In the 1870s, Cold Ashton was described as A parish in Chipping-Sodbury district, Gloucester; on the verge of the county, under the Cotswolds, 5¾ miles N of Bath r. station.
[3]Now, Cold Ashton is described asA small village which, due to its setting, exhibits an air of tranquillity and pleasant isolation.
The stone-walled main street together with the close alignment of the manor house, the Old Rectory and the courthouse, give the village an intimate character.
[4]Originally the property of Bath Abbey, Cold Ashton then became entirely owned by William Pepwall, Mayor of Bristol, following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1564.
Following this acquisition, buildings such as the Elizabethan Manor House containing Renaissance style features, the Old Rectory and the Holy Trinity Church were constructed.
It is debated who had this influence, however, with dating referring more-so to the later Mayor of Bristol John Gunning.
His rebus, a 'T' entwined in a key can be found embellishing the church and other interesting features include the remains of a rood loft and a curious pulpit set in a niche in the north wall.
[6] The Domesday Book was a "Great Survey" completed in 1086 used largely in order to determine taxes to be owed as well as holdings and values of people.
The highest point on this upland reaches some 200 metres above sea level and falls away sharply to the South.
[12]The time series shows how, from 1801 to 1851, Cold Ashton grew in total population size by over double to nearly five hundred.