The draft design (shown above)is based on features found in the beautiful 'Woodland Quarter' of N.W. Staffordshire.These include the famous Croxton Windmill (sadly now without it's sails); The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Nature reserves of Jackson's Marsh (depicted in the left panel), and Jackson's Coppice (the right-hand panel. The centre panel illustrates the source of the River Sow at Fairoak with the knoll of trees (believed to be a druid's sacrificial site ); the beautiful Langot valley in which it is believed are buried several Knights from the Battle of Blore Heath (Wars of the Roses). The valley is bordered by the ancient forest of Bishop's Wood in which the largest colony of the Argent and Sable moth is found. The landscape of the area is much like Devon with narrow lanes, sandstone walls and the beautiful sandstone gorge known locally as the 'Rocks'. Damson trees are abundant in most gardens, and on the rolling hills, mixed farming and woodland predominate. The underlying sandstone rock acts as a giant sponge, and there are hundreds of wells, either natural spring-fed or deep-dug, the most famous of which is located on Penny Quart Farm. Folklore recounts that in a period of severe drought over a hundred and fifty years ago this well was the only well that did not dry out, and the owner of the well charged a 'Penny' for every 'Quart' of water taken away by thirsty locals and giving rise to its' name today.
More information about many more interesting places and the history of the Woodland Quarter will be shown on the leaflet to accompany the Heritage Cycling and Walking Trail, and photographs of the area are shown on the 'Local History and Woodland Quarter' page of this website under 'Around and About' Wer'e sure that once you have discovered this area you will agree with the local people who live here that is one of the hidden treasures of England. |
Great News!
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- 2023 Croxton Well Dressing
- 2019 Croxton Well Dressing
- 2017 Croxton Well Dressing
- 2015 Well Dressing
- 2013 Croxton Well Dressing.
- The inaugural 2012 Croxton Well Dressing
- 2012 Well Dressing in the Making
- 2013 Planning and Design
- 2012 well dressing planning
- Restoration of the historic wells 2012
- Heritage Cycling / Walking Trail
- A Community Project
- Well Dressing Frame
- Local History & the 'Woodland Quarter'
- Materials
- Design 2012
- The Well Dressing Process
- 1901 Map of wells in Croxton and surrounding villages
- Contact