Uttoxeter in 1841
Uttoxeter is in the southern division of Totmonslow hundred, 13 miles north-east from Stafford. The etymology of the name (which is popularly shortened in pronunciation into Uxeter) is uncertain ; it is written Wotochshede in Domesday. Uttoxeter stands on a rising ground near the river Dove, which here separates Staffordshire from Derbyshire, and is crossed by a handsome stone bridge. The town is irregularly laid out ; the three principal streets meet in the market-place ; the houses are generally well built. The church has been rebuilt of late years, but the lofty tower and spire of the former edifice remain : there are places of worship for Wesleyans, Baptists, Independents. and Quakers. The parish has an area of 8,920 acres, and had, in 1831, a population of 4,864. There are a number of iron-forges round the town, and the neighbourhood contains much fine grazing-land. The market is on Wednesday, and is well attended : there are several yearly fairs. The Caldon Canal ends at Uttoxeter. The living is a vicarage, of the clear yearly value of £136, with a glebe-house. There were in the parish, in 1833, a day and Sunday national school, with 80 boys and 56 girls in the week, and about 50 children in addition on Sundays ; fourteen other day-schools, one of them having a small endowment, with 163 boys and 191 girls ; and two Sunday-schools, with 143 boys and 137 girls. |