Penkridge in 1841
Penkridge is in the eastern division of Cuttlestone hundred, 6 miles south of Stafford. Some antiquaries, among whom are Camden, have identified this town with the Pennocrucium of the Antonine Itinerary ; others fix the site of Pennocrucium at or near Stretton, a township of Penkridge parish, near the line of Watling-Street. The names of Pennocrucium and Penkridge appear to embody the same element Penk, which is the name of the stream near which both Penkridge and Stretton stand. The village consists of two principal streets along the Wolverhampton and Cannock roads, leading down the bridge over the Penk, before reaching which they unite ; the lower part of the village is subject to frequent inundations. The church is mostly of perpendicular character; but some parts are of older date, especially the east window, which is of decorated English character, and has fine tracery. The whole parish, with the townships of Hatherton and Kinvaston in Wolverhampton parish, comprehends an area of 18,020 acres, and extends into the western division of the hundred. The population in 1831 was 2,991. The market, which was on Tuesday, is now given up. There are three yearly fairs ; one of them a large cattle-fair, and another a large horse-fair. There is a national day and Sunday school, and several private day-schools. |