Croxden in 1868

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer (1868)]

"CROXDEN, (or Croxden with Great Yate) a parish in the southern division of the hundred of Totmonslow, in the county of Stafford, 5 miles N.W. of Uttoxeter, its post town. It is situated on a small stream called the Peak, and contains Musden Grange and Calton.

The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Lichfield, value £92, in the patronage of the Earl of Macclesfield, who is lord of the manor. The church, dedicated to St. Giles, is a small edifice nearly as old as the abbey. In it the heart of King John was buried. The charities amount to £5 per annum. There is an endowed National school.

The ruins of Croxden Abbey, founded in the year 1176 by Berham de Verdon for Cistercian monks, are very imposing. They consist of the W. front, the S. transept, a cross, and part of the cloisters. The steel key is still preserved at Alton Towers.

"GREAT YATE, a township in the parish of Croxden, S. division of Totmonslow hundred, county Stafford, 5½ miles N. W. of Uttoxeter, and 3 S.E. of Cheadle.

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) - Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]