English: Ashton Court Mansion in Ashton Court Estate Ashton Court Estate was acquired by Bristol City Council in 1959, but the place has a long history. There is clear evidence of the ridged strips of Saxon fields, but with the coming of William the Conqueror the area was transferred into Norman ownership. In 1392 Thomas de Lyons was granted a licence to enclose his lands and make a park, the foundation of the modern one.

During the 16th century Ashton Court was bought by John Smyth, a merchant from Small Street. He and his descendants gradually enlarged, rebuilt, remodelled and reconstructed various parts of the house. In 1939 it was requisitioned by the War Office, used in turn as a Transit Camp, RAF HQ and American Army Command HQ. The last Smyth owner died in 1946 and for 13 years the house, already in disrepair, lay empty.

When the City Council bought the Estate much expensive work had to be carried out. Gradually considerable conservation and restoration has been achieved and is still continuing.