Wetton in 1868

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

"WETTON, a parish in the hundred of Totmonslow, county Stafford, 7½ miles N.W. of Ashbourn, 10 E. of Leek, and 2 W. of Alstonfield. The village is situated in the Moorlands. The river Manifold runs through the parish as far as Wetton-mill, where it disappears through the fissures of its limestone bed, and continuing a subterraneous course for about 5 miles, again emerges near the same spot where the river Hamps re-appears.

There are quarries of excellent marble and limestone, and at Ecton hill is a copper mine, which was first wrought in the 17th century, and for a considerable period yielded a profit of £30,000 annually to the Duke of Devonshire, but is now nearly exhausted, as is also the lead mine on the opposite side of the hill. These mines are now under the management of Captain Samuel Bonsall, and are the only copper mines in this part of the county.

The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Lichfield, value £150. The church, dedicated to St. Margaret, was rebuilt in 1820, with the exception of the tower, which is old. The Wesleyans have a chapel. There is a free school, founded in 1719, with a small endowment; also a Sunday-school.

Near the hamlet of Ecton is a limestone cliff, rising above the Manifold, in which is a cavern called Thusses Rock Cave, or Thor's House, nearly 44 yards long, and divided into several partitions or rooms, the roof being supported by a rough natural pillar."

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