Ashley holds a unique and ancient heritage as a highly-developed manor. Its history is interwoven with the City of Bath, yet it retains a distinct narrative of its own. Situated just off the A4, as depicted in a 1900 Ordnance Survey map from the Wilts History Centre, Ashley lies south of a peculiar junction on the Bath Road, often referred to as the White Wall. This intriguing landmark offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history.​​

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Before the construction of the A4 in 1841, which facilitated access to the railway, Ashley Lane served as the principal route out of the west side of the village. This lane rejoined the A4 after another unusual junction near Shockerwick. In the early 19th century, identifying specific properties in Ashley was challenging, as they were known only by their occupants' names. The opening of the railway in 1841 transformed the road from Ashley Lane to Ashley Villa, opposite the Northey Arms Railway Hotel, into a significant thoroughfare, enabling residents from the southern part of Box to access the railway.

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​By 1851, Ashley had flourished, with 33 households and 96 adults over the age of 16 residing between Ashley Green and Ashley Cottages. Today, Ashley Lane is a tranquil, self-contained area with minimal through traffic. Modern developments have introduced new residences in the hamlet's orchards and gardens, while preserving outbuildings from pre-20th-century farms. Ashley, in many ways, mirrors the broader development of the Box parish, yet it maintains a lesser degree of development and retains much of its historical charm, which is perhaps its greatest significance.​