Introduction
Crafton is a small hilltop hamlet on the site of an 11th-century deserted medieval village.
The hamlet's name is Anglo Saxon in origin, and means 'farm where saffron grows'. Edith of Wessex, a queen of England, had a hunting lodge in the small area between Mentmore and Crafton known as Berrystead. The remains of the Lodge, converted in the 15th century to a farmhouse, were demolished when Mentmore Towers was under construction in the mid 19th century.
Crafton once had a small Methodist chapel; this is now a private house. The remainder of the settlement comprises small terraced 18th century cottages. However the hamlet was substantially rebuilt after the 1850s when it became part of the Mentmore estate of Baron Mayer de Rothschild.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Access contact details
The hamlet is accessible by a public road.
Directions
The site is less than 1km from Wing on the A418.
- Features & Designations
Designations
Conservation Area
- Reference: Crafton Conservation Area
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Craftmore Farmhouse
- Grade: II
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Crafton Lodge
- Grade: II
Features
- Earthwork
- Key Information
Type
Designed Rural Space
Purpose
Agriculture And Subsistence
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Survival
Part: standing remains
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Wing
- References
References
- Pevsner, N. and E. Williamson, {The Buildings of England: Buckinghamshire} (London: Penguin, 1994) The Buildings of England: Buckinghamshire
- Aylesbury Vale District Council, Crafton Conservation Area (2005) Crafton Conservation Area