Ashe Cottage

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Ashe Cottage is a Grade II listed building

In the Ashwell Building and Antiquities magazine, 1977, it is described as “17th/18th Century, one storey and attics, timber framed and rough cast plaster with some brick facing, 2 gabled dormers and a tiled roof .  The building was extended in 1974.”

It is rumoured that one of the builders who built the Ashwell Merchant Taylors’ School lived in Ashe Cottage.

The cast iron back plate in the main fireplace is dated 1659 but there is no evidence of its authenticity.

In a letter to the Herts. and Cambs. Reporter, 1911, a Mr A C Waldock wrote that his mother, who lived in Ashe Cottage at that time, told him the following story:

“One Friday, during the ministry of the Revd. Morice [Rector 1812-1850], she was going to choir practice.  She walked through the Church gate opposite Ashe Cottage and up the path to the Church.  The moon was shining brightly and she noticed a figure approaching her on the path from the Rectory.  As she turned to enter the Church the figure glided past her.  It was dressed in black and headless.  It then vanished from sight.  She entered the Church and collapsed unconscious on the Church floor.”