Staffordshire Moorlands
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Staffordshire Moorlands from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Staffordshire Moorlands' most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry. Skip this section and go to place by numbers
The Butter Cross, 650m west of Lowerhouse Farm
Cheddleton
The Butter Cross is a medieval standing cross with a stepped base and octagonal shaft, believed to be in its original position, marking intersection of two tracks.
Alton Towers
Farley
Alton Towers, an early 19th-century valley garden, transformed by Charles Talbot. It's renowned for its varied structures and public accessibility since 1839, becoming a major attraction.
Biddulph Grange
Biddulph
James and Maria Bateman transformed Biddulph Grange into exotic gardens featuring diverse themes like China and Egypt, embodying 19th-century interests in horticulture and design.
The Bridestones Neolithic chambered long cairn.
Congleton
The Bridestones Neolithic chambered long cairn is a significant ritual site from the Early Neolithic period, notable for its burial chambers and rare place among megalithic structures.
Mill House
Cheadle
Mill House is a historic 17th-century farmhouse with distinctive features like a massive ridge stack and mullioned windows, showcasing its enduring architectural significance.
Church of St Leonard
Ipstones
The Church of St Leonard, built in 1789-92 by the Sneyd family, was expanded in 1902-3 by Gerald Horsley. It's notable for its Gothic architecture.
Swythamley Hall
Heaton
Swythamley Hall, originally a medieval lodge, evolved into a country house featuring Italianate and Jacobean elements, expanded by Phillip Brocklehurst in 1897 after a 1813 fire.
St Johns Preparatory School
Alton
St. John's Preparatory School, designed by Pugin for the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury in 1847, exhibits a castellated style, reminiscent of Rhine castles.
Round House
Alton
Lock ups, like Alton's, were small temporary prisons for troublemakers, built in the 19th century, often as gifts, now historic monuments.
Church of the Holy Cross
Ilam
The Church of the Holy Cross, with origins from the 11th century, features significant restorations, including work by Sir George Gilbert Scott.
Oldfield Farm
Grindon
Oldfield Farm, a mid-18th-century farmhouse, features limestone and sandstone construction, a clay tile roof, and distinctive mullioned windows.
The Stone House
Alton
The Stone House is an 18th-century architecture located on Malthouse Road, featuring a two-story structure with casements and a gabled porch.
Caverswall Castle, Screen Walls, Gatehouse and Bridge
Caverswall
Caverswall Castle, dating back to the 13th century with significant alterations around 1615 and 1890, features distinct architectural elements by Robert and John Smythson.
The Cottage
Longnor
The Cottage is an early 19th-century house with distinctive architectural features like a rendered facade and stone end stack.
Biddulph Grange
Biddulph
Biddulph Grange began as a farmhouse transformed into an English Baroque mansion by John Bateman between 1848-60, later expanded in 1897 after a fire.
St Bertram's Bridge, Ilam
Ilam
St. Bertram’s Bridge is a medieval or early post-medieval single span bridge, notable for its original stonework alongside later parapet additions, bearing cultural significance linked to St.
Consall Lime Kilns
Consall
Consall Lime Kilns exemplify industrial development, contributing to the lime burning industry in 19th century England.
The Old School House
Grindon
The Old School House in Grindon, dated 1605, features 17th-century architecture with a clay tile roof, stone fireplace, and C17 cruck trusses.
Church of St Chad
Bagnall
The Church of St Chad, a parish church built in 1834 and altered circa 1880 by J. Beardmore, features distinct Tudor Gothic architectural elements including tower and chancel.
Prospect Tower and Attached Wing
Biddulph
The Prospect Tower, constructed in 1828, is associated with horticulturist John Bateman, marking his early work period at Knypersley Hall before moving to Biddulph Grange.
Anglo-Scandinavian cross, 11m east of St Edward's Church
Leek
This Anglo-Scandinavian cross near St Edward's Church is a prime example of early medieval craftsmanship, showcasing Scandinavian and Anglian ornamentation.
The Malt House
Alton
The Malt House features a late 17th-century house with unique modifications, including early and mid-19th-century alterations and an underground malt kiln.
Garden Wall East of Alton Towers
Farley
The early 19th-century wall is part of Alton Towers' significant garden and features ashlar construction and a crenellated parapet.
44, High Street
Kingsley
44 High Street, a prominent 17th-century house with 19th-century alterations, features stone and brickwork, a tiled roof, and notable mullioned windows.
Elderbush Cave
Wetton
Elderbush Cave contains deposits from the Pleistocene to the Romano-British period, providing archaeological and environmental insights into human occupation and landscape changes.
Pea Low bowl barrow
Alstonefield
Pea Low bowl barrow is a prominent funerary monument from 2400-1500 BC, notable for its size, regional typology, and rare Roman re-use in the Peak District.
Cross Shaft Approximately 15 Yards South of South Porch o…
Ilam
The cross shaft, dating probably from the 10th century, stands 7 feet tall with interlace and spiral designs. It's located near the Church of the Holy Cross.
The Old Vicarage
Alstonefield
The Old Vicarage, a late 18th-century former vicarage, is now a private dwelling. Notable features include limestone rubble construction, ashlar dressings, and hipped clay roof.
Priory Farm
Alstonefield
Priory Farm is a Grade II listed farmhouse from the mid-19th century, featuring rusticated stonework and traditional sash windows.
Church of St Margaret
Draycott in the Moors
The Church of St Margaret, dating from the late 13th century, features a refaced sandstone exterior, with pieces potentially by Pugin and medieval architectural elements.
Hazlehurst Aqueduct
Cheddleton
The Hazlehurst Aqueduct, built in 1841 with painted brickwork and stone dressings, crosses the Caldon Canal and facilitated coal transport to Leek.
Consall Forge at SJ 998 492
Consall
Consall Forge features early 19th-century lime kilns with rock-faced ashlar and multiple stoke-holes, utilizing limestone from Caldon Low, linked by the Caldon Canal.
The Plough Inn
Endon and Stanley
The Plough Inn is an early 19th-century red brick inn with 20th-century modifications, featuring semi-circular bays and a notable entrance.
Leek Brook junction signal box on the Churnet Valley Railway
Leek
Signal box. Circa late 1860s by McKenzie and Holland for the North Staffordshire Railway. Constructed of Staffordshire blue brick with wooden weatherboarding and hipped Welsh slate roof.
Church of St Chad
Longsdon
The Church of St Chad, built between 1903-1905 by Gerald Horsley, features a Perpendicular style inspired by Norman Shaw. It includes a west tower, spire, and stained glass by Comper.
Staffordshire Moorlands through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Staffordshire Moorlands changes over time. Skip this section and go to aerial photos
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Staffordshire Moorlands
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground. Skip this section and go to archive images
Leek
The War Memorial and environs, Leek, 1930
Leek
Brough, Nicholson & Hall Hope Silk Mill and environs, Leek, 1934
Swythamley Hall
Swythamley Hall and grounds, Swythamley Hall, 1939
Swythamley Hall
Swythamley Hall and grounds, Swythamley Hall, 1939
Cresswell
The Blythe Colour Works and the North Staffordshire Railway Line, Cresswell, 1934
Cresswell
The Blythe Colour Works, Cresswell, 1946
Froghall
The Gas Works and Froghall Colour Mill, Froghall, 1938
Froghall
The Thomas Bolton and Sons Brass and Copper Works, Froghall, 1949
Alton
Alton Towers, Alton, 1921
Alton Park
Alton Towers, Alton Park, 1951
Staffordshire Moorlands in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Staffordshire Moorlands' past. Skip this section and go to stories about heritage
Eileen ‘Dusty’ Deste Collection
Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 1965 - 1968
Numbers 41 and 43 London Street viewed from the end of Duke Street with 50 Duke Street visible in the right foreground
Eric de Mare
Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 1956
View of Albion Street in Leek showing silk weavers' cottages with Albion Mill visible at the bottom of the street.
John Laing Collection
Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 21 Oct 1989
A girl with a Laing promotional umbrella posed in front of a rollercoaster ride during a Laing staff trip to Alton Towers
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 01 Jun 1926
A view looking east across the Churnet Valley, with Alton Castle visible on the south side
Alfred Newton and Sons
Dove Dale, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 1896 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW OF RIVER DOVE
Eileen ‘Dusty’ Deste Collection
Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 1965 - 1968
The arched entrance giving access to number 68 St Edward Street, part of Spout Hall
Eric de Mare
Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 1956
View of Ashbourne Road showing silk weavers' cottages from the junction with Moorhouse Street.
John Laing Collection
Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 21 Oct 1989
Three girls on a chair swing ride during a Laing staff trip to Alton Towers
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 01 Jun 1926
A general view looking across Alton and the surrounding area from the south-west
Alfred Newton and Sons
Dove Dale, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire
Date created: 1896 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW OF RIVER DOVE
Eric de Mare
Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 1956
View of London Street in Leek showing silk weavers' cottages.
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire
Date created: 01 Jun 1926
A view looking north-west across the Churnet Valley, with Holme Cottage just visible amongst the trees
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Staffordshire Moorlands. Skip this section and go to education
Funding for Young People to Explore and Celebrate Their Local History
Mentions Staffordshire Moorlands
Historic England has announced new funding for 21 creative youth-led place-marking projects across England.
Staffordshire Moorlands' social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area. Skip this section and go to grant-aided places
Wetley Abbey, Cellarhead Road, Cheddleton, Staffordshire
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This is a late 1820s home. The house has been built in a Tudor/Gothic style. Despite the name, the building has no religious connection.
Wetley Abbey, Cellarhead Road, Cheddleton, Staffordshire
Weavers' cottages, Ashbourne Road, Leek, Staffordshire
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
Silk weavers' cottages in Ashbourne Road seen from the junction with Moorhouse Street.
Weavers' cottages, Ashbourne Road, Leek, Staffordshire
The Hospital and school, Castle Hill Road, Alton, Staffordshire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This hospital, convent and school was built between 1840 and 1847 by A. W. N. Pugin.
The Hospital and school, Castle Hill Road, Alton, Staffordshire
The Convent, Castle Hill Road, Alton, Staffordshire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
A.W.N. Pugin constructed this building as a residence for the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury in 1847.
The Convent, Castle Hill Road, Alton, Staffordshire
The Castle, Castle Hill Road, Alton, Staffordshire
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
A castle has been in existence here since 1176. The castle was originally for a Knight of William the Conqueror, Bertram de Verdun.
The Castle, Castle Hill Road, Alton, Staffordshire
Stables, Albion Mill, Albion Street, Leek, Staffordshire
Period: 1990s (1990 - 1999)
Early industrial sites that required produce to be move between different locations often built their own stables.
Stables, Albion Mill, Albion Street, Leek, Staffordshire
Roman Catholic Church of St Giles, Bank Street, Cheadle, Staffordshire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This Roman Catholic Church was built between 1841 and 1846.
Roman Catholic Church of St Giles, Bank Street, Cheadle, Staffordshire
Public Conveniences, Mill Street, Leek, Staffordshire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This public toilet was built in 1900. The Gothic building is just one of many buildings in Leek that were built in the Victorian period.
Public Conveniences, Mill Street, Leek, Staffordshire
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