ASHINGDON
See also Rochford
The Imperial Gazetteer of England & Wales...., by John Marius Wilson. circa 1866
ASHINGDON, a parish in Rochford district, Essex; near the river Crouch, 2 and a ¼ miles N of Rochford and 6 NNE of Leigh r. station. Post-town, Rochford, under Ingatestone. Acres, 1,165. Real property, £1,878. Pop.,99. Houses, 17. The property is divided among a few. Ashingdon disputes with Ashdon being the ancient Assundune, the scene of Canute's victory over Edmund Ironside in 1016. An ancient camp was formerly at Canewdon; a great group of barrows, supposed to be the graves of the Danes, is in the neighbouring parish of Woodham-Mortimer; and a church built by Canute in commemoration of his victory, is said to have stood in the neighbouring village of Hockley. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Rochester. Value, £254. Patron, the rev. J. Nottidge. The church has a fine view, and needs repair.
Transcribed by Noel Clark
Is the following Myth, Legend or Fact?
"Ashingdon: St. Andrew's Church was founded by King Canute to commemorate his victory in battle on the hill where the church now stands. Though lawns surround the church today, legend says that after the battle no grass would grow on the 'bloodstained' hill. In medieaval times, a shrine in the church was said to bestow fertility upon women. The shrine was lost at the Dissolution, but the church retained its reputation as a lucky place in which to marry."
Provided my Ann Major
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