History of Barton-Under-Needwood

Barton-under-Needwood is a village that lies between Lichfield and Burton, not too far from the A34 road. It's name betrays its roots - 'Barton' in Old English means Barley Farm and 'Needwood' means forest-refuge... it was initially a Roman settlement!

It is a large and well built village, nearly five miles SW by S of Burton-upon-Trent. Comprising within its extensive township and chapelry (to Tatenhill parish) a large portion of the enclosed Needwood Forest, many scattered farmsteads, several handsome villas, and a fine tract of pasture land, extending along the western bank of the Trent.

In the Domesday book it is called Bertune, and described as the property of the crown. Lady Horton is lord of the manor, but a greater part of the soil belongs to the trustees of the late Charles Arkwright, Esq, John Levett, Richard F Butler, CW Lyon, LK Hall, & JC Fowler, Esqrs., and some smaller owners.

Barton Hall, a neat modern mansion, is the seat of LK Hall, Esq. Yewtree House, the ancient seat of the Sanders family, was rebuilt in the Gothic style in 1833, and is now called Nuttall House, and occupied by JC Fowler, Esq. Newbold Manor, one mile East of Barton, is occupied by a farmer, and near it are several saline springs, which have such an effect on the pastures, as to change the colour of the cattle that graze on them from a black, red, or brown, to a whitish dun.

About a mile East of the village is the hamlet of Barton Turning, on the Trent and Mersey canal, where there is a railway station, and a little further to the east, a handsome bridge, of stone and iron, was erected about 20 years ago across the River Trent. The ferry, which had crossed the river to Walton, in Derbyshire, was often difficult and dangerous. Barton cattle fairs are held on May 3rd and November 28th, and the wake on the first Sunday in August.

WALTON-UPON-TRENT is a parish (having no dependent township), in the hundred of Repton and Gresley, about 4 miles S.W. from Burton. It was here that Edward II. forded the Trent in pursuit of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, and the disaffected barons. A new bridge is in progress of erection here, which, in connexion with the new road before-mentioned in the account of Swadlincote, will reciprocally benefit the parts adjacent to it.

Strange Fact about Barton-under-Needwood...
The church of St James is very rare - because it was designed, and built in one go by Dr John Taylor. Most structures are built by a number of designers but this was built by just the one man, making it an exclusive piece of sixteenth century architecture!


What You Say about Barton-under-Needwood
Groover says that a walk through the 'lovely surrounding' countryside and a pint of traditional ale are the most fun things to do in the town - but says that people "don't hang out in Barton" - Oooer! Do you agree?

We are looking for more and detailed information with the regard to the history of Errisbeg House and surrounding areas and would welcome any memories, photographs etc...

If you have any information please contact us on history@errisbeghouse.co.uk