You probably have this already Robin .... but just in case !!
Cold Ashton is ancient in origin and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Indeed, Cold Ashton is the site of two round barrows known as Robin Hood's butts.
The Cold Ashton estate was originally the property of Bath Abbey until the dissolution and in 1564 came into the hands of William Pepwall, Mayor of Bristol. There are a number of listed buildings within the village, one of which is the splendid Elizabethan manor house. It has been suggested that this house may date from Pepwall's time but it is more likely to have begun in c.1629 when John Gunning, another mayor of Bristol, bought the estate.
The forecourt wall has an impressive ornamental gateway bearing the coat of arms of Sir Robert Gunning of 1678. The archway is a fine example of the Renaissance style, with square Roman doric columns and a rosette frieze surmounted by two floricated urns.
Semi-circular steps leading onto the road complete the design and there is a mounting block to one side. Inside the manor the most notable feature is the splendid hall screen, one of few in the country to survive intact.
Adjacent to the manor lies the Old Rectory which dates from the 16th century. It has an interesting history, being the place where Sir Bevil Grenville, Royalist leader in the civil war died, after being mortally wounded in the Battle of Lansdown in 1643.
The Holy Trinity Church originally came under the Priory of St Peter of Bath and was largely rebuilt between 1508 and 1540 by the rector, Thomas Kelly. His rebus, a 'T' entwined in a key can be found embellishing the church and other interesting features include the remains of a rood loft and a curious pulpit set in a niche in the north wall.
Annie
Interesting spelling too !
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Council-Democracy/Democracy-Elections/mayors-of-bristol-since-1216.en?page=5Is this your family site ?
Descendants of John Gunning (he made his will 27 Feb 1569-70)
1 John Gunning
... +Dionisia
........ 2 Thomas Gunning (made his will 15 Sep 1603 )
.............. +Alice Bryan
................... 3 Timothy Gunning
.............................. 4 Thomas Gunning 1610 - 1685
.................................... +Joyce Osborne 1618 - 1679
......................................... 5 George Gunning 1655 - 1740
............................................... +Joan - 1723
.................................................... 6 George Gunning 1699 - 1772
.............................................................. 7 William Gunning
.................................................................... +Betty Hulbert
......................................................................... 8 Ann Gunning 1785 -
............................................................................... +Thomas Gunning 1785 -
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/2598/menu.html