and other amusements were provided and dancing in the evening ended at 11.30. Although strong drink was available, nobody became drunk.
Summer 1897
New Horseless carriages on village roads
Worried parents complained to the Parish Meeting that the new craze for automobile driving was presenting increasing dangers for children. "We are having to keep the kiddies indoors - they can't play on the Village Street" said a White Ladies Aston resident.
Winter 1897
Big decrease in Population
The Census for 1901 shows that the population in White Ladies Aston is continuing to fall. It is now 244, compared with 349 in 1871 and 381 at its peak in 1831. Decreases of 30% in 30 years and 36% in 70 years reflect the general pattern of population movement away from the land and into the cities.
Winter 1901
Village Hall
White Ladies Aston has at last been provided with a Parish Room for the use and convenience of its residents. The Hall, which was opened by lady Catherine Berkeley, has been built at the cost of the Misses Emily and May Sherwood, daughters of the Vicar, and with generous practical assistance from many villagers.
Summer 1904
Farmer's Death
The death of Mr. Jackson of Moat Farm has been reported to the County Coroner.
Mr. Jackson was found shot on New Year's Day. It is understood that he had become depressed about his financial affairs. Foul play is not suspected.
Spring 1905
Retirement of Popular Vicar at Age of 97
The Vicar of White Ladies Aston, The Rev. Henry Martyn Sherwood, has retired, following the death last May of his wife. Born 1st July 1813, the son of Captain Henry Sherwood. Paymaster to the 53rd Foot and his wife Mary Martha, authoress of children's books and religious tracts and daughter of Dr. George Butt, Chaplain to King George III, his childhood was spent in India.
At the age of 17 he entered Queens' College, Oxford obtaining his degree two years later.
He did not care for Oxford and wrote "Too much Port Wine drinking and Hypocrisy - the enforced monasticism of the Dons is the reverse of beneficial; in addition, the journey from Worcester is most uncomfortable, takes 5 hours and costs a guinea". He was appointed Curate of Rushock, near Kidderminster in 1836 and in 1839, at the age of 26, Vicar of White Ladies. Between 1843 and 1898 he was also Vicar of the nearby parish of Broughton Hackett.
Very great changes have taken place in the village during an incumbency of over 70 years, which has been the longest but one in the Church of England's history.
The Rev. Sherwood will be succeeded by the Rev. John Shore.
Autumn 1910
Death of Vicar
The Rev. Sherwood, who resigned in 1910 from the Living of White Ladies Aston after being Vicar for over 70 years, died on 21st January at the age of 98.
Winter 1912
Crown Renamed
Notice has been given to the Victualling Sessions that the "Crown" public house is to be renamed "The Berkeley Knot".
Summer 1909
War Memorial in Church
A Memorial Plaque has been erected in the North Aisle of the Church to record the names of villagers in White Ladies Aston who gave their lives in the Great War. Four names are listed: David Gould, William Edwin Judd, Daniel Pearce and William Henry Shuck.
Summer 1919
Church Cross
The wood cross originally marking the grave of 2nd Lt. Hamilton Stanley Sherwood, 19 year old Grandson of the Rev. Sherwood of White Ladies Aston, has been erected by his family in the Church he knew well as a boy. He was commissioned in the Shropshire Light Infantry in January 1918, went to France on 4th July and fell near Bethune on 29th August.
Winter 1919
Ghost of Monk
Mrs. Ethel Anderson of Low Hill House reports that she has seen the ghost of the albino monk reputed to haunt the attics. The building was used as a Boys' School in the reign of King John and the monk is supposed to have hung himself after killing one of the scholars. Mrs. Anderson says "I was carrying a candle and turning the head of the stairs when I saw this ghostly form swaying in front of me, its feet about eighteen inches above the floor. I was petrified to start with but the apparition slowly faded away".
Winter 1922
Church Fresco
The White Ladies Parochial Church Council have accepted an offer from Mr. E. Anderson of Low Hill House to paint, at her own expense, a mural of angels around the east end of the Church.
Spring 1923
Deanery slams Church Decor
The recently completed mural in White Ladies Aston Church has come under fire from the Rural Dean. It is understood that his main objection is that the faces of the Angels, painted in tempera by Mrs. Ethel Anderson of Low Hill House, are modelled on various of her friends.
Summer 1924
Joint Benefice
The Parishes of White Ladies Aston, Churchill, Spetchley and part of Warndon have been amalgamated into a Joint Benefice as part of the rationalisation of the rural Church.. The existing Churches in Spetchley and Warndon are due to close and Churchill will become a Chapel of Ease.
Summer 1924
Dean threatens PCC with Court
Faced with the threat of admonishment by a Consistory Court, White Ladies Aston Parish Council have agreed that the recently-painted mural of Angels around the East end of the Church shall be obliterated when Church Repairs are next put in hand.
Spring 1926
War Swells School Numbers
The School Rate at Bredicot Infants School has increased to 26 with the arrival of 11 Evacuee children from Birmingham.
Winter 1939
Local Man dies at Sea
It has been confirmed that the destroyer HMS Exmouth has been sunk by a U-Boat torpedo off Wick on 21 January, with the loss of most of its crew. Among those killed was Stoker John Richard Watts of White Ladies Aston. A veteran of the Navy in the First World War, when he served in the battle-cruiser Renown, Mr. Watts came to the village when his wife became Postmistress and Telephone Operator at Sneachill Post Office.
Spring 1940
Main Services Enter Villages
Plans to provide water mains and overhead electricity lines within White Ladies Aston have been announced, as part of the Government's drive to provide full services in rural areas.
Summer 1955
New Council Houses Built
As part of the Government's drive for the provision of new housing, Pershore RDC are to build property in the middle of White Ladies Aston village and at Sneachill. It is understood that the former will be known as "Sherwood Place", to commemorate the Vicar of that name.
Winter 1956
School Closes
Faced with falling numbers for many years, Bredicot School has finally closed. It is understood that the building, which are in a poor state of repair, will be demolished. Infants from White Ladies Aston will now attend the School in Drakes Broughton.
Summer 1957
Station Closes
Stoulton Station, which serves White Ladies Aston, is to close as a result of the Beeching Report into British Railways.
Spring 1963
Church Mural Pointed Out
The Church of St. John the Baptist in White Ladies Aston has been completely redecorated. Some mural paintings at the East end of the Church, provided in the 1920's have been obliterated.
Summer 1964
Benefice Extended
The Parish of Peopleton has been added to the combined Benefice of White Ladies Aston, Churchill and Spetchley.
Spring 1975
Pub Re-opens
Following extensive renovation and extension, the Berkeley Arms at Egdon has been re-opened.
Winter 1982
Facelift for Old Inn
Extensions to the Berkeley Knot Public House at Sneachill have now been completed.
Summer 1984
New Spire
Urgent Repairs to the unusual wooden spire of White Ladies Aston Church have now been completed, at a cost of £30,000. The Cost of the work was largely met by funds raised by the Parishioners.
Summer 1985
Walkabout
A highly successful Walkabout has swelled the funds for renovating the Parish Room. New drains, as well as new toilets, can now be ordered.
Spring 1993
Larger Benefice
The Parishes of Upton Snodsbury and Broughton Hackett have been added into the combined Benefice of White Ladies Aston, Churchill, Spetchley and Peopleton.
Spring 1994
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