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Many of these were still thriving before the First World War and manned by large numbers of farm-workers. Conditions for the workers were very poor at the beginning of the century; wages were 15 shillings per week. Matters reached a head in 1913 when the farm-workers went on strike. They demanded better working conditions and higher wages. Their action made itself felt for miles around. Eight Ashdon farm-workers served 14 days in Cambridge prison, rather than pay the fines asked of them. With the onset of war in 1914 the workers agreed to accept half of their wage demands and the 'North Essex Strike' came to an end. With the need for less men working on the farms, many have moved away to find other employment. A lot of the cottages are now occupied by commuters and retired people. Ashdon was mentioned in the Domesday Book where it was called Ascenduna.
HELD BY:-
Ralph Baynard formerly, a free woman.
Vines, 3 Beehives.
Roman burial mounds at nearby Bartlow Hills.
The meaning of its name is clearly “Ashtree Hill” and is derived from two Saxon words – “Aescen” (of the ash tree) and “Dun” (a hill).
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