The site you’re looking at used to be a ford, forming part of Old Road. The stream is called Shropshire Brook, or sometimes ‘Dummy’s’ Brook after a local resident.
For centuries this ford carried traffic over the brook to link Armitage and Handsacre. Prior to the construction of New Road, which was originally a Turnpike road where users had to pay a toll, all through traffic crossed the brook here. Horses, carts, pedestrians and livestock passed through the shallow water before continuing on the old route towards to Lichfield and Uttoxeter.
Downstream at the ford you can see a small brick footbridge. It existed by the time of the Tithe survey in the early 1840’s and may be older. It allowed pedestrians to cross the ford without entering the water.
This section of the brook was not only a ford but also a place of resort for residents of both villages. It was a pleasant area to go for a stroll on a Sunday afternoon or a summer’s evening and a great place for the local children to play.
In the 1990’s, Old Road was extended over the brook to join New Road at its present location. In doing so, the ancient ford was destroyed and the stream fenced off. Fortunately, the small bridge was left alone to form part of the footpath. It may well have been constructed using locally made bricks as the area had several brickworks over many years. There has been a bridge at that point for some considerable time and the present one was likely preceded by a wooden built one.
Since the construction of the road this site had become overgrown and something of an eyesore. Some local residents decided to tidy the site up and make it a village asset once again.
In 2025 and 2026 with the help of volunteers, the Parish Council and sponsors, the area was restored to be a pleasant place to visit once more.