Pitston in 1836
Pitston, anciently Pightelsthorn (population in 1831, 578), near Ivinghoe. In this parish was the rich abbey of Asheridge. The abbey, for some time after the dissolution of the community, was a royal palace, and Queen Elizabeth, before her accession, frequently resided here. Part of the conventual buildings remained till the present century ; they were nearly all pulled down by the then possessor, the late Duke of Bridgewater.
Edward I spent his Christmas at Asheridge, either at the monastery or at the neighbouring castle of his cousin, Edmund earl of Cornwall, son of Richard king of the Romans, A.D. 1290. He held a parliament there at the same time.
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