Stoke Dry

Stoke Dry

in 2009
Stoke Dry

 Stoke Dry shown within Rutland
Area  1.55 sq mi (4.0 km2[1]
Population 35 2001 Census[2]
    - Density  23 /sq mi (8.9 /km2)
OS grid reference SP893984
    - London  78 miles (126 km) SSE 
Unitary authority Rutland
Shire county Rutland
Ceremonial county Rutland
Region East Midlands
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town OAKHAM
Postcode district LE15
Dialling code 01572
Police Leicestershire
Fire Leicestershire
Ambulance East Midlands
EU Parliament East Midlands
UK Parliament Rutland and Melton
List of places: UK • England • Rutland

Stoke Dry is a village in the county of Rutland in the East Midlands of England, about three miles (5 km) southwest of Uppingham.

In 2007 it had a population of 39. With only 14 homes this is a quiet village with its mediaeval church dedicated to Saint Andrew. A myth claims that the Gunpowder Plot conspirators met in a small room above the porch; the only basis for this is that the manor was part of the estate of Sir Everard Digby.

Stoke Dry is also known as the site of the Eyebrook Reservoir located at the bottom of the hill.

Being such a small village the social life is modest, but once a year things are enlivened when the Rutland Morris Men (one of the key Morris sides in the UK) turn up and play on a Monday night—usually in June or July. It is not uncommon for the entire village to turn out to watch the event, and to provide the traditional sustenance to the travelling dancers and their band of musicians. There are generally 16 or so Morris Men present—their presence increasing the population of the village for an hour or so by another 50%.

Details of when and where the Rutland Morris Men are appearing are given on www.morrismen.org.uk

References