Ashampstead
Village and Civil parish in England
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ashampstead is a small village and civil parish in the rural area between Reading, Newbury and Streatley in Berkshire, England. The parish population is about 400, occupying some 150 dwellings.
| Ashampstead | |
|---|---|
| Village and Civil parish | |
St. Clement's parish church | |
  Ashampstead Location within Berkshire | |
| Population | 398 (2001 census)[1] 392 (2011 Census)[2] |
| OS grid reference | SU5676 |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Reading |
| Postcode district | RG8 |
| Dialling code | 01635 |
| Police | Thames Valley |
| Fire | Royal Berkshire |
| Ambulance | South Central |
History
The village was called Esshamstede in the 13th and 14th centuries.[citation needed] The Church of England parish church of Saint Clement dates from the 12th century. It has 13th century frescoes and a 15th-century wooden bell turret. It is believed the frescoes may have been painted by monks from the nearby Reading Abbey. The only remaining bell dates from 1662.[citation needed]
Notable people
- The composer Henry Balfour Gardiner bought Field House, Ashampstead Green in 1909, moved in after alterations in 1911, and stayed until 1930.[3] Many musicians, including Bax, Delius, Percy Grainger, Holst and Peter Warlock visited him there. The orchestral piece A Berkshire Idyll was completed there on 28 July, 1913.[4]
