Genealogy & Family History

Pedigree of Ashton of Whiteley Wood

Alexander Ashton was descended of the Ashton's of Shepley in Lancashire.

Charles Ashton, (1665–1752), born on 25 May 1665 at Bradway, son of Robert Ashton and Dorothy (Nee Wood). He was admitted to Queens' College, Cambridge, in 1682 gained BA in 1686. Elected fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1687, and graduated MA in 1689, BD in 1697. Served as chaplain to Simon Patrick, Bishop of Ely from 1692 to 1699. He was presented to the rectory of Rattenden, Essex in 1699 which he exchanged for a chaplainship at Chelsea Hospital. In 1701, he was collated to the fourth prebendal stall in Ely Cathedral, and was elected to the mastership of Jesus College. The following year was elected vice-chancellor of the University, a post he held until 1703.He died, unmarried, on 26 March 1752 and was buried in Jesus College chapel.

The hall and estate at Whiteley Wood passed on extinction of the Ashtons to the Pegges of Beauchief and were sold to Thomas Bolsover who died here in 1788 aged 84 leaving two daughters Mrs. Hutton and Mrs. Mitchell. The house was then the residence of William Hutton who died in 1818.

In the Whittington parish register is the following entry:— Thomas Ashton, son of Mr. Arthur and Mrs. Jane Bulkeley, was baptized July 1st, 1744. Godfathers; Edward Downes, great, great, great, great, uncle; Dr. Charles Ashton, great, great, great uncle; Joseph Ashton, gent., great, great, great uncle. Godmothers: Mrs. Wood, great, great, great, great aunt; Mrs. Wainwright, great, great grandmother; Mrs. Green, great grandmother. Registered at the request of Joseph Ashton, of London, gent, who nominated the godfathers and godmothers, believing they are not to be paralled in England'

The estates of the Ashtons of Stoney Middleton passed by marriage to the Spencer's of Cannon Hall, Cawthorne in the 18th century and thence to the Shuttleworths.

Will of Benjamin Ashton of Hathersage
All his property, including lead mines, in Derbyshire to trustees, Edward Downes of Shrigley, Chester. Edward Downes his son, William Spencer of Cannon Hall , Babtist Trott of Mappleton and Robert Charlesworth of Castleton: one moiety to his nephew Thomas Bagshaw of Ridge, son of his late sister Alicia Maria, late wife of Charles Bagshaw; and the other moiety to his sister Christiana Spencer, wife of William Spencer of Cannon Hall and her issue male in order, with remainder to her heirs and to the right heirs of testator. 7 September, 1725. Source: Sheffield Archives: Oakes Deeds. Reference: OD/747