Brickyard Plantation

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Stafford

England

Brickyard Plantation

January day in the fields More geese fly past, honking and enjoying flight. — January day in the fields Credit: Jeremy Bolwell

Brickyard Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Staffordshire, England. Spread across a vast area, this forested area is known for its dense growth of various tree species, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The plantation is predominantly covered by a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, including oak, beech, ash, and pine. This diverse range of foliage creates a vibrant and kaleidoscopic landscape throughout the year. The forest floor is carpeted with a rich variety of wildflowers, adding to its natural beauty and charm.

Walking trails wind their way through the plantation, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the area's natural wonders at their own pace. These paths are well-maintained and suitable for all levels of fitness, making it an ideal destination for families, hikers, and dog walkers.

Brickyard Plantation is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. The forest provides a habitat for numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds. Squirrels, foxes, and rabbits can be spotted darting through the undergrowth, adding an element of excitement and intrigue to any visit.

In addition to its natural beauty, the plantation also has historical significance. The name "Brickyard" originates from the area's past use as a clay pit for brickmaking. Remnants of the brickworks can still be found within the woodland, serving as a reminder of its industrial heritage.

Overall, Brickyard Plantation is a captivating destination that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its stunning natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and historical significance, it is a place that continues to draw visitors who seek solace and serenity in the heart of Staffordshire.

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Brickyard Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.822083/-2.256844 or Grid Reference SJ8224. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

January day in the fields More geese fly past, honking and enjoying flight.

January day in the fields

More geese fly past, honking and enjoying flight.

Track and footpath Beside the woodland.

Track and footpath

Beside the woodland.

Distant view to Ranton Abbey ruins There is the ruin of both an old medieval abbey and a Georgian country house down there. Not the sort of view I see every day.

Let&#039;s go and explore.

Distant view to Ranton Abbey ruins

There is the ruin of both an old medieval abbey and a Georgian country house down there. Not the sort of view I see every day. Let's go and explore.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Twin ruins at Ranton Two sad old friends. They comfort each other.

Twin ruins at Ranton

Two sad old friends. They comfort each other.

Ruined Ranton Abbey House Ruins are more eloquent than extant buildings I think.

Ruined Ranton Abbey House

Ruins are more eloquent than extant buildings I think.

Rear view of ruined Ranton Abbey House This side gets shade so trees are able to thrive and ivy burgeon.

Rear view of ruined Ranton Abbey House

This side gets shade so trees are able to thrive and ivy burgeon.

Old entrance to Abbey House, Ranton The lodge remains.

Old entrance to Abbey House, Ranton

The lodge remains.

Frozen culvert near Ranton Hall farm I love and relish wintry walks. They are sometimes too rare. Even a drainage ditch is rendered an excess of grace and beauty after a frosty morning.

Frozen culvert near Ranton Hall farm

I love and relish wintry walks. They are sometimes too rare. Even a drainage ditch is rendered an excess of grace and beauty after a frosty morning.

Beef cattle at Ranton Hall farm These happy, healthy looking beef cattle are enjoying life at Ranton Hall farm.

Beef cattle at Ranton Hall farm

These happy, healthy looking beef cattle are enjoying life at Ranton Hall farm.

Pile of junk in front of Ranton Hall farm Looks like they&#039;ve had a clear out; there is quite an assortment here, from old corners are god knows where.

Pile of junk in front of Ranton Hall farm

Looks like they've had a clear out; there is quite an assortment here, from old corners are god knows where.

Christ Church at Knightley Christ Church is located along the B5405 close to the village at Woodseaves.

Christ Church at Knightley

Christ Church is located along the B5405 close to the village at Woodseaves.

Trevor Littlewood

Road towards Ellenhall Park Farm The farm is a short distance along the minor road, hidden by the density of trees lining it.

Road towards Ellenhall Park Farm

The farm is a short distance along the minor road, hidden by the density of trees lining it.

Trevor Littlewood

Bridlepath to the Ruins of Ranton Abbey The Earls of Lichfield, who owned the 300-acre estate, left it to decay after Dutch troops stationed there, accidentally set it alight in 1942

Bridlepath to the Ruins of Ranton Abbey

The Earls of Lichfield, who owned the 300-acre estate, left it to decay after Dutch troops stationed there, accidentally set it alight in 1942

Show me another place!

Brickyard Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SJ8224 (Lat: 52.822083, Lng: -2.256844)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: Stafford

Police Authority: Staffordshire

What 3 Words

///yesterday.indeed.burden. Near Eccleshall, Staffordshire

Nearby Locations

Ash Wood Brickyard Plantation

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.822083,-2.256844

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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