Hazles Cross

Settlement in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Hazles Cross

Waiting shelter, Consall station, 1978 Famously cantilevered out over the Caldon Canal. The station had closed in 1965 and the platform on the canal side had been dismantled. Somehow the shelter survived. The canal is very narrow along this length by the railway. Maps suggest that it was narrowed when the railway was built partly over it.
Waiting shelter, Consall station, 1978 Credit: Robin Webster

Hazles Cross is a small village located in the county of Staffordshire, England. Situated approximately 7 miles north of the bustling town of Stafford, it falls within the Staffordshire Moorlands district. The village is nestled amongst picturesque countryside, offering residents and visitors a tranquil and idyllic setting.

With its origins dating back to the medieval period, Hazles Cross boasts a rich history and retains much of its traditional charm. The village is characterized by its quaint cottages, many of which are constructed from the local sandstone, creating a cohesive and visually appealing architectural style.

Despite its small size, Hazles Cross provides essential amenities for its residents. The village has a primary school, offering education for children in the local area. Additionally, there is a village hall that serves as a community hub, hosting various events and activities throughout the year.

For those seeking outdoor pursuits, Hazles Cross is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The nearby Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers an abundance of trails and woodland to explore.

Transport links to Hazles Cross are convenient, with nearby access to the A34 and A51 roads. The village is also served by local bus services, connecting residents to nearby towns and villages.

Overall, Hazles Cross is a charming and peaceful village that provides a close-knit community and easy access to the stunning Staffordshire countryside.

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Hazles Cross Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.026391/-1.9917439 or Grid Reference SK0047. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Waiting shelter, Consall station, 1978 Famously cantilevered out over the Caldon Canal. The station had closed in 1965 and the platform on the canal side had been dismantled. Somehow the shelter survived. The canal is very narrow along this length by the railway. Maps suggest that it was narrowed when the railway was built partly over it.
Waiting shelter, Consall station, 1978
Famously cantilevered out over the Caldon Canal. The station had closed in 1965 and the platform on the canal side had been dismantled. Somehow the shelter survived. The canal is very narrow along this length by the railway. Maps suggest that it was narrowed when the railway was built partly over it.
Old Train Stored near Consall Station Next to the Canal between the pub and Station, it is stored on the unused track.
Old Train Stored near Consall Station
Next to the Canal between the pub and Station, it is stored on the unused track.
Churnet Valley 2021 Christmas Polar Express
Churnet Valley 2021 Christmas Polar Express
Kingsley & Froghall trains A preserved railway line near Leek in Staffordshire, running from Froghall up the valley to Cheddleton with one intermediate stop at Consall, and (since 2011) on an extension to a former quarry at Cauldon Low, where as of 2012 there is no station.  The society has plans to connect to the national network at Stoke-on-Trent.

The lines were originally constructed by the North Staffordshire Railway (the "Knotty").  According to one writer, "the buildings on the Churnet Valley line are of local stone, straightforwardly neo-Tudor, and effective" [Lloyd & Insall, "Railway Station Architecture", David & Charles 1978, p.17].
Kingsley & Froghall trains
A preserved railway line near Leek in Staffordshire, running from Froghall up the valley to Cheddleton with one intermediate stop at Consall, and (since 2011) on an extension to a former quarry at Cauldon Low, where as of 2012 there is no station. The society has plans to connect to the national network at Stoke-on-Trent. The lines were originally constructed by the North Staffordshire Railway (the "Knotty"). According to one writer, "the buildings on the Churnet Valley line are of local stone, straightforwardly neo-Tudor, and effective" [Lloyd & Insall, "Railway Station Architecture", David & Charles 1978, p.17].
Bridge 52, Caldon Canal Bridge 52 carries the towpath across the canal, changing from the left to the right hand side.
Bridge 52, Caldon Canal
Bridge 52 carries the towpath across the canal, changing from the left to the right hand side.
Cherryeye Bridge, Caldon Canal Presumably the Cherryeye name comes from the unusual shape of the bridgehole. This furthest stretch of the Caldon Canal east of Flint Mill Lock is exceptionally narrow and is similar in some respects to the Llangollen Canal west of Trevor.
Cherryeye Bridge, Caldon Canal
Presumably the Cherryeye name comes from the unusual shape of the bridgehole. This furthest stretch of the Caldon Canal east of Flint Mill Lock is exceptionally narrow and is similar in some respects to the Llangollen Canal west of Trevor.
Caldon Canal, Froghall Lattice Cottage overlooks the Caldon Canal, near its end just west of Froghall Tunnel.
Caldon Canal, Froghall
Lattice Cottage overlooks the Caldon Canal, near its end just west of Froghall Tunnel.
Froghall Tunnel, Caldon Canal Froghall Tunnel is only 76 yards (69 metres) long but its very low profile means that it is an impenetrable obstacle to most modern narrowboats. To ensure boats do not enter and then get stuck there is a profile gauge hanging over the tunnel mouth. Another gauge is provided at Flint Mill Lock to give boaters forewarning so oversized boats should not get this far.
Froghall Tunnel, Caldon Canal
Froghall Tunnel is only 76 yards (69 metres) long but its very low profile means that it is an impenetrable obstacle to most modern narrowboats. To ensure boats do not enter and then get stuck there is a profile gauge hanging over the tunnel mouth. Another gauge is provided at Flint Mill Lock to give boaters forewarning so oversized boats should not get this far.
Kingsley & Froghall Station The southern terminus of the Churnet Valley Railway looks immaculate in the late afternoon sunshine although things are not quite what they seem. Firstly, although this might look like a country station, it was built to serve an area of heavy industry with limekilns and a copper works nearby (the latter did not close until 2014). After closure, the station buildings were demolished in 1968 and the new building is a replica using some original material. It was opened in 2004 by Pete Waterman, the well-known record producer and railway enthusiast.
Kingsley & Froghall Station
The southern terminus of the Churnet Valley Railway looks immaculate in the late afternoon sunshine although things are not quite what they seem. Firstly, although this might look like a country station, it was built to serve an area of heavy industry with limekilns and a copper works nearby (the latter did not close until 2014). After closure, the station buildings were demolished in 1968 and the new building is a replica using some original material. It was opened in 2004 by Pete Waterman, the well-known record producer and railway enthusiast.
Kingsley & Froghall Station - running in board Interestingly, the Churnet Valley Railway has chosen to use replica LMS signs for the running in boards (the larger signs used at the ends of the platforms, a practice largely discontinued on the modern railway) rather than the later British Railways style. The LMS usually angled these slightly outwards and that has been done at the other end of the platform.
Kingsley & Froghall Station - running in board
Interestingly, the Churnet Valley Railway has chosen to use replica LMS signs for the running in boards (the larger signs used at the ends of the platforms, a practice largely discontinued on the modern railway) rather than the later British Railways style. The LMS usually angled these slightly outwards and that has been done at the other end of the platform.
Kingsley & Froghall Station This second platform at Kingsley & Froghall was restored by the Churnet Valley Railway in 2008 to include the replica waiting shelter. The overall effect has been to create an authentic period feel. Perhaps only the 'volunteers needed' banner could not have been part of the scene 70 years ago.
Kingsley & Froghall Station
This second platform at Kingsley & Froghall was restored by the Churnet Valley Railway in 2008 to include the replica waiting shelter. The overall effect has been to create an authentic period feel. Perhaps only the 'volunteers needed' banner could not have been part of the scene 70 years ago.
Moorings at Froghall Some things defy understanding. Here at Froghall a canal basin has been restored capable of taking several full sized boats on the tiny stretch of what remains of the Uttoxeter canal. The moorings are excellent. But there is a huge snag. The only way boats can get here is to navigate the height restricted Froghall Tunnel - so it is only accessible to a small proportion of the craft currently using the canal network. Unsurprisingly on this May morning there was not a boat in site.
Moorings at Froghall
Some things defy understanding. Here at Froghall a canal basin has been restored capable of taking several full sized boats on the tiny stretch of what remains of the Uttoxeter canal. The moorings are excellent. But there is a huge snag. The only way boats can get here is to navigate the height restricted Froghall Tunnel - so it is only accessible to a small proportion of the craft currently using the canal network. Unsurprisingly on this May morning there was not a boat in site.
Caldon Canal below Flint Mill Lock The canal curls round towards Froghall on the final stretch from Etruria. The building on the right is part of Consall Flint Mill, built in the 1830s to supply ground flint for use in the Potteries ceramic industry. The mill ceased production around 1970.
Caldon Canal below Flint Mill Lock
The canal curls round towards Froghall on the final stretch from Etruria. The building on the right is part of Consall Flint Mill, built in the 1830s to supply ground flint for use in the Potteries ceramic industry. The mill ceased production around 1970.
The Black Lion, Consall Forge In the heart of the Churnet Valley, with the Churnet Valley Railway line passing between it and the Caldon Canal. The railway station is about 100 yards away.
The Black Lion, Consall Forge
In the heart of the Churnet Valley, with the Churnet Valley Railway line passing between it and the Caldon Canal. The railway station is about 100 yards away.
View down the Caldon Canal Looking towards Consall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway line
View down the Caldon Canal
Looking towards Consall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway line
Consall Station from the Caldon Canal towpath A preserved railway line near Leek in Staffordshire, running from Froghall up the valley to Cheddleton with one intermediate stop at Consall, and (since 2011) on an extension to a former quarry at Cauldon Low, where as of 2012 there is no station.  The society has plans to connect to the national network at Stoke-on-Trent.

The lines were originally constructed by the North Staffordshire Railway (the "Knotty").  According to one writer, "the buildings on the Churnet Valley line are of local stone, straightforwardly neo-Tudor, and effective" [Lloyd & Insall, "Railway Station Architecture", David & Charles 1978, p.17].
Consall Station from the Caldon Canal towpath
A preserved railway line near Leek in Staffordshire, running from Froghall up the valley to Cheddleton with one intermediate stop at Consall, and (since 2011) on an extension to a former quarry at Cauldon Low, where as of 2012 there is no station. The society has plans to connect to the national network at Stoke-on-Trent. The lines were originally constructed by the North Staffordshire Railway (the "Knotty"). According to one writer, "the buildings on the Churnet Valley line are of local stone, straightforwardly neo-Tudor, and effective" [Lloyd & Insall, "Railway Station Architecture", David & Charles 1978, p.17].
Black Lion Inn, Consall Forge In the heart of the Churnet Valley, with the Churnet Valley Railway line (left) passing between it and the Caldon Canal
Black Lion Inn, Consall Forge
In the heart of the Churnet Valley, with the Churnet Valley Railway line (left) passing between it and the Caldon Canal
Consall Station A preserved railway line near Leek in Staffordshire, running from Froghall up the valley to Cheddleton with one intermediate stop at Consall, and (since 2011) on an extension to a former quarry at Cauldon Low, where as of 2012 there is no station.  The society has plans to connect to the national network at Stoke-on-Trent.

The lines were originally constructed by the North Staffordshire Railway (the "Knotty").  According to one writer, "the buildings on the Churnet Valley line are of local stone, straightforwardly neo-Tudor, and effective" [Lloyd & Insall, "Railway Station Architecture", David & Charles 1978, p.17].
Consall Station
A preserved railway line near Leek in Staffordshire, running from Froghall up the valley to Cheddleton with one intermediate stop at Consall, and (since 2011) on an extension to a former quarry at Cauldon Low, where as of 2012 there is no station. The society has plans to connect to the national network at Stoke-on-Trent. The lines were originally constructed by the North Staffordshire Railway (the "Knotty"). According to one writer, "the buildings on the Churnet Valley line are of local stone, straightforwardly neo-Tudor, and effective" [Lloyd & Insall, "Railway Station Architecture", David & Charles 1978, p.17].
Show me another place!

Hazles Cross is located at Grid Ref: SK0047 (Lat: 53.026391, Lng: -1.9917439)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: Staffordshire Moorlands

Police Authority: Staffordshire

What 3 Words

///livid.snippet.states. Near Cheadle, Staffordshire

Related Wikis

Kingsley, Staffordshire

Kingsley is a small village in the Staffordshire Moorlands near to Cheadle, and situated on the A52 from Stoke on Trent to Ashbourne. The civil parish...

Consall railway station

Consall railway station is a former passenger railway station of the North Staffordshire Railway (NSR) and is now a preserved station on the Churnet Valley...

Froghall

Froghall is a village situated approximately ten miles to the east of Stoke-on-Trent and two miles north of Cheadle in Staffordshire, England. Population...

Uttoxeter Canal

The Uttoxeter Canal was a thirteen-mile extension of the Caldon Canal running from Froghall as far as Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, England. It was authorised...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.026391,-1.9917439
Barrier: stile
Material: wood
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Lat/Long: 53.023005/-1.992606
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Lat/Long: 53.0230218/-1.9902611
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Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 53.0230953/-1.994918
Barrier: stile
Material: stone
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Stile: squeezer
Lat/Long: 53.0248486/-1.9887041
Barrier: stile
Material: wood
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Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 53.0275185/-1.992566
Barrier: stile
Material: wood
Source: survey;gps
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 53.023287/-1.9871948
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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