Drointon: Medieval Traces and Half-Timbered Buildings

Drointon brings together two tangible traces of its local history: a medieval moated earthwork on farmland in the village and Old Hall Farmhouse, a Grade II listed building. One can be described by its shape and dimensions, the other by its construction. Together, archaeological remains and a historic farmhouse represent different sides of the village.

Traces in the Village and Their Dimensions

The medieval moat is visible as an earthwork. Its ground plan is approximately rectangular: the site is 73 metres long and between 21.5 and 25.5 metres wide. It is therefore about three times as long as it is wide. These measurements give a tangible sense of its scale, while the varying width is a reminder that “approximately rectangular” does not mean a perfect geometric shape. The remains are defined both by their extent and by their location on farmland in the village.

Old Hall Farmhouse offers a different architectural focus. The building is constructed of brick and timber framing, with a tiled roof and brick chimneys. Timber framing refers to a construction method using a load-bearing wooden frame; this house also incorporates brick as another building material. The Grade II designation identifies its listed status, while the construction, roof and chimneys describe its specific architectural features. Those interested in historic architecture can thus distinguish between the earthwork and a single, more fully described building.

History in Different Forms

The Chartley Monument, associated with Chartley Castle, also offers a distinct historical perspective. In Staffordshire, it is considered a rare example of a high-status site that has been continuously inhabited since the 11th century. This description applies to the monument as a whole, not to Chartley Castle alone. When comparing historical sites, a listed farmhouse and a site inhabited over a long period thus represent different kinds of heritage.

A walking route published in May 2011 describes the Chartley Walk as crossing the former railway line through gates on a bridleway. This brings a former railway line into the picture alongside the buildings and earthwork. If you are particularly interested in paths and transport history, this crossing offers a different point of interest from the architecture of Old Hall Farmhouse.

Train Rides, Wildlife Watching and Craft

On a ride on the Amerton Railway, the line passes scenic wetlands where visitors can look out for native wildlife. The train journey combines with views of a landscape where wildlife watching is part of the experience. At the Chartley Halt Picnic Area, visitors can also watch Amerton Railway trains pass by. These offer two different perspectives: travelling alongside the wetlands and watching the trains at the halt.

At Amerton Farm, Amerton Artisans is a creative centre where craftspeople, artists and designers come together to share their craft. This activity focuses on creative work rather than architectural history or railways. It helps to keep these interests in mind when planning your trip: would you like to focus on historic traces, a train ride with the chance to spot wildlife, or the creative centre?

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Plans

If you are looking for a holiday rental, first consider which themes matter to your trip. The two landmarks located directly in Drointon are the moat and Old Hall Farmhouse. Other ideas include the Chartley Walk, the Amerton Railway and Amerton Artisans. Start your search for a suitable base by thinking about the experiences you actually want to include in your trip.

Discover more destinations: Oakamoor, Lichfield, Brocton, Hollington, Uttoxeter, Burton-upon-Trent, Barton Under Needwood, Rolleston-on-Dove.

For the broader travel guide: Staffordshire.