Aisholt (or Asholt), 8 m.  W. of Bridgwater, is a little village on the E. slope of the Quantocks.  The church is hidden away in a small combe, and its tower looks most picturesque against the green background of Asholt Wood, but it is not in itself interesting.  Note, however, (1) little plain stoup and niche in the S. porch, (2) large squint (now blocked) in the S. aisle, (3) old font.  S. of Aisholt is Holwell Cavern, a cave of considerable extent, and containing stalagmites and stalagtites, but rather inconvenient of access.

Alford, a small village on the river Brue, 1-1/2 m.  S.W. from Castle Cary.  In the fields on the S. side of the road is a mineral spring, which once enjoyed a short-lived local popularity.  The church stands in the grounds of Alford House.  It is a 15th cent.  Perp. building, and contains (1) some ancient benches, (2) old glass in one of the N. windows, (3) a slender Perp. screen, (4) a pulpit dated 1625, (5) piscina.  Note massive corbels in chancel.  The shaft of a cross with a modern head stands in the churchyard.

Aller, a village 2-1/2 m.  N.W. from Langport, lying at the base of High Ham Hill.  Aller witnessed the sequel to two stirring events.  Here Guthrum was baptised at Alfred’s insistence after his defeat at Ethandune (879), and here the Royalists made their last but ineffectual rally after their rout at Langport in 1645.  The church stands apart from the village on a knoll rising from the marshes.  It contains (1) an ancient font, (2) an effigy of Sir W. Botreaux (1420) on the N. side of choir.  The internal arrangements of the tower are peculiar.  It has three arches, those on the N. and S. being apparently purposeless.

Angersleigh, a small parish 5 m.  S. of Taunton (follow the Honiton road to the fourth milestone, then turn to the right).  It has a very small church, perhaps originally Dec., but altered into Perp.  It contains a good carved oak reading-desk and lectern.

Ansford, or Almsford, a village 1/2 m.  N. from Castle Cary.  Restoration has robbed the church of most of its interest; its tower has some good gargoyles.  A memorial-stone on the roadside near the church marks the scene of a sudden death.

Ash, a parish including several small hamlets, 1 m.  N.E. from Martock.  The church is modern.

Ash Priors, a small village 1 m.  N.W. of Bishop’s Lydeard Stat., owes its name to the fact that it once belonged to the Priory of Taunton.  The church contains nothing of interest, though the N. pier of the chancel arch preserves its squint.

Ashbrittle, 7 m.  W. of Wellington (nearest stat.  Venn Cross, 3 m.), a parish standing on very high ground.  The second element in the name is a personal description, derived from the Norman Brittel de St Clare.  The parish church has been completely restored, and is devoid of interest.

Ashcott, a parish on the Poldens, 3 m.  S.W. of Glastonbury, with a station (S. & D.J.R.) two miles away.  The church has a W. embattled tower with a carving on the W. face representing the sacred monogram, a mitre, and a pastoral staff.  There is a stoup in S. porch, but no other feature of interest.