|
Between the county town of
Stafford and the City of Stoke-on-Trent lies one
of Staffordshire's best loved landscapes, the
gently unfolding Sow Valley. And what better way
to visit this beautiful countryside than by way of
historic Eccleshall (pronounced Eccle-shawl), a
place to rest awhile, to take refreshments or
simply to browse through the shops.
The High Street, once a coaching route from London
to Chester, has retained a charm that many a small
town has since lost. Its buildings, dating mainly
from the 18th and 19th centuries, are distinctive
and lead to the mediaeval sandstone church
standing on higher ground between a group of fine
Georgian houses and rich farmland beyond.
The arcades in front of the two coaching inns (The
Crown and The Royal Oak) once provided shelter for
the Butter Market. There's no longer a regular
market but local produce such as The Eccleshall
Pie, farmhouse cheeses and confectionery can still
be found along the street.
There are a number of attractions nearby,
including a garden centre and nursery, and as a
touring base it is ideally located. The village
also has several very good places to eat.
|
