Saxon's Lode, Ripple
by
H W Gwilliam
The ferry here dates back many centuries, though the name ‘Saxon’ is said to have been the name of a distant
ferryman. There is still a well-defined road leading to the crossing on the east bank from Stratford, a hamlet
on the Tewkesbury road. On the west bank, after crossing the Lower Ham at Upton. the road is picked up at
Ham Court. An 1828 map shows the road continuing west over the crest of Longdon Heath, round the north
end of Longdon Marsh, past Castlemorton to Midsummer Hill. It was part of the old British trackway, east to
west from Bredon Hill to Midsummer Hill. In the 19th century, it was still a regular stage for passengers on the
Severn navigation.
Copyright ©
H W Gwilliam
1982
Other pages in WHE
Severn Ferries and Fords in Worcestershire
Worcestershire History Encyclopaedia