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The Staffordshire village of Alrewas lies just off the Roman road Ryknield Street, which is now part of the A38 running between Lichfield and Burton upon Trent. Relatively unspoilt by the passages of time, thatched cottages line its main street and the population of just under 3000 continues a sense of community inherited from past generations. |
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Images from Alrewas Ladies' Group |
Aerial photograph of Alrewas taken in 1954
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Main Street, Alrewas
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1900s street scene
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Villagers recall a peaceful environment in Alrewas, and explain how many relied on cottage crafts, such as basket making, to earn an income in the early 1900s. People recall childhood summer days spent playing by the River Trent and describe an agricultural village scene, where cattle and farm animals, rather than cars, filled the roads. |
This wooden bridge crossed the Trent and Mersey canal on to a meadow island where cows would graze away the summer months. In 2005 Wychnor marina is located there and the bridge is metal.
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At one time it was possible to walk along the A38, as seen here in 1937
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In 2006 the A38 or Burton Road, (looking towards Burton and the corner of Main Street, Alrewas) is not the sleepy, traffic free road it seems here. The well known Paul Pry Pub is on the right of the image.
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War days, building an air raid shelter in Alrewas c1940. |
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During the War years local people pulled together to provide safe retreats during WW2. This image shows people building an air raid shelter at the back of the houses at 21 – 29 Wellfield Road, Alrewas, which was known as Furlong Lane.
The shelters were built in a sandpit; sand being a typical feature of the geology of the area. It was a large shelter with seats and toilet facilities. Iron bedsteads were built into the walls for reinforcement. The pit was owned by Mr Bannister, from a local building company, Bannister’s.
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