ASTON-SOMERVILLE, a parish in the lower division
of the hundred of KIFTSGATE, county of GLOUCESTER,
7 miles (N. by E.) from Winchcombe, containing
110 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, in the
archdeaconry and diocese of Gloucester, rated in the
king's books at £9. 3. 4., and in the patronage of Lord
Somerville. This parish, with others, is within the jurisdiction
of a court leet and baron held occasionally
atWinchcombe. The late Lord Somerville, who first
introduced the breed of Merino sheep into this country,
and author of several tracts and essays on Agriculture
and Rural Economy, was born here, in 1765.