History of Harlaston
Harlaston is steeped in history. Here we have captured, and continue to capture the village life through historical research, photos and first-hand memories.
Simply click on the part of the village you wish to read about – on the left hand column – and it will open the content.
Along with much of South East Staffordshire, Harlaston goes back well before 1066. Its importance was no doubt enhanced to some extent because of the existence of a Corn Mill, as recorded in the Doomsday Book, although it is realised that the Mill is mentioned therein due to the fact that Mills were on of the main items ordered to be taken into account in the Census which was taken on the orders from William the Conqueror. Nevertheless, it can be assumed that farmers from quite a wide area brought their grain to Harlaston to be milled.
From the Doomsday Book:-
“Harlaston (Latin Horvlevestone) – In Offlow Hundred
4 Hides. Land for Ploughs. In Lordship 2.
16 Villagers and 5 smallholders have 4 ploughs.
A Mill at 4s: 2 Slaves: The value was and is £6:
Earl Algar held these: 4 Manors”
It is interesting to note that in the Doomsday Book the value of Birmingham is put 20s and Harlaston at 120s!
William I confiscated the lands of Count Algar and later handed his Staffordshire Lands to the De Ferrers of Derby.
The first local Lord of Harlaston was Gilbertus Franceys. In 1157 Walter Vernon is recorded as the Lord of the Manor. He was a collateral relative of the Vernons wo were to live at Sudbury Hill near Uttoxeter.
In 1603 the Manor of Harlaston was sold by Sir Edward Standby to Sir Edward Brabazon of Nether Whitacre, High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1606.
Memories
We have captured first-hand memories of some of our residents. Through their stories and photos we hope you will get a feel for life in Harlaston throughout the years and how much it has changed. A nostalgic look at village life that isn’t captured anywhere else and will ensure that the knowledge is preserved for current and future villagers and visitors will have access to enjoy for now and in the future,