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Alrewas
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Alrewas (/ˈɔːlrɪwəs/ AWL-ri-wəs) is a village and civil parish in the Lichfield District of Staffordshire, England.[1]

Key Information

Geography

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The village is beside the River Trent, 5 miles (8 km) northeast of Lichfield and 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Burton-on-Trent. The parish is bounded by the Trent to the north and east, and by field boundaries to the south and west. The A38 road passes the village, which is just inside the boundary of the National Forest.

Until 2009 Alrewas was part of the civil parish of Alrewas and Fradley. Fradley had begun as a hamlet in the ancient parish of Alrewas, and the civil parish was named to reflect Fradley's growth into a village. From 1 April 2009 Alrewas and Fradley have been two separate civil parishes.[2][3][4] Near Alrewas are the villages of Wychnor, Barton-under-Needwood, Fradley and Kings Bromley. Diamond Bus service 12 links the village to Lichfield, Fradley and Burton.

The 2011 Census recorded the parish population as 2,852.[5]

Toponym

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The toponym "Alrewas" is derived from the Old English Alor-wæsse, meaning "alluvial land growing with alder trees".[6] On the Staffordshire wikipedia entry, the Hand-drawn map of Stafford by Christopher Saxton from 1577 shows the name as Alderwaies.[7]

Places of interest

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Bagnall Lock (2009)

The A38 dual carriageway follows the line of Ryknild Street, a Roman road that linked what are now Gloucestershire and South Yorkshire.

Orgreave Hall is a brick-built country house in Alrewas parish about 1+1⁄4 miles (2 km) northwest of the village. It was built in 1668 and extended in the early 18th century.[8]

The Trent and Mersey Canal was built between 1766 and 1777. It passes through Alrewas, where northeast of the village it has a junction with the River Trent.

The South Staffordshire Line of the South Staffordshire Railway was built through the parish in the 1840s and Alrewas railway station was opened in 1849. British Railways closed the station in 1965, but this part of the line remains open.

East of Alrewas is the National Memorial Arboretum, dedicated to remembering those lost due to warfare since the Second World War.

Chetwynd Bridge, an early cast-iron arch bridge, crosses the River Tame from neighbouring Edingale on the eastern edge of the parish.[9]

Churches

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The Church of England parish church is All Saints in Church Lane. The oldest parts of the building are 12th-century. Some Norman work remains but much of the present building is Gothic from the 13th, 14th and 16th centuries. The font is 15th-century. The pulpit is Jacobean, made in 1639. There is a monument by Thomas White to John Turton, who died in 1707. The church was restored in 1997. All Saints' is a Grade I listed building.[10]

The Methodist Church is in Post Office Road opposite the Crown Inn. It is a Gothic Revival brick building completed in 1928. In 1989 due to rot the roof was renewed. At the same time a new floor was laid, involving the removal of pews and organ.

School

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All Saints Primary School is the local Church of England primary school.[11] It is a small primary school which is only slightly more than single form entry.

Public houses

[edit]

The village has three pubs: the Crown Inn, the George and Dragon and the William IV. The Crown is a pub and restaurant in Post Office Road.[12] The George and Dragon is an 18th-century building in Main Street.[13] The William IV was three cottages until the 1830s, when it was converted into a pub.

The National Memorial Arboretum

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Main article: National Memorial Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum is at Alrewas. It "honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country". The Arboretum is a charity run by staff and volunteers, and part of The Royal British Legion group of charities. An Act of Remembrance, including a silence, is observed daily in the Millennium Chapel. The Arboretum receives about 300,000 visitors a year.

Culture

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The village holds the biennial Alrewas Arts Festival every other summer. The first festival was in 2006, and it has become a much loved attraction in the village's calendar. It is an eight-day free festival that includes workshops, performances, exhibitions and events in Alrewas village. It features local artistic and artisan talents. The workshops range from silk painting to film making. There is fund raising including auctions and sales in the intermediate 2-year period to meet the festival's costs. It starts with a Craft Market and culminates in a final daytime to evening event of live music, comedy and interactive arts that attracts thousands of party-goers from surrounding villages and towns. The festival website has a wealth of information films and photographs from all previous festivals.[14]

Each year the village hosts the Alrewas Show, which is a registered charity. It includes a walking carnival procession (formerly driven floats), galloping acrobatics, a falconry display, miniature steam display, Punch and Judy show, livestock display, fairground rides and attractions, trade stands, historic cars, farm machinery and music.

Buildings

[edit]
[edit]
  • Alrewas
  • Lychgate and west tower of All Saints' parish church.
    Lychgate and west tower of
    All Saints' parish church.
  • Alrewas Methodist church (2009)
    Alrewas Methodist church (2009)
  • The George and Dragon (2009)
    The George and Dragon (2009)
  • Part of the National Memorial Arboretum (2008)
    Part of the National Memorial Arboretum (2008)
  • Alrewas has several vernacular timber-framed houses. Shakespeare Cottage in Main Street was built in the 17th century and extended in the 19th.[15] (1993)
    Alrewas has several vernacular timber-framed houses. Shakespeare Cottage in Main Street was built in the 17th century and extended in the 19th.[15] (1993)

Sport and leisure

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Cricket

[edit]

Alrewas Cricket Club is an English amateur cricket club with a history of cricket in the village dating back to 1879.[16] The club ground is based on Daisy Lane.[17] Alrewas CC have 3 Saturday senior XI teams that compete in the Derbyshire County Cricket League,[18] a Sunday XI team in the Lichfield & District Cricket League,[19] a Women's team in the West Midlands Women's Cricket League,[20] a Woman's softball team[21] and an established junior training section that play competitive cricket in the Burton & District Youth Cricket League.[22]

Tennis

[edit]

Alrewas Tennis was founded in 2013. The club has a LTA Tennismark accreditation and are registered by HMRC as a Community Amateur Sports Club. Coaching sessions for adults and juniors are provided and facilities include two floodlit, painted tarmac courts.[23]

See also

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References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alrewas

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alrewas is a village and in the of , , situated on the south bank of the River Trent near its confluence with the River Tame, approximately 5.5 miles northeast of and west of the A38 Roman road. With a population of 3,104 according to the 2021 , it encompasses an area of 851 hectares (2,103 acres) and serves as a conservation area designated since 1968, preserving its historical character amid modern suburban expansion. The village's history traces back to one of the oldest recorded communities in the , first mentioned as Allerwas in ancient records with evidence of a church existing by 822 AD, and it featured prominently in the of 1086 as a prosperous manor with 26 households, a , and a of arable, meadow, and woodland. Originally held by , the manor passed to after the and later to families like the de Somervilles, who obtained a market charter in 1290—though the market declined by the . Key events include the devastating in 1349, which killed over 100 heads of households and left 13 tenements vacant, and a great fire in 1643 that destroyed several houses and barns; the landscape was further shaped by parliamentary enclosures in 1725 and 1818, transitioning open fields to hedged pastures. Historically, Alrewas thrived on the salt trade route, , and , with the —constructed between 1766 and 1777—bringing lime and coal traffic that boosted 19th-century prosperity. Today, Alrewas is renowned for its heritage assets, including the Grade I listed All Saints Church with elements from the 13th to 17th centuries, over 25 Grade II listed buildings such as timber-framed houses from the 15th–17th centuries and the canal's Gaskell’s Bridge, and a legible medieval town plan along Main Street with burgage plots. The adjacent , spanning 150 acres and home to over 400 memorials commemorating military and civilian service, draws visitors year-round and underscores the village's role as a center of remembrance. Archaeological significance is highlighted by the 2002 discovery of a woolly rhino skeleton at nearby Whitemoor Haye quarry, affirming the area's prehistoric roots. While retaining a rural economy tied to and the canal, Alrewas has seen mid-20th-century growth through housing estates, schools, and community facilities, balancing preservation with contemporary living.

Geography and Demographics

Location and Setting

Alrewas is a village and civil parish situated in the Lichfield District of Staffordshire, England, approximately 5 miles (8 km) northeast of Lichfield and 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Burton upon Trent. The village lies on the south bank of the River Trent, which forms the northern and eastern boundaries of the parish, while field boundaries define the southern and western limits. Positioned just inside the boundary of the National Forest, a designated area for woodland creation and environmental enhancement spanning parts of Staffordshire and neighboring counties, Alrewas benefits from its proximity to this expansive green initiative. The covers an area of 851 hectares (8.51 km²). It is traversed by the , providing key connectivity to major regional routes, and lies about 2 miles (3.2 km) south of the border. The landscape features low-lying alluvial soils characteristic of the River Trent floodplain, with elevations ranging from 52 to 55 meters above , supporting fertile land historically prone to flooding. Until April 2009, Alrewas formed part of the larger of Alrewas and Fradley, but it was separated to establish its independent status, reflecting distinct local governance needs. The passes through the village, sharing a short section of its course with the River Trent to the northeast, where the canal integrates with the river's navigation near Fradley Junction. The , a prominent site dedicated to remembrance, is located immediately east of the village, enhancing the area's environmental and cultural setting.

Population Statistics

Alrewas is a within in , , established in April 2009 upon the division of the former Alrewas and Fradley civil parish. The 2011 Census recorded a population of 2,852 for Alrewas parish, with a density of approximately 868 people per square mile (335 per km²) across an area of 8.51 km². By the 2021 Census, the population had declined slightly to 2,829, equating to an annual change rate of -0.080% over the decade and a density of about 332 people per km². This modest decline reflects broader rural demographic patterns in , influenced in part by the parish's proximity to the , which enhances transport accessibility but has not spurred significant growth. The 2021 Census for the Alrewas & Fradley ward, which includes Alrewas and Fradley , indicates a mature structure with 22.14% of residents aged 50-64, 18.9% aged 35-49, 10.3% aged 65-74, and 7.53% aged 75-84, and a mean age of around 44 years. for the ward shows strong homeownership, with 79.08% of households owning outright or with a and 20.92% privately or socially, underscoring stable residential patterns typical of rural villages. Economically, Alrewas remains predominantly rural, with forming a historical backbone as noted in 11th-century records of fertile lands along the River Trent. Tourism, bolstered by the adjacent , supports local small businesses such as cafes, shops, and accommodations, contributing to the area's appeal as a visitor destination. The community is characterized as family-friendly, aided by access to quality schools like All Saints CofE Primary School and low aligned with Staffordshire's rural average of under 3% as of 2024.

History and Etymology

Early History and Development

The area around Alrewas shows evidence of prehistoric human activity, with significant paleontological finds nearby. In 2002, the partial skeleton of a woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis), dating to approximately 30,000–40,000 years ago, was unearthed at Whitemoor Haye quarry, about 2 miles northwest of the village; the remains, weighing around 1.5 tonnes, were donated to the Natural History Museum in London for study and display. From early times, the site lay along an ancient salt trade route transporting the commodity from Cheshire springs to London, which likely facilitated early settlement as traders paused at river fords. Periodic flooding of the River Trent at these fords may have encouraged the establishment of an Iron Age farm on higher ground at Alrewas Hayes, providing a safer location amid the alluvial landscape. During the Roman era, Alrewas was traversed by Ryknild Street, a major road connecting Deva (Chester) to Derventio (Derby) and passing through the region now aligned with the A38 trunk road east of the village. This infrastructure supported military and commercial movement in the northern Midlands. In the medieval period, the village developed as a rural community in the Trent Valley, with its name deriving from Old English "alor-wæsse," referring to alluvial land overgrown with alder trees, indicative of the wet, fertile environment that shaped early habitation. The site of All Saints' Church has been a place of worship since the early medieval period, traditionally dated to 822 AD as part of the prebendal system at Lichfield Cathedral, though modern research suggests this system was established later, in the 1130s by Bishop Roger de Clinton, and serving as a focal point for the manor, which was held by Leofric, Earl of Mercia, in the 11th century before passing to the Crown after the Norman Conquest. The Black Death devastated the population in 1349, claiming about two-thirds of residents, yet the village persisted as an agricultural settlement. The brought challenges and growth to Alrewas. In 1643, a fire ignited in a village alehouse run by George Thorniworke, destroying the building, adjacent barns, and several houses, an event recorded amid the disruptions of the . The construction of the from 1766 to 1777 transformed local commerce, providing a reliable that linked the village to industrial networks and boosted in goods like and ; Alrewas became a key stop with wharves supporting navigation locks. In 1849, Alrewas railway station opened on the South Staffordshire Railway line, enhancing connectivity to and Burton-upon-Trent until its closure by British Railways on 18 January 1965 as part of the . In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the canals profoundly influenced industry, fostering activities such as osier along the riverbanks and eel fishing in the Trent. Religious nonconformity grew with the construction of a Wesleyan Methodist in 1805 (enlarged 1846) and a Primitive Methodist in 1828, reflecting the spread of in rural . Following , a local branch of the Royal British Legion was formed in 1921 to support veterans, aligning with the national organization's founding that year. A significant administrative change occurred on 1 April 2009, when Alrewas separated from the combined of Alrewas and Fradley to become an independent entity, allowing focused governance for the village.

Name Origin

The name Alrewas derives from the compound "Alor-wæsse," where "alor" refers to an tree and "wæsse" denotes land by a meandering river that floods and drains quickly, collectively meaning "alluvial land growing with alder trees." The earliest recorded form of the name appears in a from 942 AD as "Alreiwæs" or "Alrewasse," with later medieval variations including "Air ewes" by the 12th century and the modern spelling "Alrewas" documented in the of 1086. In contemporary usage, Alrewas is pronounced /ˈɔːl.rɪ.wəs/, approximating "AWL-ri-wəs." This etymology reflects the village's location on the fertile floodplains of the River Trent, where trees historically thrived in the damp, alluvial soil.

Landmarks and Infrastructure

National Memorial Arboretum

The , located in Alrewas, , serves as the United Kingdom's year-round centre for remembrance, honouring the sacrifices of armed forces personnel and civilians through a living landscape of trees and memorials. Created by the Royal British Legion and officially opened to the public in May 2001 by the , the site was inspired by in the United States and founded by Commander CBE with support from and VC. Planting of trees began in 1996 on 150 acres of reclaimed gravel workings between the Rivers Trent and Tame, transforming the area into a dynamic space for reflection and commemoration. Spanning 150 acres, the features over 25,000 trees, creating a maturing that evolves seasonally and provides habitats for . It houses more than 400 memorials dedicated to military, , and civilian sacrifices, including the prominent Armed Forces Memorial unveiled in 2007, which commemorates over 16,000 service personnel lost since the Second World War. These memorials, diverse in design and symbolism, range from tributes to specific regiments and conflicts to broader acknowledgments of humanitarian efforts, fostering a sense of shared and pride. The attracts over 300,000 visitors annually, including more than 20,000 young people participating in educational programs, significantly boosting in the Alrewas area. As part of the National Forest initiative, supported by the National Forest and , it contributes to environmental restoration while hosting over 250 events each year, such as remembrance services, celebrations, and community reunions. These activities reinforce its role as a vital hub for healing, , and national reflection, accessible via proximity to the village centre and .

Trent and Mersey Canal

The , recognized as the first long-distance canal in Britain, was constructed between 1766 and 1777 under the principal engineering of , with assistance from Hugh Henshall. Authorized by an in 1766 to connect the rivers Trent and Mersey, the project involved over 70 locks, five tunnels, and significant earthworks, spanning 93 miles through and surrounding counties. Brindley's innovative design, including narrow locks suited for narrowboats, set a standard for the British canal network and addressed the growing demand for efficient inland transport during the early . In Alrewas, the canal integrates closely with the local landscape, featuring a junction with the River Trent northeast of the village where the waterway briefly shares the river's course for approximately 300 yards. Key structures include Alrewas Lock (Lock 12) and Bagnall Lock, which manage elevation changes along this stretch, alongside bridges such as the Grade II-listed Gaskell’s Bridge (Bridge 46) and Bagnall Lock Bridge (Bridge 49). These elements not only facilitated navigation but also physically divided the village, cutting through medieval burgage plots and influencing settlement patterns. The canal's historical impact in Alrewas centered on enabling vital trade routes, particularly for salt transported from saltworks, which was crucial for glazing in the industry. This connectivity boosted the movement of raw materials like china clay and flint, as well as finished goods, supporting industrial expansion in the region during the . Locally, the canal spurred activities, such as the conversion of a into a , and contributed to by attracting workers and fostering in nearby settlements like Fradley Junction. Alrewas benefits from strong road connectivity, primarily via the A38 trunk road, which passes immediately to the east of the village and serves as a major north-south route linking , , and . The Alrewas Junction provides direct access from the A38 to the A513, facilitating quick travel to nearby towns; for instance, the drive to is approximately 6 miles northwest along the A513, while lies about 7 miles northeast via the A38. Local roads such as and Burton Road further connect the village to surrounding areas, supporting daily and access to employment centers in the region. Historically, rail services were provided by Alrewas railway station, which opened on 9 April 1849 as part of the Railway's line from to , offering passenger and goods transport along the Trent Valley. The station operated until its closure on 18 January 1965 amid the , after which the line remained open for freight but passenger services ceased. Today, the nearest operational stations are Lichfield Trent Valley (approximately 5 miles northwest), Lichfield City (6 miles), and (7 miles), all on the Cross-Country Route and , providing connections to Birmingham, , and . Proposals to reopen a station at Alrewas continue to be discussed to improve local rail access. Public bus services enhance connectivity, with Diamond Bus route 12 operating hourly between and , stopping in Alrewas at key points like the George & Dragon and , enabling commutes to jobs and services in those towns. An additional shuttle service, NMA1, runs seven days a week from through Alrewas village to the , with fares at £3 and connections to broader rail networks. The A38's congestion, particularly during peak hours, influences commuting patterns, often making bus travel a more reliable alternative to driving for local residents heading to or Birmingham. Non-motorized options include footpaths and cycle routes along the River Trent, such as National Cycle Route 54, which passes through Alrewas en route from to , promoting leisure and sustainable travel. The Trent Valley Way long-distance footpath also traverses the area, offering scenic walks beside the river. Alrewas is situated about 10 miles from the (junction 9 near Tamworth), providing onward links to the national motorway network via the A38.

Community Facilities and Culture

Religious Sites

The parish church of All Saints in Alrewas dates to at least 822 AD, when it served as a prebend under Bishop Aethelwald of , with the current structure originating in the late 12th century in Norman style. The and tower feature Norman elements, including the tower doorway and north doorway, while the 13th-century incorporates Early English lancet windows, a , and sedilia. The 14th-century additions include the south and a horseshoe arch, with the prominent tower—restored in 1886 and 2009—serving as a landmark visible across the Trent valley. Further enhancements encompass 16th-century windows and carved timber roofs, an octagonal 15th-century font, a 1639 , and an 1882 organ, alongside 18th-century Turton family monuments in the south and other memorials such as Matthias Langley's slab in the porch. Designated as a Grade I listed building, the church reflects centuries of architectural evolution tied to its early medieval foundations. Alrewas Methodist Church, located on , was constructed in 1928 as the village's primary Methodist . It succeeded earlier Methodist congregations, including a Wesleyan group active from the early and a Primitive Methodist chapel opened in 1829 in the Burton-on-Trent circuit. Following the Methodist Union of 1932, the Wesleyan and Primitive communities consolidated services in this 1928 building, while the former Primitive chapel was repurposed as a Scout Hall by 1972. These religious sites have long been central to Alrewas village life, hosting worship alongside community events such as baptisms, weddings, and heritage activities that foster social cohesion. The founding of All Saints ties directly to the area's early medieval , underscoring its enduring spiritual significance.

Education and Schools

All Saints Church of England Primary and Nursery School serves as the main educational institution in Alrewas, catering to children aged 3 to 11 in a mixed-gender setting. As a small village converter under the John Taylor , it has a capacity of 296 pupils and currently enrolls 178 students, reflecting its role in supporting the local community's younger population. Affiliated with the and drawing on ties to the historic All Saints Church, the school instills values like , , and trust in its . The has maintained a long-standing presence in Alrewas, with archival and photographs documenting its operations since at least the mid-20th century, contributing to the village's educational continuity for generations of local children. In its June 2022 Ofsted inspection, the was rated "Requires Improvement" overall, with particular notes on the quality of needing further development, though it was praised for fostering a happy and respectful . Alrewas lacks secondary schools within the village, with the nearest options located in nearby , such as The Friary School and King Edward VI School, approximately 5 miles away. By providing accessible primary education, the school bolsters Alrewas's family-oriented demographics, enabling parents to raise children locally without immediate relocation for schooling needs. It enhances community cohesion through extracurricular offerings, including year-round clubs and six-week blocks focused on activities like sports (e.g., rounders for younger pupils and cricket for older ones) as well as holiday clubs during school breaks.

Public Houses

Alrewas, a village in , , is home to three traditional public houses that serve as central community hubs, fostering social interactions and preserving local heritage through their historic architecture and longstanding roles in village life. These pubs— the Crown Inn, the George and Dragon, and the — have historically attracted patrons from nearby canal trade routes along the , contributing to their enduring significance as gathering places for locals and visitors alike. The Crown Inn, located on Post Office Road, stands as a quintessential central village and vital community hub, offering home-cooked meals, real ales, and open fires in a setting that dates back to the as a former . Parts of the building are approximately 500 years old, with the remainder around 300 years, and it once housed the village during the era of mail coaches, underscoring its historical role in facilitating travel and communication. Today, it continues to host informal gatherings, emphasizing its function as a social anchor in Alrewas. The George and Dragon on is a Grade II listed building with deep historical roots, constructed over 300 years ago in the early or earlier, and recognized for its architectural and cultural value as a traditional country . Its three-storey structure, featuring real fires and a welcoming atmosphere, reflects the village's heritage, having been awarded Marston's Community Pub of the Year in 2010 for its community engagement. The pub's longevity highlights its importance in local traditions and social events. The , situated on William IV Road, operates as a traditional alehouse converted from three cottages around , providing a cozy venue for local gatherings with facilities like a , dartboard, and cask ales. Its modest origins as residential buildings transformed into a in the exemplify the common in rural English villages, making it a favored spot for relaxed community interactions. Collectively, these three pubs embody Alrewas's village heritage, acting as enduring venues for social events such as casual meetups and celebrations, while maintaining a focus on food, drink, and hospitality that binds the together.

Arts Festivals and Events

The Alrewas , established in 2006, is a biennial event held every two years in late August, featuring a week-long program of free workshops, exhibitions, live music performances, theater productions, and art installations that celebrate local creativity. Organized by a group of village artists and residents, the festival draws participants from Alrewas and surrounding areas, emphasizing involvement through hands-on activities like drawing sessions and craft demonstrations. The 2024 edition, for instance, included video-recorded events such as "The ," highlighting innovative artistic expressions. The Alrewas Show, an annual country fair typically held in mid-July, serves as a major communal gathering that showcases the village's agricultural roots through parades, displays, horticultural competitions, and stands. This one-day event, one of Staffordshire's most popular village shows, attracts families with attractions like exhibitions, heavy demonstrations, and local produce contests, fostering a sense of heritage and rural tradition. Entry fees support the event's operations, with adult tickets priced at £8 and family options at £22 for the 2025 show on July 19. In addition to these festivals, Alrewas hosts remembrance events at the , including annual services on and that honor military and civilian sacrifices through wreath-laying ceremonies and public tributes. The Royal British Legion's Field of Remembrance, open to the public in early , features planted tributes across the site's memorials, drawing visitors who contribute to a collective act of commemoration. Community shows, such as heritage-themed displays during the Alrewas Show, further tie into the village's historical narrative by highlighting local customs and traditions. These events benefit from the Arboretum's substantial annual visitor numbers, which exceed 300,000 and enhance attendance at village-wide cultural activities.

Sports and Modern Life

Local Sports Clubs

Alrewas Cricket Club, founded in 1879, serves as a cornerstone of local sports, operating as a friendly and inclusive village club that welcomes new members. The club has maintained its original ground since its establishment and functions as a registered Community Amateur Sports Club, participating in local leagues such as the , where it achieved promotion to the premier division in 2021. Alrewas Club, established in 2009 by a volunteer-led , provides accessible facilities to the , including two floodlit tarmac . Membership options emphasize affordability, offering free court access during off-peak times and complimentary participation in social sessions, with peak-time bookings at a nominal fee of £2.50; the club holds LTA Tennismark as a Community Amateur Sports Club. Beyond organized clubs, Alrewas supports informal sports and activities, particularly through extensive walking paths that integrate with the surrounding National Forest, enabling residents to engage in casual and outdoor pursuits amid woodlands and towpaths. Trails such as the Alrewas and Wychnor Circular offer easy-access routes for non-competitive recreation, fostering community health ties to the area's natural environment. Local schools, including All Saints Alrewas CofE Primary, supplement these opportunities with youth sports facilities via after-school clubs in activities like and .

Recent Developments

In recent years, Alrewas has seen several housing proposals amid efforts to address local growth needs. A notable ongoing development is at Land at Dark Lane, where was granted in 2016 for residential , and in January 2025, Lichfield District Council received £86,545 in Section 106 contributions from Crest Nicholson to support community infrastructure related to the project. Additionally, in September 2025, planning officers recommended approval for a four-bedroom detached house with a double garage on , despite objections from the parish council and residents over its size and impact on the conservation area; the proposal includes to promote energy efficiency. Earlier, a similar single-home application on land in Alrewas was rejected in December 2024 due to concerns about harm to the village's character. Commercially, development activity has faced setbacks. In August 2025, revised plans were submitted for two office blocks on land south of Kings Bromley Road, incorporating 15 parking spaces and a new access point to address prior issues with design and tree impacts from a 2024 rejection. However, Lichfield District Council rejected the scheme in September 2025, citing risks of inappropriate urban expansion into the rural landscape. The has contributed to community enhancements and tourism growth post-2021. In 2024, the arboretum completed a major restoration of the Shot at Dawn Memorial, replacing its 309 posts to preserve this poignant tribute to soldiers executed for desertion. Visitor numbers have remained robust, exceeding 300,000 annually, supporting local amenities through increased footfall and events. Village facilities have also benefited from these trends, with the arboretum's role as a national remembrance site driving sustained interest in Alrewas. Looking ahead, Lichfield District Council's Local Plan 2043, under consultation since October 2024, identifies Alrewas as a key for allocation, potentially influencing and upgrades. Proposals in the nearby Fradley area, such as up to 350 homes east of Gorse Lane approved in outline form in February 2025, could indirectly strain local transport links while contributing to the district's five-year supply. The plan emphasizes mitigating climate impacts and protecting Alrewas's conservation area from development pressures.

References

  1. https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/STS/Alrewas
  2. https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/environment/Environment-and-countryside/HistoricEnvironment/Documents/Alrewas-EUS-Report-Final.pdf
  3. https://alrewas.parish.uk/census/
  4. https://www.alrewasparishcouncil.gov.uk/about-alrewas/history-of-alrewas
  5. https://www.alrewas-archives.co.uk/uploads/files/publications/all-saints-alrewas-guide.pdf
  6. https://www.thenma.org.uk/
  7. https://www.getthedata.com/alrewas/where-is-alrewas
  8. https://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/downloads/file/2659/local-plan-2043-issues-options
  9. http://citypopulation.de/en/uk/westmidlands/admin/lichfield/E04010539__alrewas/
  10. https://democracy.lichfielddc.gov.uk/documents/s6064/Item%25206%2520-%2520Appendix%2520B%2520-%2520Fradley%2520neighbourhood%2520plan%2520-%2520made%2520version.pdf
  11. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/trent-and-mersey-canal
  12. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7616087
  13. https://www.thenma.org.uk/visit-us/plan-your-visit/getting-here
  14. https://findthatpostcode.uk/areas/E04010539.html
  15. https://alrewas.parish.uk/
  16. https://www.ilivehere.co.uk/statistics-alrewas-staffordshire-868.html
  17. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68ee6f158427701993d5e082/7_Rural_Economic_Bulletin_15_10_2025.pdf
  18. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/2375509.stm
  19. https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/walking/mythaholme-to-memorials-walk
  20. https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/STS/Alrewas/Pitt1817
  21. https://www.canalroutes.net/Trent-and-Mersey-Canal.html
  22. http://www.forgottenrelics.org/stations/
  23. https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are/our-history
  24. https://www.staffordshirehistory.org.uk/collections/getrecord/GB169_AF006
  25. http://kepn.nottingham.ac.uk/map/place/Staffordshire/Alrewas
  26. https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/local-news/how-staffordshire-towns-villages-names-6451036
  27. https://archive.org/download/notesonstaffords00duiguoft/notesonstaffords00duiguoft.pdf
  28. https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/burton/burton-places-people-pronounce-wrong-3683380
  29. https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/local-news/places-people-hard-time-pronouncing-6438019
  30. https://thenma.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are
  31. https://www.thenma.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are/our-story
  32. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/canal-history/canal-pioneers/james-brindley
  33. https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/infrastructure-projects/trent-and-mersey-canal
  34. https://www.bartonhistory.co.uk/barton-parish/the-trent-and-mersey-canal/
  35. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1564183
  36. https://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?&ResourceID=37194&SearchType=2&ThemeID=299
  37. https://www.southderbyshire.gov.uk/assets/attach/6183/Trent-and-Mersey-Canal-CA-Character-Statement-2014.pdf
  38. https://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/details.aspx?ResourceID=15512&ExhibitionPage=2&PageIndex=2&SearchType=2&ThemeID=246
  39. https://www.roads.org.uk/motorway/a38-midlands/310
  40. https://www.diamondbuses.com/bus-services/em/em-12-burton/
  41. https://rchs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Alrewas-Burton-Tour-1984.pdf
  42. https://www.campaignforrail.org.uk/national-memorial-arboretum.html
  43. https://www.diamondbuses.com/bus-services/em/em-nma1/
  44. https://arboretumline.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ideas-Fund-Proposal-Lichfield-Alrewas-Burton-Final-1.pdf
  45. https://www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/projects/trent-valley-way/
  46. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c79d40qxgl9o
  47. https://www.alrewasallsaints.church/heritage/history
  48. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1038926
  49. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alrewas_Methodist_Church%2C_Staffordshire_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1587845.jpg
  50. https://www.myprimitivemethodists.org.uk/content/chapels/staffordshire/a-staffordshire/alrewas_primitive_methodist_chapel-2
  51. https://www.alrewasmethodistchurch.co.uk/
  52. https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/149689
  53. https://www.allsaints-alrewas.staffs.sch.uk/Welcome
  54. https://www.alrewas-archives.co.uk/gallery/Education/All-Saints-Primary-School/62
  55. https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/124231
  56. https://www.schoolguide.co.uk/secondary-schools/alrewas
  57. https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Education/Admissions-primary/Current-arrangements/3025-All-Saints-Church-of-England-Alrewas.aspx
  58. https://www.allsaints-alrewas.staffs.sch.uk/Extra-Curricular-Clubs
  59. https://www.allsaints-alrewas.staffs.sch.uk/News/Sporting-Clubs-KS1-and-KS2-next-half-term
  60. https://camra.org.uk/pubs/place/alrewas-336
  61. https://whatpub.com/pubs/BOT/1951/crown-inn-alrewas
  62. https://camra.org.uk/pubs/crown-inn-alrewas-124041
  63. https://www.alrewashayes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Alrewas-Hayes-Travel-Guide-2025.pdf
  64. https://www.georgeanddragonalrewas.co.uk/our-pub
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  66. https://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/george-dragon-alrewas/
  67. https://whatpub.com/pubs/BOT/2930/william-iv-alrewas
  68. https://camra.org.uk/pubs/william-iv-alrewas-124053
  69. https://www.williamivalrewas.co.uk/
  70. https://www.alrewas-artsfest.co.uk/
  71. https://www.alrewasparishcouncil.gov.uk/village-directory/arts-groups
  72. https://www.alrewas-artsfest.co.uk/festival-archive/2024-festival/2024-videos/drawing-board
  73. https://www.alrewasshow.co.uk/
  74. https://www.farminguk.com/country-shows-and-events/alrewas-show_1586.html
  75. https://www.facebook.com/alrewasshow/posts/entry-details-alrewas-show-19th-july-2025join-us-for-a-fantastic-day-out-at-the-/1134509875380726/
  76. https://www.thenma.org.uk/what%27s-on/remembrance-at-the-arboretum
  77. https://www.thenma.org.uk/what%27s-on/events/fields-of-remembrance
  78. https://alrewas.play-cricket.com/
  79. https://alrewascc.wordpress.com/about/
  80. https://www.tarmac.com/news/alrewas-cricket-club-cuts-it-fine-thanks-to-donation-from-tarmac-landfill-communities-fund/
  81. https://www.alrewastennis.net/about-us/committee
  82. https://www.alrewastennis.net/
  83. https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/AlrewasTennisClub/Membership
  84. https://www.nationalforest.org/explore/walking
  85. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/staffordshire/alrewas-and-wychnor-circular
  86. https://democracy.lichfielddc.gov.uk/documents/s19173/Cabinet%20Member%20Decision%20Notice%20-%20Land%20at%20Dark%20Lane.%20Alrewas%20-%20Jan%202025.pdf
  87. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2025/09/10/report-backs-plans-for-new-detached-house-in-alrewas/
  88. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2024/12/23/plan-for-new-home-on-land-in-alrewas-is-rejected/
  89. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2025/08/16/new-plans-for-offices-in-alrewas-submitted/
  90. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2025/09/26/plans-to-build-offices-in-alrewas-are-rejected/
  91. https://www.thenma.org.uk/about-us/news
  92. https://www.alva.org.uk/details.cfm?p=423
  93. https://democracy.lichfielddc.gov.uk/documents/s19073/Planning%20Committee%20Reports%203%20February%202025.pdf
  94. https://democracy.lichfielddc.gov.uk/documents/s18608/Appendix%2BC%2B-%2BSA%2BReport%2Bfor%2BLichfield%2BDraft%2BReg%2B18%2BLocal%2BPlan%2BIssues%2Band%2BOptions.pdf
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