Aston Tirrold

Coordinates: 51°34′12″N 1°11′53″W / 51.570°N 1.198°W / 51.570; -1.198

Aston Tirrold is a village and civil parish at the foot of the Berkshire Downs about 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Didcot. It was part of Berkshire until the 1974 boundary changes transferred it to Oxfordshire. The 2011 Census recorded the parish's population as 373.

Toponym

"Aston" is a common toponym derived from the Old English for "east town". It evolved via Eston and Extona in the 11th century and Eston in the 13th century before becoming Aston before the beginning of the 14th century. "Tirrold" began as Torald, Thorold and Thurroll in the 15th and 16th centuries, and the name was run together as Austenthorold in the 16th century. A Nicholas son of Torold held the manor in 1166.

Churches

Church of England

There may have been a church on the site of the Church of England parish church of Saint Michael since the Saxon period, as the north aisle has a square-headed doorway that may date from this period. The doorway is clearly not in its original position, as it links the 19th century north aisle with the vestry. The church is a Grade II* listed building.

Aston

Coordinates: 52°30′N 1°53′W / 52.50°N 1.88°W / 52.50; -1.88

Aston is an area in Central Birmingham, in the West Midlands of England. Commencing immediately to the north-east of the city centre, Aston constitutes a ward within the unitary authority.

History

Aston was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 as "Estone", having a mill, a priest and therefore probably a church, woodland and ploughland. The Church of SS Peter & Paul, Aston was built in medieval times to replace an earlier church. The body of the church was rebuilt by J. A. Chatwin during the period 1879 to 1890; the 15th century tower and spire, which was partly rebuilt in 1776, being the only survivors of the medieval building.

The ancient parish of Aston (known as Aston juxta Birmingham) was large. It was separated from the parish of Birmingham by AB Row, which currently exists in the Eastside of the city at just 50 yards in length. It was partly included in the borough of Birmingham in 1838, and a further part, Saltley was added in 1891.