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ASHCOMBE PARK BOWLING CLUB
CLUB HISTORY
CLUB HISTORY
The Origins of ASHCOMBE PARK
The Ashcombe area is mentioned in the Doomsday Book (1086) and formed part of the manor of Aisecombe or Ashcombe, which survived as a small hamlet to the east of Weston until the late 19th century when further development took place. The manor in 1086 was then held by Herlum and worth a hundred shillings.
According to historian Samuel Rutter, the ancient Manor of Ashcombe, together with its small hamlet, was held until the early eighteenth century by the Arthur family of Clapton-in-Gordano. In 1492 there was a dispute between John Arthur, Lord of the Manor, and his villeins (people who were slaves to their Lord, but free in respect to others). The villeins asserted that they were freemen and not slaves.
Later the land passed by marriage to the Hunter family, and was then sold , in 1696, to Colonel John Pigott, later descending to John Hugh Smyth-Pigott, the Weston Lord of the Manor
During 1886-1888 four parcels of land were purchased by the Weston-super-Mare Board, and formed Ashcombe Park as we know it today, consisting of 36 acres. At the time it was regarded to be one of the largest parks in the West Country. The Park was opened formally on 19th June 1902. By 1908, tennis courts had been laid out, and three years later, the bowling green was opened. In the 1923 Ward Lock guide to Weston-super-Mare, it was reported that Ashcombe Park was generally regarded as the “finest pleasure park in the country”.
The Park later included a lake, which was constructed in the shape of the Bristol Channel, but this was subsequently removed and a children’s play area opened, which still remains as the one at the bottom of the Park, adjacent to the Milton road. The Park has two fenced child play areas, and also an open-air cafe, and a pitch-and-putt facility.
According to historian Samuel Rutter, the ancient Manor of Ashcombe, together with its small hamlet, was held until the early eighteenth century by the Arthur family of Clapton-
Later the land passed by marriage to the Hunter family, and was then sold , in 1696, to Colonel John Pigott, later descending to John Hugh Smyth-
During 1886-
The Park later included a lake, which was constructed in the shape of the Bristol Channel, but this was subsequently removed and a children’s play area opened, which still remains as the one at the bottom of the Park, adjacent to the Milton road. The Park has two fenced child play areas, and also an open-
The surrounding area
In the nineteenth century mine workings were to be found across the road at the top of the park, further information is being sought.
In the early 1900’s Ashcombe had its own railway station. It was the Ashcombe Road terminus of the Weston, Clevedon, and Portishead railway, which originally opened as a tramway with links to the sea-front, but later obtained ‘light-railway’ status in its own right. The line closed at the outbreak of World war two. Full details of this railway are to be found on web-site: www.wcandpr.org.uk
Information and pictures are sought from anyone. Please contact our Webmaster.
In the early 1900’s Ashcombe had its own railway station. It was the Ashcombe Road terminus of the Weston, Clevedon, and Portishead railway, which originally opened as a tramway with links to the sea-
Information and pictures are sought from anyone. Please contact our Webmaster.
History of Ashcombe Park and the local area.
Information on Ashcombe Park was originally included on the Section Index page. Now enhanced from details included in our 90th Centenary booklet, and other sources, the information will be of general interest to bowlers and historians alike!