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Lying towards the central region of Staffordshire, the town began as a Mercian hermitage in 700 AD. The Lady Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great, established a burh here in 913 AD. The village became an industrial area with various trades, including the production of Roman styled pottery.
The king attempted to unify England as a kingdom and the people continuously defended the territory against Viking invasion. Stafford regularly supplied the military with food, money and weaponry. Lady Aethelflaed ruled the land following the demise of her father and her husband until her death in 918 AD. Staffordshire became a county during this time.
Wars continued plaguing the region and in 1069, Eadric the Wild defended the land against the Normans. Two years later, Mercian Earl Edwin, succumbed to the Norman invasion. The Normans built the Stafford castle in 1090, first of wood and then fortified with stone. By 1206, Stafford was but a borough. A motte on the western peninsula served as defence. Cloth, wool and other trades supported the economy. Many royals visited Stafford, but the town fell to Parliamentarian rule after the Civil War. The town continued growing and by the 1600s, trade included pottery and shoe making, industries that lasted over a century.
Activities and Attractions
Once a mighty fortress, the ruins of Stafford Castle sit on a hill west of town. The structure required reconstruction twice after its origin in 1090. Audio tours and a visitor's centre are available on the site. Amongst the oldest buildings in Stafford is the St. Chad's Church. Constructed around 1100 AD, the structure retains much of its original Norman architecture. Curious stone carvings grace the church interior. One carving depicts the Green Man while others, some believe, tell the story of David and Goliath. The facility offers guests the opportunity of learning St. Chad's history through a timewalk, featuring lights, music and narration.
Constructed in 1595 by a wealthy family, many believe the Ancient High House is the largest timber Tudor structure in England. Though the establishment once entertained royal guests, the High House today serves as a museum. The facility houses decor and furnishings throughout history, along with exhibits depicting local life through the centuries. The building also contains a yeoman military collection. Guests enjoy the fresh air while entertaining the sights and senses by visiting the unusual Biddulph Grange Gardens. See plants obtained from all over the world set in backdrops that feature an Egyptian pyramid, Italian terrace and oriental gardens.
Places to Stay and Dining
Many local hotels employ multilingual staff that welcome guests from all over the world. Stafford popular name hotels treat visitors to the most modern conveniences, which includes a complimentary breakfast.
The Alexander Restaurant, located in the historic Weston Hall, serves a large variety of International cuisine. Menu favourites include duck in kumquat and Grand Marnier sauce or fillet of pork flamed with Marsala. The venue also offers a wide selection of deliciously elegant desserts.
Accommodation in Stafford
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