This is now part of a private residence. Geography The average elevation of the parish is 700 ft above sea level, and approximately 1.5 miles south of the village is Arbury Hill, which, at 225 m (738 ft), is the highest point in Northamptonshire. On the summit, evidence of an Iron Age hill fort of an unusually square shape is plainly seen. The River Nene rises nearby. The Jurassic Way and the Three Rivers Circular Walk pass through the parish. Demography Staverton parish had a population of 468 at the 2001 census, reducing slightly to 458 at the 2011 Census. Landmarks St Mary the Virgin has been a site of Christian worship for well over a thousand years, although the first recorded vicar appears in records started in 1220. A board inside the church lists all subsequent vicars up to the present incumbent. The present church dates from about 1300 with some older parts. For hundreds of years before this, possibly dating back to before 800 AD, a burial ground existed on the site - as evidenced by the raised churchyard. The main structure that can be seen today dates mainly from the 14th century, although traces of older architecture still remain, such as the lancet window in the north-west corner, which is from the Norman period. The church has many original architectural and historic features. From the top of the tower, sitting on top of one of the highest points in Northamptonshire, it is said that if one were able to travel eastwards maintaining the same altitude, one would not touch land again until reaching the Urals. The ‘new’ north porch, used as the main entrance into the church, dates back 600 years, whereas the south porch is 100 years older. The original door and roof timbers remain. The church has a peal of six bells cast in 1938 by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough. The vicar from 1933 to 1946, Rev. E.S. Powell, initiated the bell restoration; he and his wife were active bellringers. Transport There is a low-floor bus service 65 between Leamington-Southam-Banbury, operated by Stagecoach in Warwickshire from Monday to Saturday. For timetable click here The closest railway is the West Midlands Trains service from Long Buckby station on the Northampton loop of the West Coast Main Line. Nearby Northampton and Rugby stations are served by Avanti West Coast services, while Chiltern Railways. CrossCountry and