Wesleyan Methodists emphasized personal salvation through faith, holiness of life, and active social engagement. They stressed free will, the possibility of sanctification, frequent preaching, and Bible study. The movement promoted moral discipline, education, and charity. Wesleyans from Armitage or Handsacre wanting to practice their faith in the early 1800s had to travel to Rugeley or… Continue reading Wesleyan Methodists
Category: Miscellaneous
John Webb, Gardener to The Gentry
By Roy Fallows The churchyard to St John the Baptist parish church in Armitage is a pleasant place where generations of local families have been laid to rest. Most of the headstones and memorials are quite modest and in various states of repair. However, a short walk to the west end of the church reveals… Continue reading John Webb, Gardener to The Gentry
Non-conformism
The rise of nonconformism in Armitage and Handsacre mirrored a wider national movement, reshaping both religious practices and social structures. Rooted in dissent from the Anglican Church, these groups sought greater spiritual independence and democratic governance. Methodism, for example, emphasized personal faith and social outreach, while the Methodist New Connexion and Primitive Methodists grew from… Continue reading Non-conformism
Independent Church
Awaiting update
Lodge Cottage
Lodge Cottage in Armitage reveals centuries of history, from its 15th-century cruck-frame origins to intriguing features like a coffin chute and witch marks. Once part of the Armitage Lodge estate, this Grade II-listed building embodies architectural evolution, local folklore, and careful preservation.
Ringing Through the Centuries: The Story of St. John the Baptist Church Bells
The bells of St. John the Baptist Church in Armitage have evolved from two simple 16th-century bells to six majestic ones by 2001. They echo centuries of history, innovation, and community effort, celebrating milestones and bringing life to the village with their resounding melodies.
Discovery of a vault under the chancel of Armitage Church
The rediscovery of a hidden 19th-century family vault beneath the chancel of St. John the Baptist Church in Armitage revealed links to the Lister family of Armitage Park. Likely built by Thomas Lister (1772-1828), the vault adds a fascinating chapter to the church’s rich neo-Norman history.
Armitage Lodge
Armitage Lodge, a grand Georgian-era residence with Tudor roots, was once the finest house in the village. Renowned for its elegant architecture, gardens, and social role, it succumbed to mining subsidence in 1975, erasing a rich legacy that would likely have earned it Grade I or II-listed status today.
The Towers
Evidence challenges the widely held belief that Rev. Francis Wilson built The Towers in the 1830s. Clues include architectural features, earlier property records, and stylistic differences from Wilson’s confirmed constructions. Historical auctions and renovations highlight the estate’s complex evolution, from a prominent residence to its varied uses in the 20th century.
Thomas William White
In October 1962, Thomas William White celebrated his 90th birthday, honouring his service to Handsacre Methodist Church and the community. Born in Rugeley, White worked various jobs before becoming a blacksmith. A dedicated Methodist preacher since 1894, he also served as Parish Council Chairman and Lichfield District Councillor. Married to Alice Elizabeth Hughes in 1898, he continued his community service until his death in 1965 at age 92. In 1966, a silver birch cross was dedicated to his memory at Handsacre Methodist Temple