Orton: Local History and Wide Views

Orton on the Hill combines a historic village character with an open setting at elevation. The Orton-on-the-Hill Conservation Area lies in open countryside on a high ridge. For travellers choosing where to stay based on local history and landscape, two distinct interests take centre stage: the historic character of the village and views of the surrounding area. Several specific places and buildings bring these themes to life in Orton.

Village Centre and Conservation Area

The designated area includes the historic village centre around St Edith’s Church and the more formal buildings along Main Street. The Conservation Area also includes The Old Rectory, village farms and former farmworkers’ cottages. The site of the former manor house and its grounds is also included. The village’s history therefore encompasses both the area around the church and other buildings and historic sites in the village.

This variety makes the village centre more than just the setting for a single building. The church, Main Street, houses, village farms and the site of the former manor house offer different starting points for a stay with an interest in cultural history. The rural ridge adds its own distinctive landscape feature.

St Edith’s and the Church’s History

St Edith’s is an early 14th-century parish church, with alterations and additions made later. Its interior includes box pews and an 18th-century pulpit. Its building history therefore spans its early origins, later structural changes and fittings from a different period. The so-called “stump” of Orton’s church is another detail of local history: it is the third known church spire.

During British Summer Time, St Edith’s is open every Saturday and Sunday. At other times, visits are possible by contacting the church. Check opening information before you arrive if you are planning a visit.

Orton Hall and William Worthington

Orton Hall was rebuilt in 1786 as a modern Georgian manor house. The family coat of arms is still visible on the stone pillars at the entrance to Orton Hall’s former drive. A specifically dated rebuilding and a surviving detail at the former entrance therefore represent two different aspects of local history.

St Edith’s and Orton Hall also offer connections to the 18th century: the church’s box pews and pulpit date from that century, while the Hall’s rebuilding is dated to 1786. The blue plaque for William Worthington is located at The Unicorn, 20 Main Street. It identifies Worthington as the founder of the Worthington Brewery in Burton-upon-Trent, which was founded in 1761. Alongside the history of churches and buildings, this brings the story of a person and a brewery’s founding into view.

Views and Walking Route

Orton on the Hill offers wide panoramic views down into Warwickshire and beyond. Its elevated position on the ridge and the view towards Warwickshire give the village’s landscape a specific point of reference.

One named walking route is T1: it starts at Pipe Lane in Orton on the Hill and leads to footpath S99. The local history, the views and this walking route offer different points of focus for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Redmile, Rothley, Sproxton, Harby, North Kilworth, Croxton Kerrial, Hathern, Castle Donington

For the broader travel overview: Leicestershire.