Stafford Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Stafford

    There is evidence that Stafford's history dates back as far as 700 AD. In the middle ages, it became an important town dealing in cloth and wool. In the 18th century, the shoe industry became big in the town, and this continued until the late 19th century, when it began to die out. After the railway came to Stafford in the Victorian era, factories began to appear - these includ...Read moreed Dorman Diesels, Bagnalls, and Siemens (English Electric). Read less

  • 2. Now in Stafford

    Today Stafford is a thriving market town, with a college and university. New businesses that have been attracted to the area include computer firms and electronic manufacturers. Architecture in the town is varied and includes two Norman churches, Tudor and Stuart half-timbered buildings, Georgian town houses, the classic Shire Hall, the French Gothic Borough Hall and the Edward...Read moreian Baroque County Buildings. Read less

  • 3. Events in Stafford

    The Stafford Half Marathon takes place every March and attracts thousands of runners. The Stafford School and Family Fun Run is a one-mile race for children and is linked to the half marathon. Children aged 4-18 are invited to wear fancy dress, and medals are awarded. The Stafford Arts Festival takes place every year and includes events at Ancient High House and 40 other venues...Read more in the town. The Stafford Festival is held in May and includes performances of dance, drama and music. The Staffordshire County Show takes place in the town in June and includes plenty of animal events as well as entertainment for all the family. The Stafford Grand Prix cycling race is held in the town in June and is part of the British Cycling Elite Circuit Series. Events and entertainment take place during the day and evening. Many events take place at the Shugborough Historic Estate, including themed weekends and the annual Shugborough County Show. Read less

  • 4. Attractions in Stafford

    Stafford's Ancient High House is a fine Tudor building that has been turned into a museum. Visitors are taken on a trip through history with rooms dedicated to different periods in time. The site is also the home of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum. Izaak Walton's Cottage is a thatched cottage that is more than 300 years old and was once the home of the celebrated author of Th...Read moree Compleat Angler. It offers an insight into the history of fishing and the literary talent of Izaak Walton, and has a medieval herb and rose garden. It is free to visit. Stafford Castle is over 900 years old and was first built by the Normans. The 26-acre site consists of castle keep, inner bailey, outer bailey, woodland, herb garden and visitor centre. The centre has displays, hands-on exhibits and activities. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Stafford

    Stafford Town Trails can be followed around the town and include a tour of historic buildings, a route taking in some of the most interesting churches and a tour of some of the sites where spooky goings on have been reported. The town trails are organised by the borough council. Step back in time with a visit to Shugborough, which is a real working historic estate. Visitors can...Read more experience the sights, sounds and smells of history as real characters take them on a journey around the estate and bring it to life. The Shire Hall gallery has an exhibition space, a craft shop, a children's activity area and a sensory room that allows visitors to experience different light, sound and touch sensations. Read less

  • 6. Business in Stafford

    The Guildhall Shopping Centre in Stafford offers all the high street names in a modern setting. The other main shopping centre is Gaolgate Place. In contrast, the picturesque lanes and side streets offer smaller designer shops, restaurants and cafes. Stafford Indoor Market has over 70 stalls selling food and other items. It is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays....Read more Farmers' markets are held in Market Square on the second Saturday of each month and a craft and collectables market is held in Market Square on the third Saturday of each month. Read less

  • 7. Transport in Stafford

    By car, Stafford is close to the M6 motorway and can be accessed by junctions 13 and 14. The A518 links to the east and the west and the A34 links to the north and south of the town. Stafford train station is on the West Coast mainline between London, the North West and Scotland with fast and frequent services to and from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Liverpool...Read more, Stoke-on-Trent, Glasgow and the South West. Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Liverpool international airports are all within an hour's drive of Stafford. Read less

  • 8. Entertainment in Stafford

    Stafford Gatehouse Theatre has a variety of events on its calendar, including comedy, family shows, pantomimes, amateur theatre, Shakespeare plays and touring shows.

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Stafford

    The Ancient High House was built in around 1595 and is the largest remaining timber framed town house in England. Stafford Castle is a prominent feature on the town's skyline and has a rich history to tell.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Stafford

    Chartley Moss, on the outskirts of Stafford, is a swamp that has existed for thousands of years. It has a layer of peat and moss on the top, which makes it move. It is known as a ‘quaking bog'.

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  • Free servicing on all new air conditioning installations

    Free servicing on all new air conditioning installations

    We are currently offering free servicing on any equipment installed between march and may 2012. This offer covers the first service visit on the equipment that has been installed, when a service agreement is taken out to cover your equipment. Regular maintenance is now your legal responsibility; air conditioning systems must be serviced twice per year to comply with Fgas regulations, and gas fired appliances, such as central heating boiler, must be serviced annually to meet Gas Safe regulations. Regular servicing is also a benefit to you, ensuring that your equipment runs reliably and efficiently, saving you money on your running costs and repair costs. It also qualifies your equipment for an extended warranty in many cases; for example if you take out a bi-annual service agreement on your new air conditioning equipment we can offer up to five year parts and labour warranties, meaning that in the case of equipment breakdown we would attend site, diagnose the problem, supply and install the replacement parts and re-commission the equipment, all at no extra cost to you. Please quote "Free Servicing Offer" when placing your order to qualify.
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  • New life for old building

    One of Stafford’s oldest buildings has re-opened to the public after being given a modern touch. The Stafford Ale House, formerly The Pie and Ale House, has opened its doors again after being given a new image by new owners Ann Maydew and Peter Lythgoe. The Stafford Ale House was built in the 16th century as town house. It was converted into offices in 1967 and later opened as a café bar known as The Noah’s Ark. Many people believe …

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  • Families inspired to cook

    A council cooking initiative has been helping families to cook from scratch on a budget. The project, by Stafford Borough Council, aimed to help residents who are struggling with the current economic climate, while inspiring them to cook international dishes at the same time. Cook and Eat events were organised across the borough and recipes were taken from Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. The idea was inspired by the Olympics and aimed to represent the five rings of …

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  • Circus parade will warm up torch spectators

    A parade of circus performers and local schoolchildren will warm up the crowds in Stafford before the Olympic Torch passes through the town. The circus procession has been organised by Stafford Borough Council to entertain spectators as they line the streets to wait for the Olympic relay in the town on May 30. Acrobats, dancers, stilt walkers and jugglers will parade along the route, followed by community groups and schoolchildren. The schoolchildren will be showing off creations they have designed …

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  • Top Olympic roles for university students and staff

    Student Sophie Heath is hoping to give Jamaican runner Usain Bolt a hug after landing a top role in the London 2012 Olympics. Sophie, 20, of Staffordshire University, was picked from 50,000 hopefuls to be part of the ceremony operations team at the Games. The BA (Hons) Event Management student said: “To be part of the Olympics in the UK is a fantastic opportunity and I am delighted that I will be part of it as the memories will last …

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