The village was first mentioned in the 13th century as Asle, and means "upper open forest with ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees".

[4] The former Dutch Reformed church was built in 1710 using material from its 15th-century predecessor.

Near the village are the ruins of St. Walrick, a 15th-century Benedictine priory which used to belong to the Abbey of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, France.

[6] The famous Josephine Baker had a performance at 4 and 5 December 1944 in Cafe Van Lin.

Proof of this suggested show was found in 2019 in the form off a play list together with a hotel voucher and a little copybook.