High Offley

Settlement in Staffordshire Stafford

England

High Offley

Stile on footpath to Leawood Credit: Row17

High Offley is a small village located in the county of Staffordshire, England. Situated approximately 8 miles north of Stafford, it lies close to the border with the county of Shropshire. The village is nestled in the picturesque countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland.

The village has a rich history dating back to medieval times, and many of its buildings still showcase the traditional architecture of that era. One notable example is the Church of St. Mary, a Grade II* listed building that dates back to the 12th century. The church's stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings attract visitors from far and wide.

High Offley has a tight-knit community and offers a peaceful and tranquil environment for its residents. The village has a primary school, which serves the local children, and a village hall that hosts various community events throughout the year. Additionally, there is a local pub, The Anchor Inn, where residents and visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal.

The surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding. The nearby Shropshire Union Canal provides scenic walks and boating experiences, while the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a short drive away, offering further recreational opportunities.

Overall, High Offley is a charming village that combines historical charm with a peaceful rural setting, making it an attractive place to live or visit for those seeking a slower pace of life and natural beauty.

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High Offley Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.833247/-2.325651 or Grid Reference SJ7826. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stile on footpath to Leawood

Row17

The Shroppie at the Anchor

Row17

Not suitable for motor vehicles - southern end of Tunstall Lane

Row17

The Laurels

Row17

A 'Millennium Stone' on Grubb Street

Row17

Gateway to the Shroppie

Row17

High Offley churchyard

The high hill in the background is 'The Wrekin', just south of Wellington and the A5.

Row17

The Cock Inn at Woodseaves

Row17

Country lane as it was getting dark

Using an ISO 1600 the scene was much darker than it appears.

Row17

Woodland near the Shropshire Union Canal

Row17

Bullock's Bridge near High Offley, Shropshire

Bridge No 43 across the Shropshire Union Canal carries a farm track from Old Lea Farm (off to the left) and a bridleway.

Roger Kidd

Moorings by Bullock's Bridge near High Offley, Shropshire

Bridge No 43 across the Shropshire Union Canal carries a farm track from Old Lea Farm (off to the left) and a bridleway.Private long-term moorings are on the right. Visitor moorings are good east of this bridge.

Roger Kidd

Arable field near Shebdon, Staffordshire

Seen from the Shropshire Union Canal.

Roger Kidd

Shropshire Union Canal near Shebdon, Staffordshire

Shebdon Bridge (No 44) is ahead, which carries the lane from Tunstall.

Roger Kidd

Shebdon Bridge south-east of Knighton, Staffordshire

Shebdon Bridge (No 44) carries the lane from Tunstall. Private long-term moorings on the right are by Shebdon Farm. Past the bridge, the Shropshire Union Canal continues towards another embankment. About five hundred metres ahead on the left is The Wharf Inn* at the base of the embankment. The sign on the bridge advertises it. The current Google satellite hybrid image incorrectly labels Batchacre Park Cottage (no road access) as The Wharf Inn. *update: closed 2013.

Roger Kidd

The north bar at the Anchor Inn, High Offley

This legendary canalside public house has its two front rooms as bars, the rest of the building being the landlady's living accommodation. As can be seen here, the actual serving counter is very small (the same as in the other room), but has space for the recently installed hand pump for serving the Wadworth's 6x; until recently Olive (shown here) would fetch a jug of beer from the cellar and decant it into glasses - she still tops up using the jug, so you get a "full pint" of ale. There is also room on the bar for another pump which I believe dispenses a very cold liquid. There are two similar pumps in the other bar which has been redecorated recently. Update: The Anchor was forced to close in 2020-21 because of the impossibility of operating indoor "social distancing" during during the Covid-19 pandemic. Update: Olive Cliff, the landlady for over fifty years, passed away on 28 April 2021. Elaine will be reopening the pub after Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. SJ7725 : The Anchor Inn at High Offley, Staffordshire SJ7725 : The Anchor Inn at High Offley, Staffordshire SJ7725 : Floral narrowboat, The Anchor Inn, High Offley, Staffordshire SJ7725 : A Floral Anchor Inn, High Offley, Staffordshire

Roger Kidd

Anchor Bridge near High Offley, Staffordshire

Beyond the Bridge (No 42) across the Shropshire Union Canal is the renowned and antiquated Anchor Inn. Use it while you can. Too many of these little gems close down through lack of patronage (and various other government fueled discouragements)!

Roger Kidd