Aughton is a village and former civil parish, now in the parish of Ellerton, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It is situated approximately 7 miles (11 km) north-west of the market town of Howden and 9 miles (14 km) south-west of the market town of Pocklington. In 1931 the parish had a population of 100.[1] On 1 April 1935 the parish was abolished to form Ellerton.[2]
Church tower, 6 quarterlings, 2008newt carved in sunk relief, 2008
All Saints Church, Aughton is located at the far end of the village and overlooks vast expanses of the floodplains of the River Derwent. Tucked away in the village, it can only be accessed on foot through a small gate and field adjacent to Aughton Hall. An historic church, famous for its association with Robert Aske, leader of the insurgents in the Pilgrimage of Grace, October 1536. Aske was executed for treason on 12 July 1537.[3]
The church displays a mixture of architectural designs as it has been altered throughout the years, but is noted especially for its Norman arch between the chancel and nave. On the chancel floor a well-preserved ancient brass of a knight in 15th century plate armour and his lady can be found, although much of the lady is now missing.
Standing in the churchyard and looking up at the tower, (which was rebuilt by Christopher Aske sometime after 1536), a shield with six quarterings can be seen engraved on the outside wall, now badly weathered but it offers the following inscription in old French text: "Christofer le second filz de Robert Ask chr oblier ne doy, Ao Di 1536."
This is literally translated as: "Christopher, the second son of Robert Aske, chevalier, ought not to forget the year of our Lord 1536." Also on the tower is a benchmark of the time and carved, in sunk relief, a newt or salamander otherwise known in Old English as an Ask.
