Ashwell is a picturesque village in north Hertfordshire, 45 miles from the centre of London and 2 miles from the A1(M) motorway. It nestles on the chalk scarp on the spring line. Ashwell gets its name from the Springs, which are the source of the Rhee, a main tributary of the Cam. The water wells out beneath the ash trees just below the eastern end of the High Street. The Springs have a fauna of freshwater invertibrate animals including shrimps and flat worms, some of which are very rare and are regarded as relics from Ice Age times. Nearby, archaeologists have recently found evidence of continuous human occupation from Bronze Age to the present day. High on the hill to the west of the village is Arbury Banks, an Iron Age fort, although this has mostly been destroyed by ploughing. Icknield Way, the prehistoric track running from Hunstanton, passes through the southern part of the Parish.

The magnificent Church of St Mary is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and was built during the 14th Century. No record exists of an earlier building but there has almost certainly been a Church on the site from early times and stones from the earlier building are probably incorporated in the present fabric. It is now one of the largest village churches in Hertfordshire and its most striking feature is the tower which, with its wood and leaden spike at the top, rises to 176 feet. It is a bustling village Church at the heart of the community. It has a long-standing choral tradition and a music festival that has been running for over fifty years. The Church is also famous for its Medieval graffiti which can be found all around the Church.People have lived in Ashwell since the Stone Age leaving behind them artefacts and evidence in the landscape. Ashwell Village Museum has objects from all periods from the Stone Age to the present day.

Ashwell is a village steeped in history and you need only take a walk around to see an abundance of historical buildings and evidence of former village industries. The village is a thriving, active community, with three pubs, chemist, Charlotte Rose florists, Crumps the Butchers, Days the Bakers, Post Office, Village Store and Indian Takeaway! It is often difficult to find a night to hold a meeting or activity as there is likely to be something else already taking place.Come to Ashwell and see for yourself!