A History of Stafford

Legend has it that Stafford was founded around 700AD by a Mercian Prince called Bertelin.
Legend has it that originally the town was established on an area surrounded by marsh with a landing place “called a staith” and a crossing place called a Ford hence the name Stafford.

In 913AD Aethelflaed the daughter of King Alfred established a “brugh” at Stafford.
A burgh is a defensive fortified settlement.

A mint was established around 930AD and lasted until 1156AD in the town.
In the 10th century the town was made the county town.
1069 the battle of Stafford against the Norman invasion led by Edric the Wild.
1070 William the Conqueror built a wooden castle.

1071 Edwin Earl of Mercia was assassinated and his lands distributed amongst William’s follower’s. Robert de Tonei was granted the manor of Bradley and one third of the Kings rents in Stafford.
New castle built at castle bank by Robert de Tonei and was later to become the family seat of the Stafford Family.
1206 King John granted a Charter of Liberties to Stafford, this Charter included among other things the right of inheritance.
Cloth and wool were at this time vitally important industries.
St Chad’s church dates from the 12th century.
St Mary’s church built 1206.

1299 Richard II was paraded through the town as a prisoner by the future king Henry IV.
Ralph de Stafford was created Earl of Stafford in 1351 and was given permission to rebuild the castle in 1348 under Edward III.
Edmund Earl of Stafford killed at battle of Shrewsbury in 1403 fighting for the King Henry IV.

His successor made Duke of Buckingham in1444.
Killed at battle of Northampton in 1460.
His successor second Duke of Buckingham executed for treachery.
His son Third Duke of Buckingham executed by Henry VIII on trumped up charges.
High House built 1585.
Chetwynd House built 1746.
1766 General Infirmary built.
1792 first Theatre built.
Main industry manufacture of cloth.
Shire Hall built 1795

1801 (first census) population approx 4,000.
1830 Act of Parliament created a body of men called Improvement Commissioners to pave and clean streets and then light them with gas.
1837 railways arrive.
1876 Borough Hall built.
Late 18th and 19th centuries shoe making became the most important industry in the town.
1892 Royal Brine Baths opened
1895 Electricity arrives.
1908 Victoria Park opens.
1914 New Post Office opened.
1934 Stafford Guildhall opened.
1978 Queensway built.
1991 New Crown Court built.
2001 Census population approx 62,000.

With the best of intention all of the above information is true, correct and given in good faith, however, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions contained within the above.

Equally we recommend that should you need or want to find out more you should conduct more detailed independant research.