History
Long Ashton is a village in North Somerset, close to Bristol. It has a population of just over 6,000, with the parish including Leigh Woods and the nearby hamlet of Yanley. The area is known for its green areas, woods and open spaces that give it a country feel despite being so close to Bristol.
The village was originally built on the slopes of a valley, on the south-facing side that runs east to west. Long Ashton originated in Saxon times, although it is also true that both prehistoric and Roman artefacts have been unearthed in the area, particularly at the site of the Gatcombe Roman Settlement.
The name 'Long Ashton' derives from two waterways the village is close to, one being the Longmoor Brook and the other being the Ashton Brook, thus Long Ashton was formed as a combination of the two. The Domesday Book, compiled by order of William the Conqueror and completed in 1086, records the village name as 'Estune', which purportedly means 'the place by the ash tree'.
Bristol & Avon Family History Society
See also this comprehensive overview by Ruth Poole. Published in B&AFHS Journal 107 March 2002.
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The Long Ashton Local History Society has been active for more than 30 years promoting an interest in the history of the area. THey usually meet seven times a year with approximately 40 people gathering together to share their enthusiasm for our village. The society is known for its warm, friendly atmosphere and is always pleased to welcome new people. The membership is comprised of those who have lived in Long Ashton for a few years, those who were born here and those whose family connections extend back centuries.
Over the past few years, speakers have included village, local and regional experts in topics as diverse as Roman Roads, the cricketer W G Grace, local railways and Victorian seaside holidays. Other than their regular programme of speakers, they also endeavour to preserve, catalogue and promote anything of local, historical interest. Why not go along?!