Bond's Covert

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Stafford

England

Bond's Covert

Ruins at Ranton Quite a sight. It stopped me in my tracks. I could see Ranton Abbey (remains of) marked on my Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale map, but I was not expecting two ruins for the price of one. Here is a rare sight indeed; a ruined medieval priory or abbey and hugger-mugger bang right next door, a gloriously ruined country house of some import too!

My mind raced. How had this juxtaposition come to be? What was the story here? How were two ruins so closely sited and who, what and when were involved.

A mystery. Not being remotely local I have no knowledge to draw upon. Google and Wikipedia will be my friends, teachers and enlighteners.

Meanwhile, what a jaw-dropping spectacle.

Both buildings have their own Wikpedia articles, as might be expected, <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbey_House,_Ranton" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbey_House,_Ranton">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> here. — Ruins at Ranton Credit: Jeremy Bolwell

Bond's Covert is a quaint woodland area located in the county of Staffordshire, England. Situated in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands, this scenic forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Covering an expansive area of approximately 100 acres, Bond's Covert boasts a diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a lush and vibrant canopy overhead. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of ferns, bluebells, and other native flora, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors to explore.

The woodland is crisscrossed with a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, making it easy for hikers, walkers, and cyclists to navigate their way through the forest. These paths lead to various points of interest, such as secluded picnic areas, serene ponds, and hidden glens, where visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.

Bond's Covert is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, thrushes, and owls among the trees, while the lucky observer may even catch a glimpse of a shy badger or elusive red squirrel.

Throughout the year, Bond's Covert hosts a number of events and activities, including guided nature walks, educational workshops, and forest-themed festivals. These events aim to educate and inspire visitors about the importance of conservation and the natural world.

In summary, Bond's Covert is a captivating woodland retreat, offering a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. With its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Staffordshire.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bond's Covert Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.826432/-2.2618414 or Grid Reference SJ8225. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ruins at Ranton

Quite a sight. It stopped me in my tracks. I could see Ranton Abbey (remains of) marked on my Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale map, but I was not expecting two ruins for the price of one. Here is a rare sight indeed; a ruined medieval priory or abbey and hugger-mugger bang right next door, a gloriously ruined country house of some import too! My mind raced. How had this juxtaposition come to be? What was the story here? How were two ruins so closely sited and who, what and when were involved. A mystery. Not being remotely local I have no knowledge to draw upon. Google and Wikipedia will be my friends, teachers and enlighteners. Meanwhile, what a jaw-dropping spectacle. Both buildings have their own Wikpedia articles, as might be expected, Link

here.

Jeremy Bolwell

Ruins at Ranton

The abbey ruins are due to the ravages of time since the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s and the country house was gutted by a fire started during the Second World War. The estate encompassing both was once owned by Lord Lichfield, the famous photographer, aristocrat, Earl of Lichfield and member of the royal circle. I would have thought that the building would have been insured? Apparently the bodyguard of Wilhelmina, the Queen of the Netherlands, were billeted here during 1942 and it is then that fire caught hold of the whole building. Tragic. Lord Lichfield did intend to renovate the house, but sadly died before he was able to realise his plans. It has since been sold on a few times, recently for £3.5 million in 2011, I believe. Suitably interesting tale.

Jeremy Bolwell

Buildings at Ranton

The building on the right is an estate house, or flats. The church tower is the remains of Ranton Abbey. The ivy coated ruin is that of Abbery House, Ranton, a country house to my uneducated eye, but apparently just a shooting lodge to the Earls of Lichfield. It hosted many grand shooting parties in its heyday in the 1830s and 1840s, when Prime Ministers and influential politicians regularly attended. If walls could talk. It was gutted by fire when Dutch soldiers were stationed here in 1942. Not arson. Could have been electrical, or a smoker forgetting a cigarette etc etc. Sad it has never been restored. But then again, what a sight to behold.

Jeremy Bolwell

Ruined Ranton Abbey

The tower remains really. I can imagine when the abbey was sited here and managed the landscape around and the people. Now it is just a lonely prong. I feel its pain.

Jeremy Bolwell

Ruined shooting lodge at Ranton

Burned out in 1942 when obviously other pressing matters meant that the building was not immediately revived. It has been decaying ever since. It is quite something to walk around and observe a glimpse into its ruined guts. Old fireplaces remain, where Prime Ministers and aristocrats must have conferred, the kitchen section (I think) is just visible, where harassed kitchen staff and servants must have bustled. Watercolour paintings depict the shooting parties that stayed here. Now jackdaws are the only residents.

Jeremy Bolwell