Aston can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is recorded as having a mill, a priest, and lands consisting of woodland and ploughland. Aston was historically part of Warwickshire and was only incorporated into Birmingham as recently as 1911. It has an interesting and historic past.
Once the 300-acre deer park of Sir Thomas Holte, Aston would have dominated the landscape and exerted great influence over the surrounding townsfolk. Significant expansion occurred during the nineteenth century when factories, workshops, and mills sprang up in response to the Industrial Revolution.
Aston Hall was damaged in 1643 by Parliamentarian forces during the Civil War. The oak staircase still bears visible evidence of this damage for visitors to see during the summer months when the hall is open. Aston Hall is now owned by the City of Birmingham.
Aston benefited greatly from its proximity to the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and the wider canal network around Birmingham. Rail links followed, allowing further expansion of workshops and factories and fuelling demand for new housing. In 1897, Aston Villa Football Club occupied the grounds of Aston Hall. Villa Park has since played an influential role in making Aston a well-known area of the West Midlands.
Other notable landmarks in Aston include Aston University, Aston Manor Brewery—the last remaining brewery in the area—and the Aston Science Park complex. The Science Park’s modern yet sympathetic design complements the canal that runs alongside it.
Given its proximity to the city centre, it is not surprising that Aston has changed rapidly over time. Many older buildings have disappeared, replaced by new housing to meet the growing needs of the community. With Aston University and the nearby University of Central England, the area is known for its high student population. Birmingham city centre is within easy walking distance.
For more photographs of Aston, click here.
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