Ratlinghope
From Ars Magica
Contents |
Situation
Ratlinghope sits in the steep valley of Darnford Brook in the Betchcott Hills. About 1km south-west of tht, the Brook flows into the River East Onny. To the North site Ratlinghope Hill and Stitt Hill, which have a number of hill sites on them. Stitt itself lies about 1.5 km north, or longer by a practical walking route. Church Stretton lies about 6-7km ESE, across the high ground of The Long Mynd
There is a geological oddity in the area - "Ratlinghope conglomerate" - quartz pebbles ser in more or less compact red sand matrix".
History
The name is apparently derived from "Rotel's secluded valley".
There was a priory of Augustine canons here in the 2th century, and Ratlinghope became a cell of Wigmore Abbey.
Various ancient tools have been found in the area, together with Roman coins.
Church
St Margaret - Rebuilt c1788, and previously.
Castle
Castle Ring 1km north, is a British hill fort.