Stafford History, a brief overview of Stafford's past.

A brief gallop through Stafford's past!

There has been a permanent settlement in the Stafford area since around 900-700bc. Iron age man settled here because of its rich mineral deposits and vast forests. Things have changed since then in terms of the surrounding countryside. A large forest still exists to the southeast (Cannock Chase) but the rest consists of mainly farmland, marsh and meadow.

A great deal of Iron-age and Roman evidence survives in Stafford and the surrounding area, however much of Stafford's history between 900bc - 800ad is unknown. In the 9th century, Stafford played a central part in the build up of the pottery industry in the Staffordshire area.

The early 10th century was dominated by the war against the invading Danes. Aethelflaed, the daughter of King Alfred of Wessex fortified the area and held the Danes back. Her success was largely due to the surrounding marshes and dry hills. The marshes later gave name to the town, Staith Ford, 'ford' by a 'staithe' (landing place).

Stafford Castle circa 1984, mounted upon the earthworks of an impressive Norman Fort.

The 11th century (1070) saw William the Conqueror build a fort in Stafford, and he didn't stop there. The surrounding area was dotted with Norman forts and strongholds, this was due to the resistance of the local people against the Normans.

Stafford Ancient High House, the largest timber framed town house in England

Not much is known from here to the 16th century, Stafford was given a charter, bloomed as a small town for a while, then blended into the dark-ages, as did much of Britain.

The 17th century saw a revival of Stafford. King Charles I visited the town, he stayed at the ancient high house, as did Prince Rupert. The royalist Staffordians held off the parliamentary army for a while but eventually fell in mid 1643. John Bradshaw, the town's parliament minister presided over Charles I's trial and signed his death warrant.

This 2 inch cannon shot was found at Castlefields allotments in 1960, and was given to a W.G.Bagnall apprentice who was passing on route from Castle Engine works to Stafford Castle, half a mile away via the right of way. The shot was of the type used by Cromwell's model army in the civil war when Royalist Stafford surrendered to parliamentary forces on the 16th May 1643, and at this same time Lady Stafford vacated the castle under siege after which the roundheads ordered its destruction.

The 18th century saw Stafford develop as a town of trade and production. A minor pottery industry had developed and a much larger shoe industry flourished. The shoe industry dominated Stafford's industry until the late 19th century and put Stafford on the map as a major Town in England.

The 20th century saw Stafford (along with everyone else) move into the modern era. As the traditional shoe industries died, new and more large-scale industries moved in. These included large scale electrical companies, glue manufacturers, steam industries and wood yards. During the second world war a Stafford company produced tanks and shortly after, a large scale munitions and storage yard was setup for the military.

So what does the 21st century hold ?.. Well Stafford has attracted large computer firms and electronic manufacturers, these include GEC Alsthom and Omega Computing. Traditional companies like Evode, RAF Stafford and GEC still dominate the local workforce, however hi-tech companies have recently been attracted to the newly developed technology park at Beaconside and the town continues to expand.

(Written November 1998)

Footnote: The sections of this article that relate to a 'current' timeline were written in 1998 and were accurate at the time of publishing. The social and economic structure has changed in Stafford since then. This document has been edited only minimally in order to preserve its historical relevance.

History Extra, 20th Century

Stafford was dominated by the "working class" throughout the early 20th century. Production intensive industry required masses of low and semi skilled employees.

Many of the inner parts of the town where given to low cost terraced housing and industrial expansion. Combining the two meant that staff were close to their work places and employers could control their cost of living which in turn meant the wages could be kept low.

Example of early 20th century middle class housing, situated on Rowley Bank, Stafford

The outer parts of the town were reserved for the middle to upper class workers. Areas like Rowley park reflect the style of housing and living that these people enjoyed. Today, these once middle class houses sell for hugely inflated prices.

The here and now?

Stafford is currently in a state of limbo. Although production and commercial industries still increase year after year, the housing situation is very tight.

The 'powers that be' must build on greenbelt land (the industries already have) to accommodate new residents.

With new residents comes a natural increase in population. Inner redevelopments are inevitable, recent sites include Stafford General Infirmary, St Georges, and the Grammar School on the Newport Road.

While these sites are developed for commercial and office space the housing situation remains fairly stagnant.

The outer regions of the town have seen most of the new housing developments, the old Lotus site and Venables wood yard have recently been converted into tightly packed low to medium cost housing. These sites are generally no good for modern business due to poor road access and lack of surrounding land to expand into.

Stafford, Venables Wood Yard site, redeveloped for housing

With increasing industry and decreased housing availability the job market looks very rosy. Maybe commuters will fill the vacancies ! Whatever the outcome, based on its past, Stafford is sure to come out on top.