the manor from 1649 to the late 1600s, when it returned to the bishop. The manor was sold in 1802 to the Earl of Carnarvon. 19th Century In 1811 a fire destroyed major parts of the village, along with parish records. The population of Ashmansworth remained low during the 19th century. This was not helped by the restricted access to the land. A Black's Guide, published in 1871, described the village as being “among the least trodden districts and most secluded angles of the country, noteworthy only for its early English church”. An independent Parish Council for Ashmansworth was founded in 1894. One of the first issues it addressed was the water supply. Throughout its history Ashmansworth experienced difficulties in maintaining an adequate supply of drinking water. Before the installation of piped water in the late 1930s, the only sources of drinking water for many villagers were Mere Pool and the 100 metres deep well at Church Farm. 20th Century In 1901 a spokesman for the Archaeological Society described Ashmansworth as “a long scattered village, neglected and deserted in its aspect, with a rapidly decreasing population”. At this time the church had fallen into disrepair, probably as a result of it being subordinate to the East Woodhay parish. Over the course of the 20th century the character of Ashmansworth changed rapidly, largely as a result of the intensive farming practices adopted after the Second World War. The modern village has a central core, concentrated around the main thoroughfare where the Village Hall, built in 1952, village green, war memorial, former Plough Inn, former chapel and old school house are all located. There are many key buildings in the village including eight listed buildings, some dating from the 18th century such as Plough Cottage and Pheasant Cottage. Demography According to the 2001 census, it had a population of 215. According to the 2011 census, it had a population of 216. Amenities The village was served for many years by the local public house, The Plough, which ceased trading in 2008. Notable residents Gerald Finzi, composer George Bissill, artist References External links Ashmansworth Parish Council. Parish website containing information on the Parish Council and other aspects of the village. Hampshire Treasures: Volume 2 (Basingstoke and Deane) Pages 001, 003, 004, 005, and 006 Civil parishes in Basingstoke and Deane Villages in Hampshire