Four Ashes

Settlement in Staffordshire South Staffordshire

England

Four Ashes

Canal at Gailey Lock and Bridge, Staffordshire Gailey Top Lock is No 32 on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. This is the first of four fairly widely spaced locks. The A5 Watling Street crosses the canal here. — Canal at Gailey Lock and Bridge, Staffordshire Credit: Roger Kidd

Four Ashes is a small village located in the county of Staffordshire, England. Situated approximately 5 miles east of Wolverhampton, the village is nestled amidst picturesque countryside and offers a peaceful and idyllic setting for its residents.

The origins of Four Ashes can be traced back to the 19th century when it primarily served as an agricultural community. Over the years, the village has undergone gradual development and now features a mix of residential properties, small businesses, and farmland.

Despite its relatively small size, Four Ashes benefits from its proximity to major transport routes. The village is conveniently located near the A449 road, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. Additionally, Four Ashes Railway Station offers regular train services to Wolverhampton and Birmingham, making it an attractive location for commuters.

In terms of amenities, Four Ashes offers a range of facilities to cater to the needs of its residents. These include a local convenience store, a post office, and a few small independent businesses. For recreational purposes, the village boasts several green spaces and a local park, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely walks.

Overall, Four Ashes is a charming village that retains its rural character while offering convenient access to nearby urban centers. Its tranquil surroundings, combined with its excellent transport links, make it an appealing place to live for those seeking a balance between countryside living and accessibility to amenities.

Show me another place!

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

Four Ashes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.67354/-2.1219523 or Grid Reference SJ9108. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Canal at Gailey Lock and Bridge, Staffordshire

Gailey Top Lock is No 32 on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. This is the first of four fairly widely spaced locks. The A5 Watling Street crosses the canal here.

Roger Kidd

Towpath passing under Watling Street

Or the A5, if you prefer. The Staffs and Worcs canal at Gailey.

Christine Johnstone

Gailey Wharf

A rare burst of sunshine in the last few days of August illuminates this attractive spot on the Staffordshire & Worcestrshire Canal. To the left is Gailey Lock and to the right is a small basin which, out of season would be stuffed with hire boats.

Stephen McKay

Gailey Wharf

Gailey has long been a base for hire boats but whereas they used to be part of the Viking Afloat fleet, with their bright yellow and red colour scheme, they are now painted in this more restrained style. The boat seen here is 'Wood Duck' a six-berth vessel; of course, in August most of the boats would be out.

Stephen McKay

The Round House, Gailey Wharf

The grade II listed Round House, which stands right by Gailey Lock on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, was formerly a canal toll office. It is now a souvenir shop.

Stephen McKay

Gailey Wharf on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal

looking south towards the lock (just beyond the bridge)

Andrew Longton

Vikings aground

Hire boat fleet laid up for the winter

David Long

Gailey Wharf

Where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal crosses the A5

Lynne Glazzard

Gailey Wharf

Gailey Wharf, where the A5 crosses the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, comprises a boat hire yard with maintenance facilities including a small crane, a lock, and a souvenir shop housed in the unusual 'Round House', formerly a toll clerk's office.

Stephen McKay

Approaching Gailey, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

Roger Kidd

Gailey Lock and Bridge 79, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

Roger Kidd

Gailey Lock, Bridge, and Roundhouse, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

The A5, Watling Street, crosses the canal here.

Roger Kidd

Gailey Lock, Bridge, and Roundhouse, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

The round brick building was a toll keeper's office. The bridge carries the A5 (Watling Street).

Roger Kidd

Gailey Bridge 79 and Round House, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

Gailey Lock and wharf are just the other side of the bridge, which carries Watling Street. now the A5. This was once a very busy spot on the canal and the lock house was built as seen so that the lock keeper could keep himself well apprised of approaching traffic - by road and by water.

Dr Neil Clifton

Croft Farm, Croft Lane, Gailey

Geoff Pick

Wharf Cottage

Built beside the A5 Watling Street in 1805, next to the lock keepers round house at Gailey Wharf.

David Rogers

Holiday makers on the Staffs & Worcs

Row17

Entering Gailey Top Lock, Staffordshire

On the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal (opened fully in 1772) there are forty-three locks (forty-five if you don't fancy the deep wide locks at Stourport). Here at Gailey (called "top lock" presumably as a reference to a sequence of four well spaced locks down to Rodbaston just under a mile away) the lock drops the water level by 8ft 6in (2.6 metres). The unusual round castellated tower was formerly a toll keeper's office. Now you can buy your souvenirs and ice creams there. The (formerly) very busy A5 road crosses the bridge by the tower.

Roger Kidd

Show me another place!

Four Ashes is located at Grid Ref: SJ9108 (Lat: 52.67354, Lng: -2.1219523)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: South Staffordshire

Police Authority: Staffordshire