Return to introduction or Go to next location FairoakThe River Sow, at this point only a small stream, passes by the base of a large tree lined mound in the village of Fairoak. What tales this mound could tell of the events that have happened here.
Local legend has it that the Druid’s made human sacrifices on the sandstone block on the top of the mound. There has certainly been human activity on the mound. There is a circular area lined with beech trees ¾’s of the way up to the top that is unusual. Underneath the grass in this circular area pieces of sandstone appear to have been fitted together like paving slabs and through the roots of the trees can be seen ‘walls’ of sandstone. What lies underneath this circular area, what was it used for? Perhaps one day we will find out. We move from the distant past forward to the events of the year 1459. On the 23rd September 1459 the Battle of Blore Heath took place on the outskirts of Market Drayton between the forces of Lord Audley and the Earl of Salisbury. How many hundreds of men passed this way making their way to Blore Heath from Eccleshall Castle?
This was the first major battle in what is now known as the Wars of the Roses in which over 2500 men lost their lives. Lord Audley was killed and what was left of his army ran for their lives. How many of his men passed this way running for their lives after their defeat? From here they would have made their way towards Eccleshall and the safety of Eccleshall Castle. There are numerous medieval tracks in the area. Some of these tracks would have been used by the men making their way to and escaping from Blore Heath. Several artefacts have been found near Golden Hill Farm possibly from the men who took part in the battle.
Blore Heath battlefield is only a few miles away in the distance. Local legend says that 10 knights killed after the battle are buried in a mound with their faces looking towards the river Sow somewhere in the Fairoak area. There are several mounds in the area but none have been identified as being the burial place. The knights continue to rest in peace.
The knights are dust, and their good swords rust. Their souls are with the Saints, we trust. Return to introduction or Go to next location
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