JAN25: Historical Stafford

GET SOCIAL THIS JANUARY! This event is one of loads of events taking place over the same weekend! Check out all the events over the weekend of 17-19 January 2025: OutdoorLads.events/JAN25. Great for new and regular members!

Stafford has a vast history from Ancient, Anglo-Saxon, Norman and Medieval, Tudor and beyond.

Stafford became an important market town in the Middle Ages, and later grew into an important industrial town due to the proliferation of shoemaking, engineering and electrical industries.

Join Samuel for a walk around the town, look out for indications of times of old and hear some of the histories of the town. We will also visit the recently refurbished Victoria Park and visit the following attractions: (All entry is free)

The Ancient High House - is one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country. Once dominating the skyline of Stafford, it is the largest remaining timber framed town house in England.

Royalty was welcomed to the house in 1642 when King Charles I stayed there enroute to Shrewsbury, and the house retains an extensive collection of period furniture and architectural features. It is also the home of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum.

Built in around 1595 for the wealthy Dorrington family, the ornate timber framed building is reputed to be the largest surviving timber framed town house in England from the Tudor period.

In 1986 the house opened as a museum and now provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who have lived there over the centuries.

Visit the Civil War Room where King Charles 1 and Prince Rupert stayed during their brief visit to the town; view the Stuart Bedroom with its magnificent four poster bed; admire the elegant splendour of the Wallpaper Room with its Georgian displays; visit Mr Marson in his Edwardian Shop; and observe the grand comfort of the Victorian Room.

To learn more about how the house was built the Castle Room has an interesting display showing and explaining the method of construction and the materials used - this room is fascinating!

The attic floor is home to the Staffordshire Yeomanry Regiment Museum, founded in 1794. As a local volunteer force the Yeomanry saw active service for over 200 years. The extensive range of items on display reflects their illustrious and distinguished history.

Stafford History Centre -  New to the town: Bringing together three incredible collections, from the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Archive Service, the County Museum and the William Salt Library including an extension to the existing Staffordshire Record Office to showcase collections and local exhibitions. The Staffordshire Archives and Heritage collections are nationally important stretching back over 1000 years and the Staffordshire History Centre allows these fascinating items more accessible to a wider audience.

The Soup Kitchen – 16th Century The Soup Kitchen has come a long way since it first opened three centuries ago and now can comfortably sit over three hundred guests. We will stop here for tea and cake or alternative refreshments.

New Members

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Picture of the Ancient High House permitted for use by Stafford Borough Council, Stafford History Centre and William Salt Library permitted for use by Staffordshire County Council. Soup Kitchen taken by ODL member and permitted for use.