A little history of Aston Cantlow

Aston Cantlow

Aston Cantlow is a village in Warwickshire, England, situated on the River Alne, approximately five miles northwest of Stratford-upon-Avon. Historically, it was the home of Mary Arden, William Shakespeare's mother. The village's name combines 'Aston,' meaning 'eastern settlement' in Old English, and 'Cantlow,' added in the 13th century after the manor was granted to William de Cantilupe.

The area has a rich history, with evidence of Anglo-Saxon settlement, including an Anglo-Saxon burial ground. The Domesday Book records Aston as 'Estone,' held by Earl Ælfgar before the Norman Conquest. In 1205, King John granted the manor to William de Cantilupe, from whom the village derives its name.

Notable buildings include the Church of St John the Baptist, where Shakespeare's parents are believed to have married in 1557. The medieval Guild Hall, dating back to the 16th century, and the 15th-century King's Head pub are also significant landmarks.

The village's economy has evolved from paper-making and needle scouring to agriculture, with many residents commuting to nearby cities. Aston Cantlow remains a picturesque example of Warwickshire's rural heritage.