Croxden Parish Council was formed in 1974 under The Local Government Act of 1972 and is proud to serve the residential areas of Croxden, Great Gate, Fole and Beamhurst.
This is a rural area dominated by livestock farming set within a scenic rolling landscape with the River Tean forming part of the boundary. There are 350+ households comprised mainly of farmhouses, cottages and barn conversions accessed by a network of narrow meandering lanes. There are also two peaceful secluded campsites with woodland and varied wildlife.
Croxden Abbey is the central feature of the parish. The well preserved remains of this extensive Cistercian abbey dating back to 12th century, is open to the public and maintained by National Heritage. Also of historical note are The Cheese Factory, now a private house, the Whipping Post and School House which are grade II listed.
The abbey and the Whipping Post are classified Grade 1 listed and Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
The Grade 1 remains of the abbey was built between 1179 – 1280 with the additional Abbot’s lodging constructed in 1335-1336. Dissolution of the abbey took place in the 16th century.
In addition to the school house at Great Gate, there are 7 grade 2 listed buildings within Croxden hamlet:
Abbey Farmhouse
Granary and linking service wing of Abbey Farmhouse
Abbey Lodge
Group of 5 memorials
Carrington Family Memorial – a grade 2 listed oblong chest tomb
St Giles Church
Great Barn
Croxden is mentioned in the Domesday book. https://opendomesday.org/place/SK0639/croxden/
Hollington Road, which is a roman road is within the Parish plus evidence of Neolithic and Bronze age settlement and the schedule monument are also within the Parish. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1008709?section=official-list-entry
Other useful sites include St Giles church which is located in Croxden and holds regular services. The Abbey Room, a small meeting room, is located at the rear of St Giles and is available for hire. Beamhurst Museum is open to the public, see website or gate for opening times. There is also a small village green at Great Gate maintained by the Parish Council. Noticeboards are located at Croxden Abbey, Greatgate Village Green and at Beamhurst near Watery Lane.
Croxden Parish is proud to boast its green credentials with two solar farms, a wind turbine and extensive woodland planting projects. A map of local footpaths, can be found on Great Gate Village Green. A map of the parish area is within the Gallery on the Council website.
Croxden’s neighbouring parish councils are Denstone, Leigh, Rocester, Alton and Uttoxeter Rural, in which villages can be found pubs, shops and busy village halls. The nearest town is Uttoxeter approximately 5 miles away. Croxden is within the East Staffordshire Borough Council ward called Stramshall and Weaver Ward and within the Staffordshire County Council ward called Uttoxeter Rural.
Croxden Parish Council is the first tier of local government and liaises with East Staffordshire Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council for the benefit of residents of the parish. The Parish Council has 5 Councillors who hold Meetings in the Abbey Room Bi monthly, details of the next meeting and past minutes can be found in the Meeting area of this website.