Aston is located roughly 1.5 miles northeast of the city centre. It covers an area just over 2 square miles and in the 2011 census had a population of 22,636.
The History of Aston
Aston (written as Estone) is first mentioned in the doomsday Book of 1086. Throughout the Middle Ages and through into Victorian times Aston grew in prominence. Known as Aston Juxta Birmingham and subsequently Aston Manor, it was absorbed into Birmingham in 1911 as simply Aston.
After the Second World War, Aston was designated a renewal area and underwent large scale development. Aston New Town, later shortened to simply Newtown was built in the late 1960’s. 11 of the 16 tower blocks built in the development exist to this day.
In the first decade of the 21st century, Aston went through another phase of significant development, under the project name of Aston Pride.
Transport Links
Aston railway station is on the direct line to Birmingham Moor Street, while several large arterial roads dissect the area including the A34, A38M (The Aston Expressway) and New John Street West. Aston is served by a large number of local bus services.
Schools
There are 7 primary schools and 3 secondary schools in Aston:
Aston Tower Community Primary School
Birchfield Community School
Manor Park Primary Academy
Mansfield Green E-ACT Academy
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Prince Albert Primary School
Yew Tree Community School.
Broadway Academy
King Edward VI Aston
Aston Manor School
Eden Boys' Leadership Academy.
Amenities
Aston has all of the amenities you would expect of an inner-city area, especially one next to a large university (though Aston University is actually just south of Aston). The area is home to two libraries, Aston Library and Birchfield Library. The Newtown area has its own medical centre and shopping centre.
Things to do in and around Aston
The two most famous “attractions” in Aston are Aston Villa Football Club and Spaghetti Junction. More sedate is Aston Hall and its museum located in the picturesque Aston Park, while the city centre is a short journey by train, bus or car.