Aston

This Millenium sign seems to show a collection of villagers, with the church in the background. The sign is apparently a copy of an earlier sign, the original wood carving of which is displayed in the village hall.

By the time the Domesday Book was completed (1086), the small community of Aston (known then as Estone), was made up of about twenty-five families and included a priest. So it seems that there was a church at that time and it was almost certainly on the site of the present Aston St Mary’s, which was dedicated in 1505. Prior to this, in 1430 and 1490 Aston Church was referred to as “St. James”.

St. Mary’s Church stands on high ground to the West of the village. The original roof was thatched and the ridge marks of this roof can still be seen on the East side of the tower.

During World War II, Aston House, opposite the church (demolished in the 60’s) was occupied by the Special Operations Executive (possibly some of the people on the sign?), engaged in the design, testing and production of explosives and secret weapons for use in sabotage operations and guerilla warfare.

Aston House, Station 12

Aston - Wikipedia
Aston - British History Online

Aston, OS Grid Ref: TL 272 226