Stone Seat At Sj 969 225 East Of Brancote Farm

The stone seat located east of Brancote Farm is a wayside bench dating from around 1860. It was erected in memory of Thomas Hartshorne, who was the County surveyor and built Brancote Farm on the Tixall Estate. Made of local red sandstone, the bench features a moulded stone seat set on an inscribed riser, with large scroll-shaped ends. The inscription reads: "These seats in the place of others first set up there by him for the comfort of travellers are erected in memory of Thomas Hartshorne Esq by his friends in recognition ....... ." The last line of the inscription is illegible. This stone bench is one of two that replaced the original wooden seats provided by Hartshorne for travellers resting on the Tixall to Stafford road. It serves as an unusual Victorian memorial.