Uttoxeter

About Uttoxeter

The town of Uttoxeter is in Staffordshire, not far from the Derbyshire border. It is well positioned for the exploration of the lower section of the Derbyshire Dales, and also to explore the Staffordshire region.

The town has its origins in Saxon times, and takes a mention in the Domesday Book as ‘Wotocheschede’, which eventually has begun to be known as Uttoxeter. Very little is known of this period, and of the Norman period of rule that was to follow. The majority of Uttoxeter’s history is traceable from the 13th century onwards. The town was first granted its market charter in 1252, and in the market place the Old Talbot pub still stands, dating back to the 13th century. The town has connections with the English Civil War, when the Royalists retreated back to the town to make a last stand against the Parliamentarians, but in fact surrendered without a further battle actually taking place.

One particularly interesting feature is the Johnson Memorial, a small kiosk built in memory of Dr. Samuel Johnson, who returned after a period of some 50 years to do penance fro not attending his father’s stall in the market place when he was but a boy.