Tutbury is an historic village on the border of Derbyshire and Staffordshire just north of Burton Upon Trent. The Norman castle is mostly in ruins but retains a John of Gaunt Gateway. There is a museum within the castle building where an enthusiastic guide revealed many facts about Mary Queen of Scots who was kept in captivity inside the High Tower.
The ancient church of St Mary has the only alabaster arch in the country. There was also a guide at the church who was happy to tell us the history of the area. the village has some fine Regency anf Georgian buildings, together with the half-timbered Dog and Partridge hotel where we stayed for the weekend.
We went to the 1940’s event at the castle. This was a much smaller affair than previously whch was probably due to the fact that the date coincided with other events on that date. It was pointed out to us tht the two trees that grow within the castle ground were planted by Queen Elizabeth 11 and the Duke of Edinburgh when they visited Tutbury in 1957. It was said that the horse chestnut tree that the Queen planted grew straight while the one the Prince planted was at an angle. It was asserted that this was due to the fact that the Duke had imbibed the beer when visiting the brewery in Burton Upon Trent! The castle , which stands on high ground with panoramic views, holds a series of events throughout the year.
Tutbury Crystal was made in the village from the 19th century before moving to the Potteries in 2005. However, there is a shop selling crystal where you can see the glass blowing. There are also many craft, handmade jewellery and gift shops in the village. Within the village there are cafes, restaurants and pubs, so there is no shortage of places to go.
All in all, a pleasant place to stay and remarkably there were “free range” peacocks walking about the place!
