PROBATE VALUATIONS IN STAFFORD

The History of Stafford

The orgin of Stafford is believed to have been in around 700 AD, when Bertelin, a prince of Mercia, set up a small dwelling in the area. The first settlement is thought to have been on the peninsula on the River Snow, which provided a suitable crossing, despite the area being prone to flooding. The name of the town translates to ‘ford by a staithe’, which means landing place.

By 913, Stafford had already established itself as a key centre for grain delivery, and this was capitalised on by the military leader and Lady of Mercia, Æthelflæd. She constructed a fortified burh on the land which developed Stafford as an industrial town, producing pottery in the Roman style. Many burhs were constructed by Æthelflæd at this time to protect the north and west from Vikings and unify England from its division into multiple kingdoms.

Stafford was a key military base under Æthelflæd and was responsible for the production of weaponry and coins, as well as the trades in food and pottery. In 1069 and 1071, 151 years after the death of Æthelflæd, Stafford faced multiple battles and rebellions eventually leading to the distribution of the Stafford lands between supporters of William the Conqueror.

In 1090, Stafford castle was constructed under Norman rule, which has been re-built three times since. Further changes to the town landscape occurred at the end of the 12^th century, and the town was redeveloped, receiving market status in the early 13^th century. After years as a thriving trade town, Stafford required further redevelopment in the mid-16^th century, after the town suffered greatly from the plague.

Industry in Stafford was boosted once again in the mid-19^th century upon the construction of the railway. Today, many historical landmarks are still standing, including St Chad’s Church, which was constructed in the 12^th century and Sandon Hall, constructed in the 19^th century.