Rocester

Rocester lies between the Rivers Dove and Churnet where they emerge into the plain north of Uttoxeter. The Roman fort, built around 69 AD, protected the road from Derby to Newcastle-under-Lyme. Saxons moved in after the Romans left around 400 AD and the site has been continuously occupied ever since.
The remains of an Augustinian Priory can be seen from Mill Street, while parts of the church date back to the 13th century.
Two mills dominate the town. The larger is Tutbury Mill, built by Richard Arkwright to use the power of the River Dove to spin cotton in 1781. At the other end of the High Street the River Churnet powered Rocester Mill, now the financial offices of JCB.
JCB dominates the village. The World Headquarters of this famous company lies next to it in beautiful landscaped grounds that are open to all. There are a number of sculptures around the JCB site and parkland. Most impressive of these is The Fossor, which takes its name from the Latin for "the digger". The steel sculpture, created by Walenty Pytel, is made entirely of digger parts and is a powerful representation of JCB. It weighs 36 tonnes, stands 45 feet high and was the largest steel sculpture in Europe at the time of its creation in 1979. Its picture is on the front cover of this Trail. The company recently sponsored the conversion of Tutbury Mill into an Academy where pupils specialise in design and engineering and it was formally opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2010. Their emphasis on engineering excellence is reflected in their creation of "Dieselmax", the car which set the world diesel-powered land speed record of 350 mph in 2006.
The Trail is suitable for all, with level paths ideal for both pushchairs and wheelchairs. Some pavements are narrow but the majority of the Trail is peaceful and offers numerous places to rest and relax. It is perfect for a picnic, so don't forget to pack one and have a wonderful day out.