Stafford
Stafford is the county town of Staffordshire, 14 miles from Stoke-on-Trent. Its origins are in the Anglo-Saxon period, when it was founded by Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great.
St. Mary`s Church is impressively large, and has a memorial to local man Izaak Walton, who was baptised here. It has a Norman font. Close to the church are the foundations of the earlier St. Bertelin`s Chapel.
St. Chad`s Church has much Norman and mediaeval work, including an outstanding Norman chancel arch.
The Market Square is dominated by the 18th century Shirehall.
The Ancient High House, built in the 16th century, is a huge timber framed house which is now open as a museum. It was visited by Charles I and Prince Rupert.
The earthworks of mediaeval Stafford Castle are a little outside the town centre. The castle was destroyed in 1643, during the Civil War. The present castle is 19th century.
The politician-dramatist Richard Brinsley Sheridan was M.P. for Stafford.
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Stafford for groups.