Staunton Harold - Breedon - Church on the Hill (The Thirteen Stiles)
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Staunton Harold: a house, church, garden centre, craft shops, workshops and café. Originally it belonged to Harold, a Saxon owner, but William the Conqueror gave the estate to Henry de Ferraris (later Earl Ferrers). In 1423 it passed through marriage to the Shirleys. King Charles II made Sir Robert Shirley a Baron and Queen Anne restored the Earldom. The present house is circa 1770. The church was built in 1653 and is unique. Over the door can be read an interesting inscription and inside are a magnificent iron chancel screen and painted ceiling. From Waymark 3, look behind for a fabulous picture of the house, church and lake.
The Staunton Ridgeway path was introduced in 1994 and covers about 3km of the walk. This is where you will cross the thirteen stiles, each one hand-crafted and inscribed to make up the two quotations. You will find gaps built into the estate walls so that the view the other side can be enjoyed. As you come to the end of the walls, look for the Stonemason's Keyhole! Breedon, this wonderful Church on the Hill, was founded as a monastery about 676 AD. It stands on the site of an Iron Age hill-fort. It was re-founded as an Augustinian Priory in the early 12th Century. Inside can be found the famous 1,200 year-old Saxon carvings - not to be missed. From the outside there are fantastic views over the Charnwood Forest, Derbyshire Hills, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
England - Central England - Leicestershire - Countryside
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, National Trust, Pub, Restaurant, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
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