Weston on Trent in Derbyshire is an attractive, smallish village of about 500 inhabitants, situated 7 miles south east of Derby.
The river Trent which forms the southern parish boundary has been navigable from the Humber to Nottingham from earliest times and boats could continue upstream as far as Kings Mill at Weston when there was a sufficient depth of water to enable them to be hauled over the shallows.
Following the opening of the canal in the 1770`s, most waterborne traffic went along the Trent and Mersey canal, taking plaster and alabaster from nearby workings to wider markets. Nowadays the canal is a venue for fishermen and holidaymakers rather than workers.
Weston Hall is a large 5 storeyed, Tudor, brick building, that stands as a landmark for miles on its hill. Had it been completed, it would have rivaled Hardwick for size, but the Civil War and the bankruptcy of its owner, prevented any futher building. It is one of the few private houses in the country that is moated.
The Church of St Mary, is prettily sited, set away from the village among fields, near the river. It contains an Early Engish chancel with lancet windows on each side. The south aisle was added a little later. The west tower is 14th century below, and Perp above with recessed spire and battlements. The timber framed south porch was added in the 17th century. Its register dates from 1565 and in the churchyard lie soldiers who fell in the Civil War. There is a monument to a 17th century rector, Sir Richard Sale, his wife and their 10 children, all of whom are represented in a stone carving.
There are several pubs and a parish hall in Weston. On the outskirts of the village, close to the church is the Ukranian Youth Camp. The old rectory also houses a Ukranian old peoples home.
Other places of local interest
Aston on Trent
Swarkestone
Shardlow
Photos of Weston on Trent at Derbyshire Photographs
