On one of the rare sunny days of 2024 I visited Croxden Abbey just outside of Uttoxeter in Staffordshire. The abbey was established in 1179 and was home to up to 70 monks at it's height. It was a daughter site to the Norman abbey in Aunay-Sur-Odon and was originally ran by 12 Norman monks. Founded by Bertram III de Verdun to pray and celebrate mass for the souls of his family, as was the style at the time.
It originally thrived but like many other churches of the time, it declined around Tudor times and was finally dissolved in 1537 and it's land was sold off. Today all that remains are the striking ruins next to the road.
Now managed by English Heritage, the site sits just outside of Uttoxer in Staffordshire. Entry is free but facilities and parking are minimal. There are no toilets, shop or cafe and the parking is just the layby outside the entrance. That being said, there is a great pub just a short walk away over the fields.
#walks #monastery #church #staffordshire #history #countryside #solotravel #traveluk #midlands