Gayton can be understood through two distinct historic sites: the Grade II* listed Church of St Peter and Moat Farm, which is designated a Scheduled Monument. The church’s construction history spans the 12th to 14th centuries; Moat Farm is a well-preserved combined water-management system comprising a moat and fishpond. Ecclesiastical architecture and a water feature with its own landscape structure therefore stand side by side.
Church of St Peter: construction history and details
The parish church dates from the 12th to 14th centuries. Its nave and west tower were rebuilt in 1732 and restored in 1870. The church thus combines medieval origins with later renewed parts of the building; the restoration marks another chapter in its construction history. The 12th-century chancel arch features nook shafts with scalloped capitals, as well as chevron and billet ornament. Inside are a 14th-century tomb recess with an effigy and medieval floor tiles. The dates therefore range from the construction of the chancel to the alterations to the nave and tower.
Moat Farm: moat and fishpond
The monument comprises an enclosed area and its associated fishpond, located 60 m south of the Church of St Peter. Within the enclosed area is a slightly raised oval island, measuring 70 m from west to east and 50 m from north to south. The southern, eastern and western arms of the moat are water-filled; they reach up to 12 m in width and 4 m in depth. The fishpond measures 175 m by 60 m and contains two circular islands, each 10 m in diameter. The oval rise in the enclosed area and the two round islands in the pond belong to different parts of the system.
History of Gayton
Gayton, formerly known as Gaitone, was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086. A description from 1851 portrayed the village as scattered and mentioned wide views of the Sandon Column, the plantations of the Earl of Harrowby, and the picturesque ruins of Chartley Castle. The historical description of the place thus extends beyond individual buildings to include the surrounding landscape.
The history of the 20th century is also associated with several places. During the Second World War, a Royal Observer Corps monitoring post was established at Wadden Farm, near Gayton. It served as an early-warning system for nearby Hixon airfield and remains in good condition. Gayton Engineering Works opened shortly before the First World War on the site of the Old Smithy at The Green and was requisitioned for war work during the Second World War. Earlier transport history includes the North Staffordshire Railway, opened in 1848, with a stop at Weston and Ingestre station.
Practical information for your stay
Gayton lies between Stone and Stafford, about 1 mile from the A51. There is a large car park at the Church of St Peter, accessible via the Village Hall entrance. A decision dated 17 July 2020 concluded, on the balance of probabilities, that a Restricted Byway exists in the parish of Gayton from Church Lane Public Footpath No. 6 to Public Footpath No. 3. Check current local path conditions before using it.
Discover more destinations: Silverdale, Loggerheads, Trentham, Penkridge, Whitmore, Burntwood, Perton, Wetley Rocks
For the wider travel overview: Staffordshire.
