Morcott combines listed buildings with a village history that can also be traced through its houses, paths, and landscape. This offers several perspectives for a visit: St Mary and Sundial House provide specific historical details, while the Conservation Area explains why trees, open land, and views are also part of the village scene. There are also two different walking routes and a churchyard considered a picnic spot, especially for walkers on the Rutland Round.
Buildings and village history
The Church of St Mary in Morcott is a Grade I listed building. The Morcott Conservation Area was designated on 9 March 1981; changes are managed in a way that takes the area’s special character into account. Sundial House is Morcott’s oldest dated house. Its combined sundial and date stone bears the inscription “WC 1627”. The house is privately occupied; the inscription is a specific link to the village’s history. Morcott is also home to one of Rutland’s surviving tower windmills. The mill was converted into a private house in the 1970s.
Each date has a different significance: 1627 appears on the stone, the mill was converted in the 1970s, and 1981 marks the designation of the Conservation Area. These distinguish a dated detail on a house, the mill’s later use, and the development of the protected area.
Landscape and village scene
The Conservation Area also includes the village’s landscape setting. The trees in Morcott’s disused railway cutting form an attractive backdrop and are protected by being included in the area. North of High Street, the Conservation Area extends across open land to a tributary of the River Chater. This land contributes to views of the village and out from the village.
The village scene is therefore about more than individual buildings. Trees, open land, and views are also among the features taken into account in the Conservation Area. Buildings and landscape offer two different ways to get to know Morcott: the individual historic site and its wider setting.
Walks and a break in the churchyard
The Morcott Village Walk starts at the Village Hall on Station Road. Another footpath begins at the end of Pingle Lane, crosses a tributary of the River Chater, and leads to South Luffenham. The two route descriptions differ in their reference points: the starting point is named for the Village Walk, while the Pingle Lane footpath description names the crossing and destination. Check the path conditions locally before setting out.
The churchyard of St Mary the Virgin has two benches, hundreds of spring flowers, and 13 yew trees. It is considered a pleasant picnic spot, especially for walkers on the long-distance Rutland Round trail. The flowers add a seasonal touch in spring; the benches and yew trees provide other specific features of the churchyard. If you are taking the facilities into account in your plans, check the current situation before your visit.
St Mary’s usual visiting hours (9:30 am to 5:00 pm; the church closes earlier in winter) have not been recently confirmed. Before visiting, check whether it will be open on your planned date.
Discover more destinations: Langham, Ashwell, North Luffenham, Seaton, Empingham, Greetham, Cottesmore, Lyddington.
For the broader travel overview: Rutland.
