Attractions and Places To See around Priors Marston CP - Top 20

Draycote Water is an artificial reservoir (23 million m3), which was completed in 1969. In addition to its function as a water reserve, it is a leisure park u.a. for anglers, sailors, hikers. The rich bird life invites also to observations. Swimming is not allowed in the lake.

Excellent 8km cycling with great views and rest areas.

Great to walk around looks very impressive

"A tranquil Tudor manor house set in rare terraced gardens, with the 'antient' Dryden family at its heart Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710 and are presented as they were during the Victorian era. The warm, welcoming house features grand rooms, stunning tapestries and Jacobean plasterwork, contrasting with the domestic detail of the servants' quarters. Stroll in the historic parkland and catch glimpses of early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby." Cit. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview

This well is a bit of an enigma, in the deserted Burton Dassett village in Northend, is found a substantial well head which has claims to be a ‘Holy Well’  although the provenance is unclear. Burgess (1876) in his Warwickshire History simply notes that it was used for baptism and immersion. Whilst Bord and Bord (1985) Sacred Waters appear to be earliest to refer to it as such stating: “the holy well with its stone cover will be seen on the left-hand side of the lane as you approach the church”.                                            The present stone well house is of a considerable size being constructed of local red sandstone around 1840 in a Grecian style. The central doorway is party below ground level and has steps down into a square chamber. Over the stone lintel but the worn instruction is an inscription with carved flowers. It possibly states 1534 but it was not clear. It is evident that the well was part of an estate improvement but when and by whom? And did it exist before? If it does say 1534 that is an early date for a landed estate improvement. It certainly is still visited by well wishers as coins are found in its waters. Sadly, despite a substantial water supply it did not stop the demise of the village and now only the substantial church remains, which incidentally is worthy of a visit.

All Saints is a Grade I-listed church in a picturesque setting on the Burton Dassett Hills. The church has 12th-century origins. However, the chancel and transepts are early 13th century and the tower and porch are early 14th century. Inside, you can observe 13th-century wall paintings, medieval tiles and tombs from the 16th and 17th centuries.

There is one problem with this side of Draycote water and that's the bugs. The wind blows across the lake and you get a face of bugs. But the views are good and it's always a good section of a ride, always busy when the weather is good...

All Saints' is a most beautiful and captivating Norman church. Totally unspoilt, it was built in the 12th Century and in 2009 underwent an enormous restoration project to preserve and restore some of its medieval wall paintings. It is a very spiritual and tranquil place, of historical and architectural interest. The first Burton Dassett church pre-dates the Domesday Survey, which chronicles the existence of a small church. This occupied an area covered by the nave of the present church. Under Norman rule the Saxon Lord Harold de Sudeley (whose principal seat was at Sudeley in Gloucestershire) was allowed to keep the 1800 acres of land he held in these parts. The other landowner was the Earl of Mellent who held 600 acres. The parish consisted of Great Dassett, Little Dassett, Northend, Southend, Knightcote (which had a chapel and a priest) and Hardwick, where the DSDA Army Camp now stands. The population was around 350. The huge north and south doorways are the oldest parts of Burton Dassett (All-Saints) Church and probably date from Harold de Sudeley’s time. As the de Sudeley family continued to prosper, itsBD-Church interest in the church and village continued. The church’s chancel arch dates from the time of Ralph de Sudeley, grandson of Harold. This is typically transitional Norman and dates from the late 12th Century.