In 1851 Stowe was described as a small village near the Uttoxeter road, seven miles NE by E of Stafford, comprising within its parish about 7080 acres of land, but only 1267 souls, in the villages and hamlets of Amerton, Drointon, Grindley, Great & Little Haywood, Hixon and Stowe, four of which are partly in Colwich parish. Stowe parish also includes part of Chartley, one mile N of Stowe, the seat of Earl Ferrers, who is lord of the manor and owner of most of the soil.