8th July 1938 SS

Field Club Excursion to Sandon

A RAMBLE OVER OLD TRACKS

A party of about 50 members of the North Staffordshire Field Club had an enjoyable outing yesterday evening, when they rambled over old tracks in the Sandon district.

The party included the President of the Club (Mr. F.W. Dennis), and the leader was Mr. P.C. Dutton.

Two motor-coaches were used for the journey from Stoke, and the first halt was made at the hamlet of Burston, which, Mr. Dutton explained, was traditionally the place where Rufinus, the son of Wulfere, King of Mercia, was slain by his father for embracing Christianity. The leader pointed out the mill pond, the road leading to the mill, and the little chapel.

From Burston, the journey was continued by a little used lane into a part of Sandon, from which the ramblers obtained a magnificent view of the surrounding country.

Mr. Dutton said that most of the land through which they were travelling was at one time entirely ploughed land.

RETREAT FROM STORM

While in open country, the party was overtaken by a thunderstorm, and there was a hasty retreat towards such shelter as could be found. Continuing after the storm, they entered Sandon Park, where they were shown the site of the former village of Sandon, and that of a moated house in which lived Sampson Erdeswicke, one of the earliest Staffordshire historians. A thorough inspection of the site was made, before proceeding past Sandon Church, which in the failing light, presented a picturesque spectacle.

Passing along Stonebench-road, Mr. Dutton pointed out the spot where the old stocks used to be fixed. By this time, the party had completed a circular tour, and the journey ended after a walk of between four and five miles along little frequented byways and fields.

Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD