Tour of Burtons (part 2)

 Burton - a 'settlement at a fortified place'

The ride started by Rick two weeks ago was missing two Burtons; so with a 'vacancy' for a ride leader this week, he kindly offered to finish the job.

This time we met at Chester Town Hall, and with a fine sunny October day it was marvellous to see faces of people who have not been out (or I have not seen) for some time.  Today I also dragged out the good old Selfie Stick, and after some juggling of people to make sure we were all in the sun (although a bit squinty, it also means you can see everyone)

We dropped down to the river, and followed to Saltney Ferry where we crossed and continued to the main road.  up the 'Saltney Straight' on the relatively new cycle path which does keep us off the main road (until at least Bretton) and then we went through Bretton and on to Lower Kinnerton.

We headed to Walters cafe, based in the old primary school in Higher Kinnerton, and which has been there for a couple of years.  They are very dog friendly, noted by the fabulous wallpaper, and small pin board with 'Instax' small polaroids of visiting Pups.  I have taken the (Fab) ladies to this cafe, but it was a new venue for most of the group.

After I had laden myself with cakes for all the family (All variations of Brownies and Brookies to choose from), we set off again, cutting across some back lanes
and after passing through Burton Green, we arrived at the small hamlet of Burton.  

Here is what Wikipedia has to say:

"Burton (near Wrexham) is an ancient village that...dates back to Saxon times and was settled by Anglo-Saxons from the Kingdom of Mercia. 

In the early part of 2002 a trio of friends were metal detecting on a farm close to Burton, when they found a hoard of gold and other artifacts from the Bronze Age. These included a twisted wire bracelet, a necklace called a torc, a bracelet, a pendant and a collection of beads and rings - all gold, along with several axes. The finds later to be known as 'The Burton Hoard' were declared treasure trove and purchased by the National Museum Wales (formerly NMGW) for £85,000.^[2]

In September 2021, a three-week archaeological dig was conducted following the discovery of a Roman villa on farmland near Burton Green"

After Burton, we crossed the railway, taking great care to dismount my bike whilst I held the gate open for all, and through Rossett to pick up the back lane to Holt.

Arriving at Cleopatra's, no-one was particularly hungry as it had only been about seven miles since Walters; but there were other no well placed alternatives on our route, so we settled in for lighter snacks and drinks.  It was nice to still be able to sit outside too!

We crossed the river, and made our way over to our final Burton, near Duddon.

The house dates from the early 17th century, and is listed as a Grade II building, the wall you can see with the door is also listed as Grade II.  In 2018, after extensive refurbishment, the owners tried to sell it via £5 raffle tickets, but I do not think they sold enough - it was as then noted to be worth £1.8 million.  (It actually sold for £600k in Oct 2018, then in May 2019 it was listed for £1.4 million, but sold for £625k in June 2021; and sold again in September 2021, this time for £550k.  So watch this space, it is becoming affordable!).

From here it was a short hop home, satisfied with have seen all three Burtons now!