Measham and the Mease Valley to 1300 AD
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Below are listed small portraits of all the settlements which make up or have had considerable influence on the development of the Mease Valley.
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AcresfordAcresford is situated in the parish of Seal. It is at the junction of the Salt Way which runs from Alrewas and the Way which runs from Walton on Trent. It butts up against the old county boundary - the River Hooborough. Up until the late 1900's it was part of Leicestershire, but is now part of Derbyshire. AlrewasThis large village is situated between Burton on Trent and Lichfield, Staffordshire. The first mention of Alrewas is in a charter dating 942 which granted 40 hides to Wulfsige the Black at Alrewas and Clifton, Haunton, Walton on Trent, Coton in the Elms, Linton and Croxall. The place name means 'Alder Swamp' which is apt as the village is situated at confluence of the River Trent, Tame and Mease. There is evidence of much earlier land occupation - probably at least Roman and probably earlier than this. The Ryknild Street runs through the village as well as a Salt Way which probably originated in Cheshire. ApplebyAppleby is situated on the south west escarpment of the Mease Valley. It consists of three settlements, Appleby Magna, Appleby Parva and Little Wigston. Up until the late 19th century the parish of Appleby was divided between the County's of Leicestershire and Derbyshire. This division dates back to at least Doomsday when the parish is recorded in both the Derbyshire and Leicestershire folios. In the Leicestershire Survey it is recorded in the Seal hundred. However, it believed that this may be an earlier 'sub hundred' Appleby is first recorded in 1002 in the Will of Wulfric Spot when land was held there by Burton Abbey. Lady Godiva is recorded as having land in the parish at the time of Doomsday. This land had been transferred to earl of Chester by 1124. Appleby's and Wigston's name suggest that it was a Danish settlement and there is some circumstantial evidence to support this. There is some suggestion that there was iron age occupation of the part of the parish which forms part of the south west escarpment of the Mease Valley. The probable Roman road from Tamworth to Sawley skirts the north west parish border. The parish was enclosed in 1771. A probable moot meetings point is situated on the boundary of Appleby and Twycross. Appleby was in the Sparkenhoe hundred. Ashby de la ZouchThe first archaeological sign of occupation at Ashby is a hoard of 3rd century Roman coins found in an area which has now come to be known as Money Hill. The current urban district takes in the old parishes of Willesley and Blackfordby and the settlements of Kilwardby, Shellbrook - however the last two are little more than names on maps. In the north of the parish there is the hamlet of Wicket Nook which has the distinction of being in Derbyshire and Leicestershire. This overlooks the Southwood area - a large woodlands which was first mentioned in the time of Ranulf de Gernon, earl of Chester. Coal mining also took place in this area at this time. The name Ashby suggests that the settlement was of Danish origin. Indeed it is situated in what I have called the Shellbrook cluster. Ashby is situated on the edge of the heathland which was known as the Ashby Wolds, as are most of the Shellbrook cluster settlements. This conforms to the view that the Danish settlers mainly occupied land which had not previously been occupied. However, there is some evidence that there was previous occupation of the site of Ashby. A field name of Eccles may indicate a Romano British church in the area. There are also place names such as Ingles Hill, Prestop and Holywell to the west of Ashby which might also indicate such a building. If this is so then the Romano British settlement was situated on the hills to the west of current town of Ashby. Again this is not too far from where the Roman coins were found. The first mention of Ashby is in the doomsday book where the main land owner is Hugh de Grandmesnil. Perhaps the most interesting entry is that of 2 slaves - a somewhat unusual entry for a Danelaw county such as Leicestershire. A priest is also mentioned. After this the main impetus to the growth of Ashby seems to be the main Coventry to Derby road which ran through Ashby. There is a castle at Ashby but it would seem to have been of a later construction.
AustreyThe first mention of Austrey is in a charter of 958 when the king granted land to Wulfric. There is some dispute as to whether this is Wulfric Spot. However in the will of Wulfric Spot he leaves land at Austrey to his wife. Austrey is situated in a valley floor and it's northern parish boundary forms the Danelaw boundary between English Warwickshire and Danish Leicestershire. The Salt Street forms the north eastern part of the parish boundary for about a mile. The parish boundary then follows the high ground before dipping into the valley floor to the east of Austrey. The Swepstone Way probably runs through the centre of the old part of Austrey which is situated around the old church. Part of the land at the time of Doomsday was owned by Burton Abbey and part of the land was owned by Henry de Ferris which eventually passed to the Honour of Tutbury
BlackfordbyBlackfordby is situated on the side of the of a steep hill which forms the range of hills known as the pistons hills. There are a series of springs running along the hill side around Blackfordby. The name suggest that the settlement is Danish situated by a ford. The stream that is forded is the Shellbrook. Blackfordby is the most westerly settlement in the Shellbrook cluster. Like the majority of the other cluster settlements it would appear to be situated on the less favourable land. Blackfordby, it self, is situated on the Ashby Wolds and is the last old settlement until you reach the Parish of Seal some 3 miles further south west. The name is indicative of a road passing through and the road which the ford refers to is old road which ran from Measham to Repton. The antecedence of this road is perhaps indicated by the strange parish boundary which follows one side of the road and then crosses over and returns the way it came. A second road, that from Ashby to Burton probably went through the village and the two crossed just by the parish church. The current road passes the village by about a mile to north. Much of the wold around Blackfordby was none as the Drift - again perhaps some indication of road passing through the village which has now disappeared. The heathland type countryside which surrounded Blackfordby is suggested by a number of the field names such as Thorntop. The first record of Blackfordby is in the Leicestershire Survey. There is no mention of the settlement in the doomsday survey. Towards the end of the 13th century land was given to the Abbey at Lilleshill by the lord of the manor Philip de Belmeis.
BramboroughThis is situated to the north east of Donisthorpe. There are a number of fields, road names, house names, bridge names and a farm in the area with the name Bramborough or Brambury. A number of pre Roman artefacts found in the area including flint tools as well as Roman pottery. The Roman road from the Leicester towards Chester runs along the north west corner of the area. It is unclear what the site was used for but it is clear that there has been considerable human activity in the area before the Roman period. The finds of Roman pottery might suggest a Roman house or fort associated with the nearby Roman road.
Breedon on the HillSee Breedon on the Hill page.
BretbySite of a Norman castle. The name suggests that it is of Danish origin. The settlement was joined to Newton Solney in Doomsday assessment and was worth 100 shillings .
Burton on TrentThe name Burton suggest that there was once some sort of fortified house at the location. The earliest information about Burton dates back to the legend of St. Modweena who formed a nunnery near to Burton and was buried nearby. There was an early Celtic church at the site. There is evidence that the early English settlers travelled down the Trent from the Humber. At Stappenhill there is an early English internment site. The site of Burton has probably connections earlier than this as the Roman Rynild Street ran to the north west of the town. The first written record of Burton is in the will of Wulfric Spot. Here the leading land owner of the area leaves a considerable amount of land to the Benedictine monastery at Burton which was dedicated to St. Modwen and St. Mary. This endowment enabled the monastery to maintain a wealth out of all proportion to it's size. By 1535 it was by far the wealthiest religious community in Staffordshire and yet never had more than 30 monks. The connection with important Mercian dignitaries continued with Abbot Leofric whose uncle was earl Leofric, founder of Coventry Abbey. Abbot Leofric was given other Abbeys such as Crowland and Peterborough by King William. Although it would seem that by the Doomsday survey the number of estates controlled by Burton Abbey had been reduced from 40 to only 13.
CattonSituated between Croxall and Walton on Trent the main feature of Catton is the park which runs from the River Trent up the escarpment of the eastern Trent Valley. The northern parish boundary with Walton on Trent is formed by a lane which is probably of considerable antiquity. The land owner at the time of Doomsday was Henry de Ferrers.
ChilcoteThe parish of Chilcote forms two boundaries. The first is the boundary between Derbyshire and Leicestershire. Up until the late 19th century Neatherseal was in Leicestershire and Chilcote was in Derbyshire - now the counties have been reversed. Probably the more significant boundary is the southern one. This is formed in part by the Salt Street but also is a small stream. However, this was probably the boundary of the Danelaw. Chilcote being in Danish Derbyshire and Clifton Campville being in English Staffordshire. Warwickshire is also bounded at this point with the Salt Street forming the boundary for a number of miles. It is not clear what Chilcote means. One interpretation has it as the children's cottages. However there is also a suggestion that it might have some connection with retainers of a noble person. The hamlet itself is situated on the western side of the hill upon which Stretton en le Field also sits. There is a possibility that a 'way' runs through Chilcote from Stretton and on along the Mease valley . The river Mease forms the parish boundary between Netherseal and Chilcote. Chilcote was mentioned in the Derbyshire folio of the Doomsday book and later formed part of the Honour of Tutbury. At the time of the Leicester Survey it was part of the Seal hundred. It is still part of the diocese of Lichfield - the only member of the Measham/Donisthorpe enclave to still remain there.
Clifton CampvilleThe first record of Clifton is in a charter c942AD. This mentions land being granted by the king to Wulfsige Black. However, there is other evidence which suggest that the village is in fact much older. The parish of Clifton is made up of Clifton Campville and Haunton. Both straddle the Salt Street which runs through this part of the Mease valley. As the name suggests Clifton is situated on a high piece of ground over looking the Mease where as Haunton lies more on the plain. The earliest archaeological evidence of human habitation in the area is a bronze age stone axe. The layout of the village suggests that it has developed along the line of the Salt Street. There may be an abandoned village to the side of the church which dates from the late 14th century. Clifton has always been part of the diocese of Lichfield and the spires of Lichfield cathedral can be clearly seen from Clifton church. After the Norman conquest Clifton appears to have prospered - compared to much of Staffordshire Clifton was a prosperous settlement. This again is in marked contrast to the settlements of the Measham/Donisthorpe enclave. Clifton and Haunton belonged to the earl of Chester until Agnes, sister of Ranulf de Bondeville, married Henry de Ferrers. As part of her dowry the parish of Clifton was given to the de Ferrers and so it became part of the honour of Tutbury.
Coton in the ElmsCoton is situated on the Walton Way and is first mentioned in 942 in a charter giving land in the area to Wulfrige the Black. This formed part of a much larger estate covering many of the villages in the area. Coton would seem to have been roughly in the centre of this estate. It would appear that it was a cross roads as there is an old lane which runs all the way from Tamworth through Coton and on northwards towards Burton on Trent. At the time of Doomsday Burton Abbey held land at Coton - however this had been initially seized by King William - no doubt in part due to the rebellion lead by earl Morcar. However, by the time of Doomsday this land had been restored to Burton. The village itself forms a diamond of roads around a small village green. The original route of the Walton Way may have been the south west corner of this diamond as this runs past the Church and Church farm. To the north east of the village coal mining becomes important and this is reflected in the lane name Coalpit Lane. However, as to when coal was mined in the area is unclear.
CroxallThe first mention of Croxall is in a charter c942AD giving land to Wulfsige the Black. The name suggests that it is of Norse origin. However, the strategic position of Croxall would suggest that it was occupied before this time. The settlement is situated on a high bank over looked the meeting point of the Trent, Tame and the Mease. Running by the settlement is a the Salt Street and it is perhaps not stretching the point too far to suggest that Croxall was a stopping point on the Street. Indeed after Croxall the Salt Street split with one going to Tamworth as the Portway and the other heading off along both side of the Mease Valley. Whilst most of the settlement is now abandoned the old church and what is described as being a 'Saxon' mound remains. This probably was converted into a Motte and Bailey castle - which again reinforces the strategic position of Croxall. By Doomsday the lord of the Manor was Henry de Ferrers and at that time there were 2 mills recorded. Up until the late 19th century Croxall was in Derbyshire. It has since been moved to Staffordshire.
DerbyDerby was a Roman settlement situated around Little Chester circa AD48 and was there was a fort known as Derventio. It was at the junction of the two roman roads, Ryknild Street - running south to north and a second running east to west. This second road terminated at the River Trent around the Sawley area. After the Romans left a second settlement developed outside Little Chester - this became known as Northworthy. This was probably a Mercian settlement - certainly Anglian. Derby was situated outside the Mercian homeland of Tomaesatia . By the late 9th century the area was under the control of the Danish settlers. It is disputed whether this was an army of occupation or rather a more gradual take over. What is not disputed is that the Danish influence was great - which is illustrated by Derby's name changing from Northworthy to Derby. Derby became known as one of the 5 boroughs and was ruled by a nobleman known as a Jarl The Danish and later Norse influence can also be seen by the number of Scandinavian place names and the organisation of local government into Wapentakes and the measurement of land in carucates. Derbyshire was known as part of the Danelaw. In 918, Aethelflaeda re took the settlement for the English of Mercia and Wessex. However, it is unclear as to the significance of this occupation. During much of the next 50 years the area was disputed between the English and the Anglo Scandinavians of the Danelaw the matter not really settled until the unification of England under the Anglo Danish king Cnute in the early 11th century. By the time of the Norman conquest Derby was an agricultural centre whose growth continued. A road from Derby to Coventry ran through Measham/Donisthorpe enclave.
DonisthorpeThe name Donisthorpe suggests that the settlement be of Scandinavian origin. However, there is archaeological evidence to suggest that the area of Donisthorpe was occupied much earlier. The earliest evidence of occupation within the parish is in the Bramborough area which has Neolithic and Roman remains. Also the proposed Roman road from Leicester towards Chester ran through this part of the Parish. The north-west of the parish was bordered by the open area of the Ashby Wolds. The west of the parish is bounded by the Hooborough Brook - which forms the country boundary. The south is bounded by the River Mease. The east is the settlement of Oakthorpe. These two settlement are separated by the Shellbrook as it flows towards the Mease. Donisthorpe is recorded in both the Leicestershire and Derbyshire folios of the Doomsday book. This reflects the fact that Donisthorpe is part of the Measham/Donisthorpe enclave and as such is in Derbyshire whilst not forming part of Derbyshire. Like the rest of the enclave it didn't become part of Leicestershire until the late 19th century. The main feature of both of the Doomsday entries is that the land at Donisthorpe is waste - the main landowner was Henry de Ferrers. coal mining has formed an early part of the history of Donisthorpe as there are outcrops which have been mined from an early period between Donisthorpe and Bramborough. The earliest record of coal mining in the area is in the Oakthorpe area which supplied coal to the Abbey at Leicester. Along the south of Donisthorpe the Walton Way runs which, when it crosses the Shellbrook is known as the Saltersford - a clear indication that this part of the Walton Way was also used as Salt Way.
EdingaleEdingale is first mentioned in the Doomsday book however a number of the surrounding settlements are first mentioned in a charter about 130 years older. It would seem that Edingale maybe of a similar age to the surrounding settlements. Edingale was part of the Repton Wapentake. The name also suggest a Scandinavian connection. The modern parish of Edingale also includes the settlement of Croxall. The major landowner at the time of Doomsday was Henry de Ferrers. Up until the late 19th century Edingale was in Derbyshire but it is now part of Staffordshire. The parish boundary - which now is also the county boundary has a number of interesting feature which would suggest that it reflects much older land usage. The current church at Edingale is a brick built building of Victorian era. It is situated on a hill which overlooks the River Mease which runs to the south of the village. The location of the Church would suggest that this was the site of a much older settlement. The Salt Street from Alrewas splits at this settlement, with one branch fording the Mease to the east of the settlement and another branch probably carrying onto Lullington, Seal and then to the Walton Way.
ElfordElford is situated on the River Tame - near to the confluence of the River Tame with the River Mease and Trent. It is first mentioned in the will of Wulfric Spot. He leaves land at Elford to his daughter and on her death to the monks at Burton Abbey. A 3rd century Roman pot was found at Elford and also an English coin dating from the reign of King Offa. However, this coin may be a forgery. The meaning of Elford is 'Elder Ford' which suggests a ford across the Tame. There are a number of such names in the area of Elford. Any route which passed through Elford would probably come along the Mease Valley to Lichfield. At the time of Doomsday Elford appears to be a relatively prosperous village compared to the majority of Staffordshire. It is in the Deanery of Lichfield.
HarlastonHarlaston is first mentioned in c1015. It is situated to the south of Edingale and the Portway runs through the village towards Tamworth to the south. Harlaston is also the site of a deserted village at Haselour. This is now the site of Haselour Hall. The road or way which runs from the east of the Mease Valley runs through the village towards Elford. The River Mease runs to the north of the village and forms the boundary with Edingale. This used to be the county boundary until the late 19th century.
HartshorneHartshorne is on the periphery of the study area. It is situated in a shallow valley on the Repton side of the Ashby Wolds. The village itself is spread out along the lane which runs towards Repton. There is evidence to support the hypothesis that there was a road which ran from Blackfordby directly to Hartshorne. This road in turn was probably part of a longer road which ran from Measham to Repton.
Haunton
LeicesterThe first significant settlement at Leicester was Roman. Over the period of the Roman occupation Leicester became a civitas of the Coritani tribe. It was known as Ratae. There are still significant Roman remains found within the city. By the time of the departure of the Romans Leicester was an important trading station being at the cross roads of two main Roman route, Fosse Way - from Exeter to Lincoln and Via Deva from Colchester to Chester. Like most other Roman towns the early English period is one of considerable mystery. What can be said that by the middle to late 7th century Leicester was once more gaining it's regional importance as the centre of Middle Anglia. As with many things to do with the early English period the exact nature of this importance is unclear. Nonetheless, Leicester became significantly important to attract St. Wilfrid as it's earliest known bishop. The Leicester diocese reflects it's early importance as the boundaries stretched from Lindsey on the Humber to Dorchester on Thames in the south. It finally was recognised as a bishopric in 737. It had been separated by the neighbouring bishopric of Lichfield since 669. Middle Anglia was always part of the Mercia kingdom - it's exact relationship is a matter of some dispute between historians but it can be assumed that the boundaries of the diocese of Leicester also reflected the boundaries of Middle Anglia to Mercia. As the 9th century dawned the power of Mercia stated to wane and a new threat grew from the Danish settlers. This culminated in 874 when Leicester along with Derby formed part of the 5 boroughs. The Danish influence can still be seen in the city today with a large number of streets called Gate - from the Danish for street or road. Indeed the concentration of such names outside the line of the old city walls can also be used to indicate that the Danish settlers developed a parallel community outside of the older English town which was based within the old Roman walls. Indeed the parish church of St. Margaret is believed to be the church which administered to Danish whilst the church situated at St. Nicholas was the site of the old bishopric seat and administered to the English. Indeed, the Danish settlement caused the Bishopric to be moved to Dorchester around 888AD - and wouldn't be returned until the early part of the 20th century ! Leicester and the county to which it gave it's name became part of the Danelaw, the Watling Street formed both it's county boundary and also the boundary between Danelaw England and English England. However, the actual significance of this division is now disputed. The town had a mint functioning by 900 AD which probably reflected a much earlier tradition. Over the next half century the control of Leicester fell between the Mercian and Wessex English and Anglo Scandinavian settlers with a major battle being avoided in 940 with intervention of the Archbishops of York and Canterbury. The dispute not being finally settled until the Anglo Danish king Cnute. By this time much of the area around Leicester was a mixture of English and Anglo Danish settlers which was reflected in the land measurement and laws. The Honour of Leicester was established soon after the Norman invasion and was given to Hugh of Grandnesnil - who was one of the largest land owners in the shire of Leicester. His son, Ivo, lost the honour in dubious circumstances to Robert, count of Meulan by the early part of the 12th century. Robert and his brother, the earl of Warwick formed a considerable power base in the area. This power base was challenged in the north of the shire by the earl of Chester. Leicester acquired an Abbey in the 12th century which had interested throughout the area. Indeed coal was regularly transported from the Oakthorpe to supply the monks at Leicester. By the end of the 13th century Leicester was a prosperous market town with considerable interested in the textile industry - a tradition which carries on today.
LichfieldLichfield was one of the cornerstone of Mercian life in the area. From it's earliest recorded history it has been inter-linked with the development of Christianity in the area. The first recorded bishop of Lichfield was St. Chad - however there may have been an earlier Celtic religious settlement in the area, As the power of Mercia grew so did Lichfield, culminating in the establishment of an Archbishopric at Lichfield during the reign of Offa. However, this was soon removed after the death of Offa. Lichfield has a hold over the lower Mease valley - the cathedral is clearly visible from the church at Clifton - and this visibility seems to symbolise the influence of Lichfield. Most of the Lower Mease valley is still within the ancient diocese of Lichfield. Lichfield's position was weakened further by the invasion of the Danish settlers after 873. There is suggestion that Lichfield was a seat of Mercian writing and development which was destroyed by the Danish settlement. What is sure is that the site of St. Chad's grave continued to be a scene of pilgrimage through this period. In the 11th century the bishopric was removed from Lichfield and first given to Chester and then Coventry. However it was returned to Lichfield by the end of the 12th century. The development of the Chester to London road was helped by the intervention of the Bishop of Lichfield who built a bridge which meant that this important road ran through Lichfield. This aided the growth of the town.
LullingtonThis a settlement on the Derbyshire side of the River Mease. One of the Salt Ways may have run through the village. It has been suggested that the probable route of the Salt Way may have been a 'minor Roman Road'. However, there is no evidence for this.
MeashamSee Measham page.
Neatherseal/SealThe parish of Seal is made up of a number of settlements. The main of these are the modern villages of Overseal and Netherseal. However, there are a number of other settlements scattered around the parish. These include Grangewood and Acresford. In the centre of the old parish of seal there is Cadborough - which may indicate another settlements of sorts. Interestingly this is situated on the top of a small hill which overlooks a small valley. One the other side of the valley there is a farm known a Gunby - again perhaps indicating the presence of a Danish settlement in the area. The first recorded record of the parish of Seal is Doomsday. The name Seal suggest a wooded area and the parish itself is situated at the south-west tip of the Ashby Wolds area. Up until the late 19th century the Parish of Seal was in Leicestershire. Indeed, in the Leicestershire Survey of the mid 12th century Seal is listed as a hundred. The parish/county boundary to the east is made up of the River Mease and the Hooborough Brook - both very ancient boundary markers. The northern part of the parish, around Overseal, is on spring line which runs throughout the area. This boundary was also the diocese boundary between the Mercian bishoprics of Lichfield and Leicester. The Walton Way runs through the parish and probably joins up with the Salt Way running from Croxall at Acresford. In the north west of the parish there is a large woodland known as Grangewood. This probably was the wood land which given to the Merevale abbey when it was founded in the mid 12th century by the De Ferrers family. There was also a large amount of pasture also given to the monks at Merevale. It would seem that Seal was considerably interconnected with Merevale. In the early part of the Norman conquest it would seem that the Gresley family had control of Seal but as the de Ferrers power grew they took more control of the area until the whole of Seal was sold to William de Ferrers in the late 12th century. By the 13th century the lord of the manor was William de Rydeware - which might indicate a connection to the Staffordshire settlements to the north of Alrewas. The Walton Way would be a particularly good means to travel between Seal and Rydeware.
Newton BurgolandThis is part of the Swepstone Parish. As such it is one the wrong side of the study area eastern boundary i.e. the Swepstone Way which separates Swepstone from Newton Burgoland. The settlement is made up two settlements Newton Burgoland and Newton Nethercote. The Swepstone Way runs through the centre of Newton Nethercote.
Newton RegisSituated between the parishes of Seckington and Austrey the parish has two settlements, Newton Regis and No Man's Heath. The possible Tamworth to Sawley Roman Road runs through the parish. The Salt Street forms part of the parish boundary in the north east at No Man's Heath. The village is on the border of Mercian (English) England and Danish England. The significance of this difference may be seen that measurements were in hides at Newton Regis whilst in Appleby - the next parish in Danelaw Leicestershire/Derbyshire were measured in Carucates. There is archaeological evidence of a medieval settlement near to the church - which dates from the early 13th century.
Normanton le HeathThe parish of Normanton is situated between the parishes of Packington, Ravenstone and Heather. There are a number of settlements with names in the area which suggest that this area was in fact Heath land i.e. Heather, Normanton it self and Donnington le Heath. The name itself suggest that the current village was established by Norse or Danish settlers and this fits well into the overall pattern of land occupation in the area. However, there are significant earlier land usage in the parish. Near to the boundary with Heather and Ravenstone an iron age settlement has been discovered. Equally, the newly discovered Roman road from Leicester to Chester has been discovered running through the centre of Normanton. Just over the parish boundary in the southern Ravenstone area there was a small Roman town. The track I have called the Swepstone Way can be traced running from the iron age settlement all the way to Tamworth. Equally the Salt Way which ran through Measham can be traced to Normanton. It is not totally implausible to suggest that a road/track which ran through the centre from Ancaster to Wall. If this is correct it would suggest that this track was of Roman origin. However, this is very much a speculative road at the moment. The settlement is not mentioned in Doomsday and the first mention we have is not until 1209. Much of the land in the early middle ages to the north was known to be woodland or heathland. coal mining forms part of the economy of the area from a very early period - mines having been found at the abandoned village of Alton to the North of Normanton.
OakthorpeOakthorpe is situated at the centre of the Measham/Donisthorpe enclave however Oakthorpe formed part of the Gresley parish in Derbyshire - some 5 miles to the north west. This was separated from the rest of the parish by the Ashby Wolds which were part of Leicestershire. The first record of the settlement is in the Doomsday survey of 1086. Here the land is shown as waste - possibly due to the activity of King William some 20 years previously when he was trying to put down the Mercian rebellion of 1068. coal mining forms an integral part of the development of Oakthorpe and the earliest recorded mining is in the goes back to the early part of the 13th century when coal was exported to the abbey at Leicester. The Walton Way runs through the south of the parish and this may also have been used to transport coal - although this may be just speculation. The settlement of Oakthorpe is situated on a hill overlooking the River Mease to the south and the Saltersford Brook to the west. This brook and the shallow valley through which if flows, forms a natural boundary between Donisthorpe and Oakthorpe. To the east of Oakthorpe is Measham.
PackingtonPackington is situated on the Gilwhiskaw brook which runs from the hills north of Ashby de la Zouch to the River Mease. It is part the open heathland/woodland which formed the Ashby Wolds and ran from area east of Normanton le Heath all the way to Seal and beyond. It is unclear as to the true meaning of Packington - although there is some suggestion of Norse connections. The earliest record of Packington dates c1043 when land was given there to the new abbey of St. Mary at Coventry. This land was given by the earl of Mercia Leofric. However, there is a evidence to suggest that Packington may be a much earlier settlement than this. It may lay on the route of the Tamworth to Sawley Roman Road. The parish boundary with Measham also formed the diocese boundary between the bishoprics of Leicester and Lichfield. It is believed these reflect the older tribal boundaries of the English settlers. It is commonly assumed that this would also be the boundary between Mercia and Middle Anglia. This boundary was also the county boundary up until the end of the 19th century. However, the boundary was not uniform and small pockets of land within the parish of Packington, a Leicestershire parish, were actually part of the county of Derbyshire. These pockets probably reflects much older land use and ownership. The evidence for Danish settlement in the area is considerable with Ashby to the north and Normanton to the east - both showing considerable Scandinavian influence. It has been suggested that the Danish settlers colonised less furtile areas and this was the case in this part of West Leicestershire as the highest concentration of Scandinavian place names occur in the Wolds area. By the time of the Norman conquest Packington appears to be a prosperous settlement with a Mill and priest. The priest also maintained a chapel in the parish of Snibston some three miles to the east. The Packington church was the mother church. One of the routes of the Coventry to Derby road may have passed through the centre of Packington. This may be supported by the strong links with Coventry Abbey which by the end of the 13th century had control of the whole of the parish. There is also a strong coal mining tradition in the area with the Abbey controlling the Coal Pit Heath.
RavenstoneThere have been a number of Roman finds in the Ravenstone parish which clearly support the idea of considerable Roman activity in the south and west of the parish. The small Roman town - unfortunately destroyed by open cast mining was situated alongside the Roman road which ran from Leicester to at least the Ryknild Street - and probably onto Chester. At the site of the Roman town iron was smelted and a unique stone building as well as a kiln and coins dating from the late 3rd century. There was also evidence to suggest English occupation of the site. With the iron age settlement at Normanton in the same area it would suggest that there was considerable human activity in the area. Ravenstone is first mentioned in the Doomsday book and along with a number of settlements in the Measham/Donisthorpe enclave is listed as waste. However, there is reason to believe that there was much human activity before this time. The most confusing part of the parish was the boundaries. Whilst nominally in Leicestershire large chunks of the parish were actually part of Derbyshire. This was similar to the situation in Packington and would suggest that reflected individual land ownership of a powerful person who, for whatever reason, didn't want his land to be part of Leicestershire. By the early 12th century the earl of Chester had gained an interested in the settlement. In 1147 a treaty was signed between the earls of Leicester and Chester outlining their respective spheres of influence in the area. The earl of Leicester agreed to destroy the castle at Ravenstone. The location of this castle is still a mystery - although it has been suggested that the castle may have been at Snibston. By the end of the 13th century the woodland which formed the western part of the parish were being cleared and they were being used for grazing. A grange farm was established for the Abbey at Garendon at Loughborough.
ReptonRepton was one of the three main centres of the Mercian Kingdom - the others being Tamworth and Lichfield. The one linking feature was the proximity to the Trent or rivers which run off the Trent. The first possible record of Repton dates to c656 when it might have been mentioned in the charter establishing the monastery at Breedon on the Hill. Certainly by the end of the 7th century Repton was firmly established as a religious and probably political centre. St. Guthlac studied there after giving up his life of military combat. The monastery was lead by an abbess but had monks and nuns as part of the community. Local tradition has it that the Mercian kings were proclaimed on a hill in the village. Indeed by 757 it had become the royal mausoleum with burial of Aethelbald - however there might have been a tradition of such burials there as Merewalh, son of Penda, King of the Magonsaete. Repton appears to have had considerable influence further afield. There was a church at Bermondsay and interests in the lead mining in Wicksworth just two examples of this influence. Indeed the lead at Wicksworth was used to provide a coffin for St. Guthlac when he died in 714. There is little doubt that the Mercian Kings spent time at the monastery and the surrounding area. Undoubtedly the church at Repton was a Minster for the whole area - this probably included the Measham/Donisthorpe enclave. By the end of the 8th century there was a magnificent stone mausoleum - one of the best surveying Mercian buildings in the country. Repton was also the centre of trade as coins from the West Midlands have been found there and by the burial of St. Wystan c844 Repton was probably at the height of it's importance. The grave of St. Wystan became a site of pilgrimage which no doubt added to the importance of the site. The coming of the Danish invaders mark the end of the pre-eminence of Repton. In the winter of 873 the Danish warlord, Ivar the Boneless and a band of his follows set up camp at Repton - next to the mausoleum. From this moment Repton seems to have gone into reverse. However, the exact effect of the Danish settlement seems to be far from clear as it is believed that the nearby Breedon monastery was not destroyed or at least managed to function during the period. It is likely that a similar story took place at Repton - one of continuity and change. By the end of the 9th century the Danish borough of Derby was established and much of the army of this borough was settled in the land of what became the Repton Wapentake. The 10th century was marked by continual conflict between the Mercian English and Anglo Danish Mercians which wasn't resolved until the reign of Cnute in the early part of the 11th century. Cnute had another significant impact on Repton as he moved the shrine of St. Wystan to Evesham - up until this time it had survived the Danish onslaught and settlement. By the middle of this century Repton was firmly under the control of the Leofwine family who were now the earls of Mercia. The Manor of Repton at the time of Doomsday was in the possession of the King as was the sokeland of Repton. He had replaced Aelfgar as the chief land owner. Over the next few years Repton and much of it's Warpentake were given to the earls of Chester - one tradition is that this was due to the marriage of the earl to Lucy who some think to be the daughter of Aelfgar. Whatever the true reason by the 12th century Repton was under the control of earls of Chester. By 1154 the priory at Repton was once more established by Matilda - Countess of Chester when she moved cannons from Calke Abbey to Repton. She also endowed the priory with land in Huntingdon. One of the chapels attached to the priory was the chapel at Measham.
SeckingtonThe most significant fact known about Seckington is that Aethelbald was murdered here in 757. However this would disguise the fact the Seckington is a significant site all on it's own. It sits on the top of a hill which over looks the River Anker valley. The probable Roman road which runs from Tamworth to Sawley runs directly past the Norman Motte and Bailey castle - indeed the road probably had to be diverted when this was built. From the top of the mound you are offered commanding views of the whole area. It also gave control to the Tamworth road which was an important east - west communication route. A number of grave probably dating from the pre Norman period have been discovered at Seckington as well as some jewellery. There is also some archaeological evidence which suggest that the site was occupied prior to the Mercian period. The church at Seckington dates to the late 12th century and is situated near to the castle.
SnarestoneThe earliest mention of Snarestone is the doomsday book. It is situated on a hill which overlooks the confluence of the Gilwhiskaw and the River Mease. The south eastern boundary is formed by the Swepstone Way - also forming the boundary between the Goscote and Sparkenhoe Warpentake/Hundred.. The old location of the settlement was around the Manor farm - to the west of the current settlement. The Coventry to Derby road may have split at this point, one arm going to Measham - the other going through Snarestone, Packington and then joining again at Ashby de la Zouch.
Stretton en le FieldThe name Stretton would indicate that it is a settlement near to a Roman road. From my own research it would seem that this name is also associated with Mercian or Mercian sub kingdoms. If this is the case then it would be safe to say that Stretton is a Mercian settlement near to a Roman road. The proposed Tamworth to Sawley Roman road would seem to be the most likely Roman road. However, there is just a suggestion that another road might have run along the Mease valley from Measham towards Wall. Stretton is situated towards the south east corner of the Measham/Donisthorpe enclave. It is situated on a small hill over looking the river Mease. It's boundary with Appleby is marked by a small stream. To the south west Chilcote shares the same small hill. It is mentioned in both the Derbyshire and Leicestershire folios of the Doomsday. This reflects the ambiguous boundaries which forms the Measham/Donisthorpe enclave. The lord of the manor at the time of the survey was Henry de Ferrers. The parish later formed part of Honour of Tutbury. There is some suggestion that Stretton might be connected with Eadoric Streona, who was made earl of Mercia by Cnute in 1017. However, this is probably no more than wishful thinking. However, there is little doubt there was much Mercian activity in the area, an example being the mention of Appleby in the will of Wulfric Spot. Equally there are indications of a 'way' which ran from Stretton , through Chilcote, to join the Salt Street to the east of Clifton Campville. With the positioning of Elford at the west end of Mease valley it might not be too fanciful to suggest that this 'way' ran all the way to Lichfield. Indeed this is supported by some anecdotal evidence as Stretton up until 1927 was part of the diocese of Lichfield. Indeed, the eastern parish boundary is generally seen as the boundary between the Mercian bishoprics of Lichfield and Leicester. There is archaeological evidence to suggest that the current hamlet was larger than it is today. See also - Stretton Place Name
SwepstoneSwepstone is the first parish on the Middle Anglia side of the River Gilwhiskaw. At Doomsday it was probably quite a prosperous settlement having a priest listed. The parish of Swepstone is actually three settlements, Swepstone, Newton Burgoland and Newton Nethercote. The boundary between Swepstone and Heather is formed by the Swepstone Way. The Swepstone Way almost cuts the parish of Swepstone in half with Swepstone in the northern part and the settlements of Newton Nethercote and Newton Burgoland to the south. Perhaps the names suggest that these two settlements grew after the settlement of Swepstone. Swepstone it self is situated on a high point over looking the Gilwhiskaw valley from it's confluence with the Mease. The church is situated on this high point and gives commanding views of the valley. The next village west is Measham - some three miles further west. The church dates to 1209 but much of the fabric is of a much younger era. However, at the time of Doomsday a priest was listed at Swepstone . Indeed it is interesting the contrast the value of Swepstone which at 1066 was 12 pence but at the time of the survey was 40 shillings. This is a considerable growth in value - especially as most of the settlements to the west were listed as waste. Swepstone eventually formed part of the Honour of Tutbury - with the nuns of Polesworth having land holdings in Swepstone - interestingly the Swepstone way would give very good access to both Swepstone and Polesworth. A windmill is suggested by a field name on hill to the north west of the village. This is also suggested by the layout of footpaths and the Ashby lane - a byway which runs to Packington - which cross near to the point of the possible windmill. Indeed the mill was given to the nuns of Polesworth in the reign of Henry 3rd.
TamworthTamworth was the Mercian capital by the time of Offa - there is a possibility that there was some sort of Palace at Tamworth. Timber has been found which is late Roman early English in age which might indicate that there was occupation of the Tamworth site in this period. A very impressive water mill has been found at Tamworth as well as pottery and other matters which indicate trade not only with other parts of the country, i.e. Stamford but also with the Continent. The royal presence in Tamworth can be traced to the late 7th century at the earliest - but no doubt it was somewhat earlier. Before this there probably was a Roman road running from Watling Street to Sawley. The possible junction of this road was at the Royal Oak - interestingly the Swepstone Way may also have originated at this point as well. Certainly the road has been an important east - west route even if it was not Roman in origin. To reinforce the importance of Tamworth to the Mercian kingdom a number of important charters were ratified by the King at Tamworth at least one church council was convened there. As the Mercian kingdom's power started to wane then Tamworth became more of a border town. This was exacerbated by the Danish invaders of the late 9th century. Mercia by this time was somewhere between a kingdom and earldom and the earl Aethlered was married to the daughter of Alfred the Great, Aethelflaida. She became known as the Lady of the Mercians and during the early part of the 10th century lead a number of successful campaigns against the Anglo Danish Mercians of the Danelaw boroughs of Derby and Leicester. She built a number of burhs or forts - one of which was at Tamworth. Given the strategic position of Tamworth in relation to Danish Derby and Leicester she may have spent a considerable amount of time at Tamworth. The importance of Tamworth during this period can be underlined by the fact that there was a functional mint and also as a burh was also the official market or Port for the area. Again this is reinforced by the Portway which leads away from Tamworth towards the Mease Valley at Edingale. By 918 Aethelflaid was dead and her brother, the Wessex King Edward, captured Tamworth and so the capital of Mercia finally fell to the Wessex Kings and it started to fall into further decline. In 940 it was further attacked by the Norse King Olaf Guthfrithson. The decline of Tamworth can be seen that when the Midlands was divided into shires Tamworth was divided between Staffordshire and Warwickshire. During this time Mercia became an earldom and the family of Wulfrun - who had been captured by Olaf in 940 - and later Leofwine became the earls of Mercia. The Norman's had a devastating effect of Tamworth. In 1068 a rebellion against King William took place in the Midlands lead by the earls' Edwin (Mercia) and Morcar (Northumbria). William put this rebellion down by force marching his troops from Exeter, Warwick, Tamworth and Nottingham during the spring of the year. He wasted Tamworth and the surrounding areas. During this march he and much of his force used the road between Tamworth and Sawley as a means to get to Nottingham. After this Tamworth took time to recover, however this soon took place as it was situated on the main London to Chester road and also near to the Watling Street - which was still a major communications route. A new castle was built at Tamworth and the town started to prosper.
TutburyThe honour of Tutbury was a tightly knit honour of numerous thegns land around the castle at Tutbury. This was first given to Hugh who moved to become earl of Chester. The honour then went to Henry de Ferrers. The castle at Tutbury was a strategic position and so became an important one. There was an abbey of Benedictine monks at Tutbury who gained land through the honour. However, the main abbey which benefited from the de Ferrers was Merevale. Prior to the arrival of the Normans there was a much earlier monastery at Hanbury - just outside Tutbury. This was St. Werburga's monastery.
TwycrossTwycross parish is the largest parish area within the study area. In contains the following settlements, Norton juxta Twycross, Orton on the Hill, Lea Grange, Gopsall and Little Twycross. These, along with Bilstone and Congestone in the parish of Shakestone, were treated as one Vill. There was also an abandoned settlement at Weston near to Orton on the Hill. Twycross village itself is situated at the junction of the Salt Street from Edingale and the Coventry to Derby Road. The first recorded history of area is land being granted at 'Hog' Norton - here land was granted c951. Norton is situated on the route of the Swepstone Way which appears to have influenced the alignment of the church. On the boundary between Twycross and Appleby parish there probably is a Moot meeting point - this is in a field between Norton and Appleby. Norton is the only place with a priest listed and as such may have been the most important of all the settlements. This parish boundary was the also the boundary between the Goscote Wapentake and Sparkenhoe. The parish is on the boundary of the Danelaw - which forms the west most part of the boundary. This may also have been the boundary of the forest of Arden as Orton on the Hill has also been known as 'ORTON SUBTUS ARDEN' Lea Grange was a grange farm of Merevale Abbey and it's northern boundary with the Salt Street is marked by a large ditch - still visible.
Walton on TrentThe name suggest that Walton is a very ancient settlement i.e. Walton being old English for place or the Welsh or Romano - British. There is an early probable English fort on the high ground overlooking the River Trent. This is known as Borough Hill and a nearby farm is known as Borough Farm. The village of Walton is situated on low land next to the River Trent. It is first mentioned in 942 when much of the land in the area was given to Wulfrige the Black. By c1000 there was a church in the parish and a priest. In Doomsday Walton and Rosliston were treated as one manor and appear to have prospered compared to much of the surrounding area. The value of the manor increasing from £6 to £10. Prior to the Norman invasion the manor had belong to Aelfgar. After Doomsday the manor came to the earl of Chester who gave it to the Abbey of St. Werburga's at Chester. The main connection with the main study area is the Walton Way which runs from Walton to Measham. Both have churches named St. Lawrence - but it is unclear as to the significance of this. The Walton way may have crossed the Trent at Walton and gone onto Barton under Needwood and the Chester road running along the Trent Valley.
WiggintonA settlement to the north of Tamworth situated on the Portway which runs from the Mease Valley to Tamworth.
WillesleyWillesley is the northernmost settlement of the Measham/Donisthorpe enclave. The settlement is in the in the valley floor of the Shellbrook and as such is unusual compared to all the other enclave settlements which are situated on the tops of hills. To the north west is the Ashby Wolds area. The Roman road from Leicester separates Willesley from Measham and Oakthorpe. However, a disused road ran from Measham to Willesley. It then ran onto Blackfordby and then probably onto Repton. This is indicated by archaeological finds at Willesley. The parish church dates from 13th century and was in regular use up until the 19th century when the village was depopulated. At the time of Doomsday the settlement was waste - which may indicate the King William passed this way in his march north in 1068. Willesley became part of the honour of Tutbury.
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