St Margaret’s, Draycott-in-the-Moors – ancient tombs and dragons

The church, set on a hillock above the village, recently celebrated its 750th anniversary, having gone through restorations in the 18th and 19th centuries. The sandstone tower has six bells of great age plus two modern ones; the chest-tombs of the Draycott Family range over a period from the Crusades to the seventeenth century. Stained-glass windows (including a Kempe) and stone carvings line the nave.

This is a rare opportunity to see a church that is usually closed. On the day, tours and easy-to-read guides are provided; paper quizzes (for both children and adults, separately) are available; and refreshments will be available. There will also be demonstrations of bell-ringing, and our organist will be present to play the historic organ.
Detailed booklet-guides available. Donations on the day will also be most welcome.

You will find out why St Margaret and the Draycott family are associated with dragons, and be able to take a guess at what the 2500-year old (yes!… it’s from the Iron Age...) ‘sink’ was really used for.
Some of the oldest living creatures in the county are to be found in the churchyard: the yew trees here go back beyond the Norman Conquest. Also in the churchyard are two more listed monuments, and some quaint verses inscribed on the headstones (guides available).
The memorial to the village’s killed-in-action of the two world-wars is unusual in that it features a woman; she was a nurse on her way to help the wounded.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

1000-1600

Location & directions

Church Lane, Draycott in the Moors, Staffordshire, ST11 9AG

Directions:

Church Lane is a private road off a junction; and will be signposted. After 200 yards, just beyond the church, you will reach the car-park. The nearest railway station is in Blythe Bridge, a mile and a half away.

Contact on day:

Mark

Telephone number:

+447796012234

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Access: there are level routes all the way from the car park through the main door into the church. A ramp will be provided for entry to the Lady Chapel. However, there are steps up to the altar. Two car parks are next to the church.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

10

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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