Stratton: History and Culture in Cornwall

Stratton combines the atmosphere of a small market town with distinctive traces of Cornish history. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house and expecting more than just a place to stay will find opportunities here for historical discoveries, ecclesiastical art and trip planning with a range of day-trip interests.

A Market Town with a Long History

Stratton is a small market town at the crossroads of numerous routes. The settlement is first recorded between 873 and 888 and gave its name to the Hundred of Stratton. The town’s former political and economic importance is also part of its history: Stratton was the most significant manor in north-east Cornwall.

This development can be followed in your mind over several centuries during a walk around the town. The early reference, the name of the hundred and the role as a manor represent different stages in the town’s history. For visitors travelling with their family, this combination of a manageable town and specific historical themes can be particularly interesting: history is not limited to a single date, but appears in various places of remembrance.

Battlefield and Memorials

An important historical point of reference is the Battle of Stratton battlefield, which is publicly accessible via a footpath. The Battle of Stratton memorial also commemorates the town’s past; it dates from 1713. A wreath-laying ceremony is held there annually on Stamford Hill to mark the anniversary of the 1643 battle. If you would like to experience historical sites not only through books, this area of interest can be deliberately included in your trip planning.

Another place of remembrance is Stratton’s war memorial. It commemorates the men of Stratton who lost their lives in the First World War. Together with the Battle of Stratton memorial, it provides an insight into different forms of commemoration. The two memorials represent different historical contexts and should therefore each be considered in relation to their own period.

Church, Art and Protected Local History

The Church of St Andrew also offers a specific cultural point of interest. Its east window depicts the four Evangelists. It was installed in 1874 by the William Morris company based on a design by Edward Burne-Jones. For travellers wishing to combine architecture, religious art and design, this detail is a special reason to include the church in their own exploration of the town.

Stratton is also designated as a Conservation Area. This designation forms part of the town’s official classification. Another historical trace is The Tree Inn, whose origins date back to the 16th century. In this way, different historical layers meet in Stratton: the settlement documented since the Middle Ages, the places of remembrance connected with the battles, the church with its 1874 window and The Tree Inn with origins in the 16th century.

The Right Accommodation for Your Trip Planning

When looking for accommodation in Stratton, you can first consider which of these themes should be the focus of your stay. Someone mainly interested in exploring historical sites and memorials will plan differently from someone who wants to combine religious art, local history and a variety of discoveries. A holiday apartment or holiday house in Stratton is a suitable search option for a trip during which you want to organise your daily schedule yourself and get to know the town at your own pace. You should check specific amenities, prices and availability directly in the current listings.

For further trip planning, you can also visit the following places: Porthcurno, Saint Mawes, Looe, Saint Eval, Rock, Madron, Pentewan and Quethiock.

For the main travel overview: Cornwall.