Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Repton

Repton is a pleasant small town in Derbyshire, 5 miles from Burton-upon-Trent, and close to the River Trent. It is a very old town and was the capital of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia.

St. Wystan`s Church is one of the oldest in the land still in regular use. The chancel and crypt date from the 7th century, while the beautiful tower and spire, rising to 212 feet, are 14th century and the clerestory dates from the 15th century.

The church was the centre of the cult of St. Wistan, the Mercian prince assassinated at Wistow, until his remains were removed to Evesham with the blessing of Canute.

Parts of an Augustinian priory, which was founded in the 1170s, including a gateway from the street, are incorporated into Repton School, founded in 1557.

Old boys of Repton School include Harold Abrahams, athlete; Roald Dahl, writer; Christopher Isherwood, writer; and Basil Rathbone, actor.

At the centre of the town is a mediaeval market cross.

Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Repton for groups.