About Aston in West Midlands
Aston is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Birmingham, England. Historically in Warwickshire, it is situated 2 miles (3 km) north-east of central Birmingham. It borders Small Heath, Nechells and Handsworth and is also contiguous with the village of Greet. At the 2011 census, Aston had a population of 65,269.
Aston was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 as Estone, having a mill, a priest and 50 households. The Church of SS Peter & Paul, Aston was built in the 12th century. The town's market is recorded as early as 1221.
Aston Manor Cricket Club was founded in 1871 and is one of the oldest cricket clubs in Birmingham. Aston Villa Football Club was formed in 1874, and played their first game on 21 November 1874, against Rugby School. Aston Villa won the European Cup in 1982, and have been English champions seven times.
The Aston Expressway, which runs through the middle of Aston, was opened on 24 May 1972 by Eric Varley, Secretary of State for Employment. The expressway was originally numbered A38(M), but was later renumbered as part of the M6 motorway.
The Aston area has a long industrial history. The River Tame provided power for many factories, including steelworks producing tinplate and wire; while coal mines in the area supplied fuel for industry and domestic use. During the 19th century there were also many glassworks and brickworks in the area.
