Wistanstow
From Ars Magica
Contents |
Situation
Wistanstow - Saxton Map:
Wistanstow sits in low -lying land, just over the River West Onny from Cheyney Longville, 1km to the southwest. It is about 1 1/2km west of Strefford. The land risees gently to its northwest - the only side where it is not surrounded by a stream or a minor river.
History
Wistanstow is located about 8km (5 miles) south of Church Stretton and 14km (8½ miles) north west of Ludlow. It is about 2½ km north of Craven Arms. It is located a little way off the main Shrewsbury-Hereford road The village takes its name from a Saxon saint called St.Wistan who was grandson of the king of Mercia but renounced the title in favour of the church. He was murdered by a jealous cousin. The Saxon suffix stow means (enclosed) place.
Domesday
9 - Land of Nigel the Doctor
In Leintwardine Hundred
1 Nigel the Doctor holds Wistanstow from the Kings. Spirtes the priest held it from St. Alkmund's; it was for the canon's supplies before 1066. 4 hides... Land for 15 ploughs. 7 villagers with 7 ploughs; 1 Frenchman wo has a mill which pays 5 packloads of corn. Value before 1066, 30s; now 20s; he found it waste.
An interesting description - Nigel th Doctor is one of only 9 people who holds land in in SHropshire directly from the King -the great majority being held by Earl Roger, or his men. Nigel has two manors Wistanstow and Cleu, both previously held by Spirtes.
Post Domesday
Church
The present church building, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, was mainly built between 1180 and 1200. The church is a fairly large cruciform plan building (i.e. it has transepts but no aisles).
Castle
None.
