Shire Oaks

Wood, Forest in Rutland

England

Shire Oaks

Wakerley, St John the Baptist Credit: Dave Kelly

Shire Oaks is a charming village located in the county of Rutland, England. Situated amidst a picturesque wood or forest, the village offers a serene and idyllic setting for its residents and visitors alike. With a population of around 500 people, it maintains a close-knit community atmosphere.

The village is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the surrounding woodlands providing a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including ancient oak trees that have stood tall for centuries. The abundance of walking trails and paths allows for leisurely strolls, providing an opportunity to soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Shire Oaks boasts a rich history, evident in its architecture and landmarks. The village church, St. Mary's, is a prominent feature, displaying exquisite medieval craftsmanship. The church serves as a focal point for the community, hosting regular services and events that bring residents together.

Despite its small size, Shire Oaks offers a range of amenities to cater to the needs of its residents. These include a local pub, a village hall, and a primary school, ensuring that the village remains self-sufficient and self-contained.

Shire Oaks provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns and cities, offering a lifestyle that embraces nature and community spirit. With its natural beauty, rich history, and strong sense of community, Shire Oaks is a hidden gem that captivates all who visit.

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Shire Oaks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.59875/-0.5808 or Grid Reference SK9601. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wakerley, St John the Baptist

Dave Kelly

Wakerley Bridge

This is one of the ancient bridges across the Welland, and the river marks the boundary between Rutland and Northamptonshire, Barrowden being in Rutland, and Wakerley in Northamptonshire. The bridge dates from the 14th century, and was widened to its present width in 1793. (Civil Engineering Heritage: Eastern & Central England 1994, E. A. Labrum, SBN 07277 1970 X) This is a scheduled ancient monument (see Link

). Half of it is a grade II listed building. The listing at Link

is titled "Bridge (That Part In Barrowden C Parish), Wakerley Road"

Bob Harvey

Bridge over the Welland

The bridge is described in Civil Engineering Heritage: Eastern & Central England, E. A. Labrum, 1994 where it says "A five-arch stone bridge carrying a minor road, typical of such bridges from the 14th century. Since the bridge's widening in 1793, the arch shapes are different on the upstream side from those on the downstream side. The original arches are the downstream ones — pointed, with chamfered arch rings. Upstream they are segmental. The spans vary from 9ft 10in to 11ft 4in. The piers are 6ft wide and the bridge is 81ft long. The 1793 work added 2ft to the bridge's width to make the present dimension of 12ft between the stone parapets. There are cutwaters on both sides and a carved head on the keystone of the second arch from the north end." This is a scheduled ancient monument (see Link

) although the listing there lacks anything like the detail quoted above.

Bob Harvey

The River Welland

The river seen from the parapet of SP9599 : Wakerley Bridge. The Welland is the county boundary, so we have Rutland on the left and Northamptonshire on the right.

Bob Harvey

The river from the bridge

The view from the parapet of SP9599 : Wakerley Bridge. The Welland is the county boundary, so we have Northamptonshire on the left and Rutland on the right.

Bob Harvey

A bit of a struggle

I had to climb over this stile to take the image in SP9599 : Bridge over the Welland. I must be getting old, but it was rather a stretch. This is an essential obstacle on the path called the Rutland Round. There is a cunning lift-gate on the right to allow dogs through.

Bob Harvey

A field in Rutland

The long distance path called the Rutland Round passes through this field.

Bob Harvey

A scheduled ancient monument

Between Barrowden and Wakerley is one of the ancient bridges across the Welland, recently restored by Jason "the mason" Henfrey who said “The work also included the creation of special hides for bats which have been cut into the back of new stone before being placed into the bridge. These hides replace gaps, now repaired, which bats had made their home. The new bat hides have been marked with a stone masonry mark resembling a bat.” Although the river marks the boundary with Northamptonshire, Rutland county council assumes responsibility for the bridge and carried out the recent restoration. This is a scheduled ancient monument (see Link

). Half of it is a grade II listed building. The listing at Link

is titled "Bridge (That Part In Barrowden C Parish), Wakerley Road"

Bob Harvey

Railway station site

The site of SP9599 : Wakerley and Barrowden Station seen from the parapet of SP9599 : Wakerley Bridge, Barrowden Road, Wakerley.

Bob Harvey

Carey's House, Barrowden

Largely of 1834 Link

Jonathan Thacker

Grass field, Barrowden

Jonathan Thacker

Tixover church

This isolated parish church stands on the north bank of the Welland at the end of a field road about 1 km outside the present site of the small Rutland village of Tixover. Seen here from the opposite, Northamptonshire, side of the river.

Kevin Flynn