Elford in 1868

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer (1868)]

"ELFORD, a parish in the S. division of the hundred of Offlow, county Stafford, 4 miles N.E. of Lichfield. It is situated on the river Tame, 1 mile W. of the Haselour station on the Birmingham and Derby railway. Previous to the Norman Conquest it was possessed by Earl Algar. The greater portion of the land is arable, and the soil a rich loam.

The living is a rectory in the diocese of Lichfield, value £300. The church is an ancient structure, with a square tower, and has recently been restored and much beautified. It is dedicated to St. Peter, and contains monuments of the Ardernes and Stanleys, also several brasses. The parochial charities produce about £30 per annum, half of which is applied to education. There are National and infant schools.

The Hon. Mrs. Howard is lady of the manor, whose seat is Elford Hall. Edward IV. is said to have frequently hunted here, and Henry VII. rested at the house previous to the battle of Bosworth."

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) - Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]