Father Michael Fisher originates from Leek and was a pupil at Leek High School. He read History at Leicester University (B.A. Hons. 1964) and was subsequently awarded a Research Studentship at Keele University where he gained his M.A degree in 1967. He read Theology at the Queen's College Birmingham prior to his ordination to the priesthood in 1979. From 1970 to 1976 he was Head of the History Department at King Edward VI Grammar School, Stafford. He has recently retired from teaching to run a Craft Workshop - “Meirion Slatecrafts” -specialising in letter-cutting and engraving work on Welsh slate, while continuing to serve as non-stipendiary priest at St. Bertelin's church, Stafford, and a priest associate of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.

Fr. Michael's other publications include the memoirs of his Leek-born grandfather, Clifford Keates, A Soldiers India (Caron 1986), and St. Mary's Church, Stafford: A History and Guide (1987)





Electronic Edition

Electronic & Internet edition, transcribed by Carl Hewitt.

I first came across this book a number of years ago, after finding it in a local bookshop in Leek, my mothers hometown, following a passion for learning about local history. I at once found that it bought local history to life in an easy to read and engaging way.

This book is out of print, & I determined to make it available to a much wider audience, & to preserve it permanently for future generations.


This is a rare gem, in that it is the description of the history of a relatively small localised monastic establishment in the `wilds' of the Staffordshire moorlands that is not only researched in vigorous detail but is also written in a highly-readable style. It is a model to which other less-professionally written local histories should aspire.

A six-page introduction is followed by nine chapters dealing with the abbey's foundation; its estates (in Cheshire and Lancashire as well as Staffordshire); the wool-trade; the abbey's relations with the crown; its dissolution; its buildings; and its chronicle. A map and plan is provided, and in the centre there are some monochrome plates.

There are end notes with all sources cited and a list of the abbots.

Carl Hewitt

May 2011



Go to - Preface

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