Pictures of England

Search:

Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Pictures of Repton

in the county of Derbyshire

About Repton

Repton is one of England's most ancient towns, it was once the capital of the Saxon Kingdom of Mercia and the church there is the burial ground of Saxon Kings.

This is a scenic small town with some lovely architecture, it lies on the south bank of the River Trent, and is surrounded by hills, the town of Derby lies around eight miles to the south. The church of St.Wynstan dates from AD 750, and is the village's most famous feature. It has a sturdy clock-face tower topped by a graceful soaring spire. Inside the church is a unique crypt - one of the most important pieces of Saxon architecture to survive in England.

For centuries the crypt was a place of pilgrimage; it contains the tombs of King Ethelbald of Mercia, King Wiglaf and his grandson St.Wynstan for whom the church is named. It is believed that a monastery stood on the spot where the church was built. The monastery was sacked by the Danes and never rebuilt. The crypt is a remarkable legacy from that time which may be as far back as AD653 when Christianity first reached Mercia. Apart from the crypt, St. Wynstans church contains many treasures from its historic past and is well worth seeing.

In around 1150 a priory was established, but it fell into ruin after the Dissolution of the monasteries. Out of these ashes Repton School was founded in 1557. The magnificent priory gateway is preserved, as well as the original priory guest hall, which today is used as the school library. Prior Overton's Tower is one of the earliest brick buildings in the town, it dates from 1438. The imposing market cross is thought to have been built on the spot were Christianity was first preached in Repton. There is also a legend telling that in 1848 a man brought his wife to the cross and sold her for a shilling!

With so much to admire and enthuse over, Repton is a lovely place to stroll around. For nature lovers there are good walks in Bretby Woods, and a two mile drive will take you to Bretby Hall, once the home of the Earls of Chesterfield, and place where Benjamin Disraeli was frequently entertained when he was Queen Victoria's Prime Minister. The Hall was used as a hospital for a period of time and is now luxury apartments. The Gothic revival style facade of the house remains worth seeing.

Repton is close to both the River Dove and the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Recommended towns & villages near Repton

The Church of St James in the village of Swarkestone, Derbyshire.

Swarkestone (9 Pictures) in the county of Derbyshire

(4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction E of Repton)

Swarkestone is a small enchanting village which grew up on the reeeded banks of the River Trent...

Burton upon Trent

Burton upon Trent (54 Pictures) in the county of Staffordshire

(4.7 miles, 7.5 km, direction SW of Repton)

Burton-on-Trent is an attractive town, it has a pleasing market place surrounded by pleasant properties, some being timber-frame black and white...

St Mary’s Priory Church, Tutbury at Sunset

Tutbury (50 Pictures) in the county of Staffordshire

(5.9 miles, 9.4 km, direction W of Repton)

This picturesque little town in the Dove Valley is dominated by the ruins of the medieval castle...

Staunton Harold Reservoir

Staunton Harold (22 Pictures) in the county of Leicestershire

(5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction SE of Repton)

Staunton was mentioned in the Doomsday Book when it was held by Henry de Ferrers...

The Old Silk Mill Museum and the River Derwent, Derby

Derby (68 Pictures) in the county of Derbyshire

(6.4 miles, 10.4 km, direction NE of Repton)

This is the premier town of the Shire, it is steeped in history with roots stretching to Roman times - the legions had a camp near the east bank of the Derwent, but the town was.....

All towns & villages in Derbyshire
Complete A to Z of towns & villages in England

Nearby attractions..

Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

Calke Abbey (57 Pictures)

(4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction SE)

Calke Abbey was built between 1701-1703. The building, in the Baroque style, was built for Sir John Harpur. It is an.....

image of staunton harold reservoir taken from hall roof, 2003

Staunton Harold Reservoir (5 Pictures)

(4.5 miles, 7.2 km, direction SE)

..

Staunton Harold Church

Staunton Harold Hall (14 Pictures)

(6.0 miles, 9.6 km, direction SE)

This is said to be one of the most delightful country houses in Leicestershire, it was the former home of the Ferrers family who.....

Derby museum and Art Gallery, the Wardwick, Derby.

Derby Museum and Art Gallery (1 Pictures)

(6.4 miles, 10.4 km, direction NE)

This exceptional museum is housed in an impressive building of modern times. It gives visitors of every age a fascinating.....

Derby Cathedral, Derby, Derbyshire.

Derby Cathedral (7 Pictures)

(6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction NE)

..

Staunton harold hall & Church, Leicestershire

Staunton Harold Church (6 Pictures)

(6.7 miles, 10.9 km, direction SE)

Imposing church built in 1653, with fine panelled interior, set in attractive parkland...

View from the tower Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Leicestershire

Ashby de la Zouch Castle (28 Pictures)

(7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction SE)

The ancient, crumbling walls of Ashby de la Zouch castle keep once rose to a towering 95ft and had four floors. It belonged to.....


All attractions in Repton
All attractions in Derbyshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England