UK village dubbed 'most eccentric' looks like it's straight out of a fairytale
Ilam, a village in the Peak District, has been dubbed Britain's most 'eccentric' and appears to be straight out of a fairytale.Situated on the banks of the River Manifold in Staffordshire, Ilam had a population of just 402 in 2011.
Its most notable landmark is the Grade II listed neo-Gothic Ilam Hall, a stately home built in the 1820s, which was partially demolished in the 1920s.Ilam Hall now serves as a YHA youth hostel, with its surrounding land owned by the National Trust and gardens open to the public.The village's 'eccentric' label stems partly from its unique chalet-style cottages, which evoke images of a picturesque Swiss village rather than a typical British town.
In addition to its quirky architecture, Ilam is recognised for its eco-friendly policies. It was the first UK community to phase out incandescent light bulbs, reducing the town's annual carbon emissions by four tonnes, reports the Mirror.
While many of Ilam's buildings date back two centuries, the village has been a settlement since the Anglo-Saxon period, with parts of the church still dating from this era.The church has seen numerous renovations and restoration projects, but two stone cross shafts from the Anglo-Saxon period remain, along with a carved stone font.Another notable landmark in the small village is the Grade II listed Mary Watts-Russell Memorial Cross.
