|
 Overton-on-Dee, is situated in
a rural location, some 7 miles from the rapidly growing town of
Wrexham. The beautiful town of Ellesmere, known as Shropshire’s Lakeland due to its
nine Meres created during the glacial period, is six miles in the
opposite direction. The Bangor-on-Dee horseracing course is even
closer, being some 2 miles away. On a wider scale, Overton is an
ideal base to explore North Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire. It is
only 22 miles from the City
of Chester and a
similar distance from Shrewsbury.
Over recent years Overton has attracted people to live in the
village and commute to local towns, however many residents are
still employed in agriculture and the place retains a tranquil
environment.
From a geological perspective, Overton is situated on the edge of
an escarpment which curves it way around the course of the River
Dee. The village has many attractive residences which command
wonderful views over the Dee valley, and from the car park
adjacent to St Mary’s Church you can walk the Maelor Way, a
25 mile long distance footpath!.
Overton has a large collection of both 18th and 19th century
buildings. Many are protected for their beauty and interest, it
is even the old telephone box has been ‘listed’ and the
village centre has been designated as a Conservation Area.
The village has a number of small shops which cater for locals
and those passing through, but such is progress that many small
stores have gone the way of others under the pressure of the
supermarket giants. Incidentally, the local Fish and Chip shop
has won awards for it’s fine food.
The width of the main street, confirms it’s origins as a
market town. No market is held there these days but one can
easily get a feel for how the bustling market must have looked
all those years ago.
Overton is dominated by St Mary’s Church which is well known
for its churchyard yews which are one of the Seven Wonders of
Wales. In 1992, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II planted another
yew tree when she attended a ‘Pageant of Village Life’
to celebrate the granting of a Royal Charter to Overton by Edward
1 in 1292.
Overton is a compact lively community (population around 1200)
brimming with a large number of clubs, organisations, societies,
amateur Football, Cricket, Tennis and Bowls clubs and there is
also a Boules pitch where competitions are held with visitors
from the twinned village of La Murette in France.
Overton is well worth a visit, bring you Camera and expect to
stay a while. |
