The name "Mavesyn" derives from the French Malvoisin, which was the name of the Norman family that acquired the estate after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The church contains many monuments to members of that family and to their successors as lords of the manor, the Cawardens and the Chadwicks.
The Gatehouse is timber framed with a later skin of brick and stone. Growth rings on the timbers indicate that the building was erected in 1391–1392.
The village is not served by public transport, other than a minibus service to Handsacre or Rugeley, which must be booked in advance by phone or on the web.[5] The nearest railway station is at Rugeley (5 miles, 8 km).
Ridware has a bowls club and a youth club. There is a village hall for hire.[6]
Notable residents
Henry Fourdrinier (1766–1854), paper manufacturer and inventor, spent his last years at the Old Rectory.
Ashby Haslewood (1810–1876), first-class cricketer and educationalist, was rector of Mavesyn Ridware in 1866–1876.[7]
