Stafford

Stafford: A Town with a Rich History

Imagine stepping back in time to the founding of Stafford in 913 by Æthelflæd, Lady of Mercia. This market town has seen it all, from its Anglo-Saxon roots to its modern-day developments.

The Early Days

Stafford’s name means ‘ford’ by a staithe (landing place), and it was originally settled on a near island bounded by the River Sow. This strategic location made Stafford an ideal spot for trade and defense, as evidenced by its walls that were built by 1086.

But what about those early settlers? Could they have imagined that their town would one day be home to notable figures like Izaak Walton or J.R.R. Tolkien?

The Medieval Era

During the Middle Ages, Stafford became an important market town, focusing on cloth and wool trading. By the 1280s, various trades such as tanning, glove making, and shoe making were practiced in the town. Two medieval churches, St Chad’s and St Mary’s, stood tall during this period.

Can you picture the bustling market square filled with merchants and traders? It’s hard to imagine now, but those cobblestone streets once echoed with the sounds of commerce and daily life.

The Tudor Decline

Stafford declined during the Tudor period, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Elizabeth I visited in 1575, and the Ancient High House was built in 1595 by John Dorrington. The town’s history is rich with such stories of resilience and change.

How do you think Stafford would have looked during those times? With its wooden walls later rebuilt in stone, it must have been a sight to behold!

The Industrial Revolution

In the 18th century, Stafford’s shoe industry flourished. By the 1880s, there were 39 manufacturers in the town. However, by 1958, only one manufacturer was left. The last shoe factory was demolished in 1998.

Can you imagine the transformation from bustling workshops to quiet streets? It’s a stark reminder of how industries rise and fall over time.

The Modern Era

Stafford has come a long way since its founding. Today, it is part of the larger Borough of Stafford and covers an area much larger than just the town itself. The M6 motorway was opened in 1962, and the town celebrated its 1,100th anniversary year with exhibitions.

What do you think the future holds for this historic market town? Will it continue to thrive or face new challenges?

Landmarks and Attractions

Stafford is home to several landmarks. The Elizabethan Ancient High House, now a museum, stands as a testament to its past. Stafford Castle, built by the Normans on a hilltop with a visitor centre and recreated medieval herb garden, offers visitors a glimpse into history.

The Shire Hall was built in 1798 as a court house and office for Stafford. It has been used for various purposes, including an art gallery and library. The Market Square underwent a £2 million redevelopment in November 2023, enhancing its appeal even further.

Education and Industry

Stafford is also known for its education institutions. Stafford College offers further education courses, while South Staffordshire College focuses on agriculture. Staffordshire University has relocated its campus, with a new one in Stoke-on-Trent.

The town’s industrial history includes companies like English Electric and Siemens Brothers. Alstom T&D was sold to Areva in 2004, then split between Alstom and Schneider Electric in 2009. It was acquired by General Electric in 2015, with Stafford as the Centre of Excellence for HVDC, AC Substations, and Converter Transformers.

Transportation

Stafford railway station now receives frequent services from Virgin CrossCountry trains every 30 minutes on weekdays. Avanti West Coast services hourly in each direction seven days a week to London Euston and Liverpool Lime Street. The town is well-connected via the M6 motorway, with roads including A34 (Stafford centre), A518 (Stafford to Telford and Uttoxeter), A449 (stafford south), and A513 (east Stafford).

Buses operated by Chaserider and Select Bus Services connect local areas. National Express West Midlands service 54 was replaced and withdrawn in April 2020.

Healthcare

The town has its own parliamentary constituency, represented by Leigh Ingham of the Labour Party since 2024. County Hospital provides non-specialist medical services, while St George’s Hospital offers mental health services. Rowley Hall Hospital is private and run by Ramsay Healthcare but also offers some NHS treatment.

The town receives primary health care from the South Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group. Staffordshire Police headquarters are in Weston Road, with a police station in Eastgate Street. The town has its own prison, providing accommodation for about 750 male sex offenders.

Sports and Recreation

Stafford is home to three football clubs, two rugby union clubs, a hockey club, and the Stafford Post Office Rifle and Pistol Club. The Stafford Cricket and Hockey Club is nearly 160 years old and hosts various sports facilities. The first and second elevens play in the North Staffordshire and South Cheshire League, while the third and fourth elevens play in the Stone and District Cricket League.

A parkrun was launched in Stafford in December 2018 on the Isabel Trail. The town is also home to several nature reserves: Astonfields Balancing Lakes, Doxey Marshes, Kingsmead Marsh, Radford Meadows.

Twin Towns

Stafford has twin towns: Belfort, France; Dreieich, Germany; Skarżysko-Kamienna, Poland; Stafford, Virginia, United States; and Tarragona, Spain. These connections highlight the town’s global reach and cultural exchange.

Conclusion

Stafford is a town with a rich tapestry of history, from its founding as a defensive burh to its current status as a thriving market town. Its journey through time has seen it adapt and evolve, much like the industries that have risen and fallen within its borders.