Alton (UK: /ˈɒltən/ ⓘ OL-tən) is a village in Staffordshire, England.[2] It is noted for the theme park Alton Towers, built around the site of Alton Mansion, which was owned by the Earls of Shrewsbury,[3] and designed by Augustus Pugin.[4] In the 1914 map by Whiston, there were copper works in the village.[2]
Alton | |
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Village sign | |
Alton Location within Staffordshire | |
Population | 1,226 (2011)[1] |
OS grid reference | SK073422 |
District | |
Shire county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | Stoke-on-Trent |
Postcode district | ST10 |
Dialling code | 01538 |
Police | Staffordshire |
Fire | Staffordshire |
Ambulance | West Midlands |
UK Parliament | |
The village is on the eastern side of the Churnet.[5] It is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and contains numerous buildings of architectural interest; the Round-House, Alton Castle (now a Catholic youth retreat centre), St Peter's Church, The Malt House, St John's Church and Alton Towers.[6]
Alton was served by the Alton railway station which was opened by the North Staffordshire Railway on 13 July 1849 and closed in January 1965.[4]
The Chained Oak in Alton has been made famous by the ride Hex – The Legend of the Towers at Alton Towers and the legend involving the Earl of Shrewsbury.[7]