Staffordware has been recorded from all over the Midlands. In the late Saxon period the country was divided into shires. Stafford was chosen as the county town ahead of Tamworth, which had been the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mercia.
Is Stafford a town or county?
Stafford (/ˈstæfərd/) is a market town and the county town of Staffordshire, in the West Midlands region of England. It lies about 15 miles (24 km) north of Wolverhampton, 15 miles (24 km) south of Stoke-on-Trent and 24 miles (39 km) northwest of Birmingham.
When did Staffordshire become a county?
An administrative county of Staffordshire was set up in 1889 under the Local Government Act 1888 covering the county, except for the county boroughs of Wolverhampton, Walsall, and West Bromwich in the south (the area known as the Black Country), and Hanley in the north.
What is Stafford famous for?
The county town of Stafford is home to the Ancient High House, built in 1595 and the largest timber-framed town house in England. Stafford Castle boasts over 900 years of history, its original motte and bailey castle topped with the ruins of the 19th century castle.
Why is Staffordshire called the creative county?
Staffordshire has badged itself as ‘the Creative County’; this celebrates our present cultural activity and our unique heritage. We recognise that within our County there is a rich and diverse history to celebrate and promote.
What is the only city in Staffordshire?
Stoke-on-Trent (often abbreviated to Stoke) is a city and unitary authority area in Staffordshire, England, with an area of 36 square miles (93 km2). In 2019, the city had an estimated population of 256,375.
What is the biggest town in Staffordshire?
Stoke-on-Trent
List of settlements in Staffordshire by population
| Rank | Settlement | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | ||
| 1 | Stoke-on-Trent | 249,008 |
| 2 | Tamworth | 76,813 |
| 3 | Newcastle-under-Lyme | 75,082 |
What is the oldest county in England?
Oxfordshire – The county with the oldest continuous settlement in England; Abingdon.
What accent does Staffordshire have?
Potteries is an English dialect of the West Midlands of England, almost exclusively in and around Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
Did Birmingham used to be in Staffordshire?
Originally part of Warwickshire, Birmingham expanded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, absorbing parts of Worcestershire to the south and Staffordshire to the north and west.
Is Stafford a nice place to live?
Stafford is a town where happy people live, in fact, it was ranked as among the happiest and most affordable places in the UK. Situated in the centre of the county of Staffordshire, Stafford is a thriving market town with bustling shops, restaurants and cafes.
How do Detroit fans feel about Stafford?
But as our poll showed before Super Bowl kickoff, a large majority of Lions fans were supporting Stafford in the title game—80 percent according to our very unscientific poll. That support did not go unnoticed to the former Lions quarterback.
What does Stafford mean?
Stafford is an English surname originating from Staffordshire which may derive from Anglo-Saxon meaning ‘landing stage by the ford‘. The Staffords may also refer to the people of Staffordshire.
Why is part of the Midlands called the Black Country?
The name has been in use since the mid-19th century and is thought to refer to the colour of the coal seam or the air pollution from the many thousands of foundries and factories around at the time; in 1862, Elihu Burritt famously described the area as being ‘black by day and red by night’.
Why is Newcastle under Lyme called?
Newcastle-under-Lyme takes its name from the new castle erected about 1145 by Ranulf de Gernons, 4th earl of Chester, in the proximity of the Lyme Forest. The castle became obsolete in Tudor times. The town received its first royal charter of incorporation in 1173.
Why is it called Dudley?
Dudley has a history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, its name deriving from the Old English Duddan Leah, meaning Dudda’s clearing, and one of its churches being named in honour of the Anglo-Saxon King and Saint, Edmund.
What are the five towns of Staffordshire?
Why the ‘The Five Towns’? Arnold Bennett was born and raised in the Potteries which consisted of the six towns of Tunstall, Burslem (where Bennett spent most of his childhood and youth), Hanley (where he was born), Fenton, Stoke and Longton.
Why are so many places called Stoke?
Stoke is usually derived from the word ‘stoc’, which meant a hamlet or little settlement, which depended on a bigger settlement nearby. Meonstoke was the stoc of the Meon people. The Danish word Thorpe meant the same thing. Stow or stowe is usually derived from stowe, which meant meeting place.
Why is Stoke-on-Trent called Stoke-on-Trent?
The new federated town took its name from the town of Stoke-upon-Trent, where the administration and chief mainline railway station were located.
What is the safest place to live in Staffordshire?
Towards the centre and south of Staffordshire there are some fantastic towns and cities including Lichfield, Cannock Chase and Tamworth. Each have their own delights and historic treasures making excellent places to live. Lichfield is a delightful City around 10 miles north of Birmingham.
Did Wolverhampton used to be in Staffordshire?
In 1974, as a result of local government reorganisation, Wolverhampton became a metropolitan borough, transferring from Staffordshire into the newly formed West Midlands county.