Ranton Abbey Tower

Local History

The local history of Ellenhall Grange Farm and its historical links to Ranton Abbey and St Bertelin - the Patron Saint of Stafford.

Our pedigree cows feed on the natural lush pastures and spring water from the farm giving our cheeses a unique flavour.

The Farm, Monks and Ranton Abbey...
John and Lucy Heath
Ellenhall Grange Farm - Granges were farms used for food production, centred around a monastery, to help sustain the Monks.
There are monastic connections with Ellenhall Grange Farm and Ranton Abbey. The supply of water to Ranton Abbey came from 'Anne's Well' a natural spring on the farm, which is also used to feed the pedigree cows.
Our own Staffordshire PDO cheese is even based on an old monastic recipe!
Ranton Abbey
Ranton Abbey - The Ranton Abbey site was completed around 1280, and all that remains now is the late Georgian house (a ruin) and the church tower which was added in the 15th century at the west end of the church.
Stafford Borough Coat of Arms - by kind permission
Saint Bertelin - St Bertelin is the patron Saint of Stafford, as the town was founded by the Mercian prince around 700AD. St Bertelin was the focus of early religion and continued his holy vocation on the islet of Betheney, now Stafford.
St Bertelin's Shrine is in the Church of the Holy Cross at Ilam, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
St Bertelin's image appears on the Stafford Borough coat of arms.