Staffordshire, county in west-midlands of England; bounded NW. and N. by Cheshire, NE. and E. by Derbyshire, SE. by Warwickshire, S. by Worcestershire, and W. by Shropshire; greatest length, N. and S., 50 miles; greatest breadth, E. and W., 34 miles; area, 748,433 acres, population 981,013. Staffordshire lies in the basin of the Trent, which traverses the county from NW. to SE., receiving the Sow (with its tributary the Penk), Tame, Blythe, and Dove. Except in the north, which is chiefly wild moorland, the surface is generally level or gently undulating. About three-fourths of the surface is arable, but much of the soil is of a cold clayey nature; the best land is in the south. Along the banks of the streams are many rich meadows. The new red sandstone occupies the whole of the centre of the county, but in the N. and S. are 2 valuable coal fields – the Pottery coal field and the Dudley coal field, the latter of which is celebrated for the extraordinary thickness of one of its seams, for the excellence of its coal for ironmaking, and the number and richness of its iron ores. Its mineral wealth has given Staffordshire rank as the third county in England for manufacturing industry, North Staffordshire being the chief seat of the earthenware manufacture in the kingdom, and South Staffordshire one of the chief seats of the iron manufacture. The whole county is covered with a network of railways and canals. Staffordshire contains 5 hundreds, 247 parishes, and parts of 5 others, the parliamentary and municipal boroughs of Hanley, Newcastle under Lyme, Stafford, Stoke upon Trent, Walsall, West Bromwich, and Wolverhampton [Wolverhampton and Wednesbury became part of the West Midlands in 1974], the parliamentary borough of Wednesbury, the municipal boroughs of Burslem, Lichfield, and Longton, and parts of the municipal boroughs of Burton on Trent and Tamworth. It is mostly in the diocese of Lichfield.
– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)
Ancient High House
Greengate Street
Stafford ST16 2JA
01785 619131
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.
Apedale Valley Light Railway
Apedale Country Park, Loomer Road, Chesterton
Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 7LB
0845 094 1953
www.avlr.org.uk
The Trust currently operates the Apedale Valley Light Railway and is constructing a new museum to display its collection of industrial narrow gauge equipment.
Audley & District Family History Society
20 Hillside Avenue, Endon
Stoke-on-Trent ST9 9HH
www.acumenbooks.co.uk/audleynet/famhist/index.htm
Audley parish is situated in the rolling hills of North Staffordshire and has a long and interesting history, including farming and a period of intensive coal mining. Since 1986 the Audley and District Family History Society has been working to make records available for Audley and its adjoining parishes.
Biddulph & District Genealogy & Historical Society
134 Mow Lane, Gillow Heath, Biddulph
Stoke-on-Trent ST8 6RJ
Local and family history society. Meetings held once a month in local library.
Boscobel House & The Royal Oak – English Heritage
Brewood
Bishops Wood ST19 9AR
01902 850244
Built in about 1632, Boscobel House, originally a timber-framed farmhouse, was converted into a hunting lodge by John Giffard of Whiteladies. The Giffard family were Roman Catholics, at a time when the religion suffered persecution, and tradition holds that the true purpose of Boscobel was to serve as a secret place for the shelter of Catholics in times of need. Following the execution of King Charles I in 1649, his eldest son made a brave though misguided attempt to regain the throne. In 1651 his hopes were crushed at Worcester in the final conflict of the Civil War. Young Charles was forced to flee for his life. He sought refuge at Boscobel, hiding first in a tree which is now known as The Royal Oak and then spending the night in a priest-hole in the house’s attic. Boscobel remained a working farm and visitors today can also see the dairy, farmyard, smithy, gardens, and a descendant of The Royal Oak. White Ladies Priory, another of Charles’s hiding places, is a short walk away.
Ceramica
Market Place, Burslem
Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DS
01782 832001
Ceramica revitalises the Old Town Hall of Burslem into unique visitor attraction expoloring the past and future of the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent.
Cheddleton Flint Mill & Museum
Leek Road
Cheddleton Near Leek ST13 7HL
01782 502907
www.people.exeter.ac.uk/akoutram/cheddleton-mill
Cheddleton Flint Mill consists of a complex of buildings including two separate water mills, a miller’s cottage, two flint kilns, a drying kiln and outbuildings. The Caldon Canal, which would have supplied the mill by narrow boat, passes by.
Churnet Valley Railway
Cheddleton Station, Station Road
Cheddleton ST13 7EE
01538 360 522
www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk
An Act of Parliament formed the North Staffordshire Railway in 1846. The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that passes through beautiful countryside known as Staffordshire’s ‘Little Switzerland’.
Claymills Pumping Engines Trust
Meadow Lane, Stretton
Burton upon Trent DE13 0DA
01283 509929
Preserved Victorian sewage pumping station. We have 4 beam engines, 5 Lancashire boilers, steam driven workshop, Blacksmiths’s forge, early electrical dynamo house and numerous small engines.
Erasmus Darwin House
Beacon Street
Lichfield WS13 7AD
01543 306260
Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin, was a philosopher and pioneer in science, technology and medicine. His work was of national and international significance but has been little known until recently.
Etruria Industrial Museum
Lower Bedford Street, Etruria
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7AF
01782 233 144
Etruria Industrial Museum is the last steam-powered potters’ mill in Britain. The mill is ‘in steam’ seven times a year when the 1903 boiler is fired and historic machinery can be seen working.
Ford Green Hall
Ford Green Road, Smallthorne
Stoke on Trent ST6 1NG
01782 233195
Ford Green Hall is a 17th century timber-framed farmhouse complete with period garden. An award-winning museum, the hall offers visitors a fascinating insight into the life of the 17th century.
Foxfield Steam Railway
Caverswall Road Station, Blythe Bridge
Stoke-on-Trent ST11 9EA
01782 396210
www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk
The Foxfield Light Railway is one of the UK’s earliest heritage railways. The line was built in the 1890s and unlike many lines which follow valleys, the Foxfield Railway maintains a 5½ mile round journey which boldly crosses open moorland, hills and woodland.
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Uttoxeter Road, Longton
Stoke on Trent ST3 1PQ
01782 237777
www.stokemuseums.org.uk/visit/gpm
As if frozen in time, Gladstone remains the only complete Victorian pottery factory from the days when coal-burning ovens made the world’s first bone china. Traditional skills, original workshops, the cobbled yard and huge bottle kilns create an atmospheric time warp which has no equal.
Collections: ‘Flushed with Pride’: our sanitaryware gallery tells the story of the toilet from the 1840s slum to the toilets of the future. Tile Gallery: Gladstone is home to one of the finest collections of decorative tiles in Britain. Trace the development of tiles from medieval monasteries to the space shuttle. The Doctor’s House: Hear some gruesome details of the illnesses and disease that plagued the Potteries.
Hanley Library
Bethesda Street
Stoke On Trent ST1 3RS
Our reading room is open to all members of the public without charge. An Archive Service reader’s ticket is required for use of the reading room.
Izaak Walton’s Cottage
Worston Lane, Shallow Ford, Nr. Stone
Stafford ST15 0PA
01785 760278
Izaak Walton, author of the ‘Compleat Angler’, owned this charming cottage that nestles in the tiny hamlet of Shallowford, between Stafford and Eccleshall. His charming thatched 16th century half-timbered cottage will be of interest to anglers and non anglers alike. It offers a marvellous insight into the history of fishing and the literary talent of Stafford’s famous son.
James Brindley Mill & Museum
Mill Street
Leek ST13
Tourist Information Centre 01538 483741
Brindley’s Mill has all the charm associated with a building of the period and illustrates James Brindley’s trademark design. The mill building houses a museum designed to enhance the interest of your visit. Displays illustrate the life and work of James Brindley and the history of milling, while preserving the atmosphere of a working corn mill.
Lichfield Cathedral
19A The Close
Lichfield WS13 7LD
01543 306100
When Bishop Chad of Mercia died in 672, pilgrims began to come to his shrine in Lichfield. In 700, Bishop Hedda built a new church to house his bones.
Lichfield Heritage Centre
Market Square
Lichfield WS13 6LG
01543 256611
www.lichfieldheritage.org.uk/key_info.htm
Research into Lichfield’s fascinating social history over the last 150 years through over 6000 photographs; negatives; newspapers; reports; leaflets and other interesting memorabilia from the past. Internet linked to Staffordshire County Council`s archives on www.staffspasttrack.org.uk which includes 100 photographs from our own collection relating to Lichfield.
Lichfield Record Office
The Friary
Lichfield WS13 6QG
01543 510720
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/archives
Lichfield Record Office is part of the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Archive Service, and is the record office for the Diocese of Lichfield, the City of Lichfield and the surrounding area. Our collections include records of the Diocese of Lichfield, local government, nonconformist churches, public institutions such as courts and schools, charities, businesses, and local clubs and societies.
Middleport Pottery
Port Street Middleport, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST6 3PE, United Kingdom
Stoke on Trent ST6 3PE
01782 499766
www.middleportpottery.co.uk
Middleport Pottery, home to Burleigh ware is the last working Victorian Pottery in the UK. It was acquired by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust in June 2011 and is now a wonderful visitor attraction.
Mill Meece Pumping Station Preservation Trust
Mill Meece Pumping Station, Cotes Heath
Near Eccleshall ST21 6QU
01785 617171
www.millmeecepumpingstation.co.uk
Mill Meece steam engines once pumped clean drinking water to the people of Stoke-on-Trent until they were retired from service in 1979. They are now steamed regularly for the public to enjoy. The two steam engines have been preserved in situ and are the only pair of their type still capable of being steamed.
Museum of Cannock Chase
Valley Road, Hednesford
Cannock WS12 1TD
01543 877666
www.wlct.org/museumofcannockchase
The museum has five formal display galleries. The Local History Gallery – Tracing the Chase; The Miner’s Cottage – depicting life at the turn of the 20th century; Toys and Games Past and Present – Relive your childhood memories; Seven Centuries of Coal – find out about Cannock’s industrial heritage; The 1940s Room – domestic life during the Second World War.
Museum of the Staffordshire Yeomanry – Queen’s Own Royal Regiment
Greengate Street
Stafford ST16 2HS
01785 240204
The collection covers the history of this County Yeomanry Cavalry Regiment from its formation in 1794 to 1945. Special emphasis is laid on the World War 2 period where the Yeomanry fought at El Alamein and later took part in the D Day landings and the crossing of the Rhine (in swimming tanks).
Newcastle Borough Museum & Art Gallery
Brampton Park
Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 0QP
01782 619705
www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/museum
Hidden in Brampton Park less than half a mile from the town centre lies Newcastle-under-Lyme’s local history museum featuring over 800 years of borough history. Alongside our temporary exhibitions programme we have galleries depicting the rich and diverse history of the area using our amazing collections.
Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, The
Bethesda Street, Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3DW
01782 232323
Travel back in time and discover the history of the the Potteries, including the world’s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics. See Reginald Mitchell’s World War 2 Spitfire and all sorts of art and craft.
Raven Mason Collection of Porcelain & Ironstone China at Keele University
The Raven Trust at Keele University, John Raven Room, Keele Hall, Keele University
Keele ST5 5BG
01782 584169
www.keele.ac.uk/depts/uso/pr/RavenMason
This important ceramic collection was lovingly created by brothers Ronald William and John Mason Raven; it is housed in Keele Hall within the University. It contains many important pieces outlining the development of Mason ceramics in Staffordshire from the beginning of the 19th century.
Redfern’s Cottage: Museum of Uttoxeter Life
34-36 Carter Street
Uttoxeter ST14 8EU
01889 576176
This 17th century timbered framed cottage is situated in the historic market town of Uttoxeter. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the town within the setting of an historic house with a beautiful courtyard garden.
Rudyard Lake Steam Railway
Rudyard Station
Nr Leek ST13 8PF
01538 306704
The Rudyard Lake Steam Railway is just North of Leek in Staffordshire. The lake railway uses miniature narrow gauge steam locomotives on its trains to give a 3-mile return trip along the side of Rudyard Lake.
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Breadmarket Street
Lichfield WS13 6LG
01543 264972
www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk
The museum stands in the centre of the historic city of Lichfield, which remained close to Johnson’s heart throughout his life. Best known for his Dictionary of the English Language, Johnson spent the first 27 years of his life in the large, imposing house which overlooks Market Square, frequently returning until shortly before his death in 1784.
Shire Hall Gallery
Market Square
Stafford ST16 2LD
01785 278345
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/has
The Shire Hall Gallery is the largest venue in Staffordshire dedicated to visual arts and crafts. Situated in a fascinating Grade II listed building (formerly used as the Crown Court) the Shire Hall Gallery offers visitors a mixture of old and new. Stafford’s Shire building has had several forms – the present building in the Market Square was constructed in 1793. As well as a permanent crime and punishment display in Court One, the gallery has a regularly changing programme of temporary exhibitions which focus on contemporary visual art and craft.
Shugborough Estate – National Trust
Milford, nr Stafford
nr Stafford ST17 0XB
01889 881388
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate
Leave the 21st century behind and step into the real working environments of the complete working historic estate. Shugborough is a rare example of the survival of a complete estate, with all major buildings including mansion house, servants’ quarters, model farm and walled garden See, feel, hear and smell history as our costumed ‘first person’ characters take you on a journey into the inner workings of a large country estate and bring real working environments to life.
Stafford Castle
Newport Road
Stafford ST16 2DJ
01785 257698
This prominent vantage point and strategic site was quickly recognised by the Normans, who built a huge timber fortress here by 1100 AD. Originally built by Robert de Toeni (later known as Robert of Stafford), in the Norman period, Stafford Castle has dominated the local skyline for over 900 years. The visitor centre brings Stafford Castle to life.
Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Archive Service
Staffordshire Record Office, Eastgate Street
Stafford ST16 2LZ
01785 278379
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/archives
Burton:
Burton Family and Local History Centre, Burton Library, Riverside, High Street
Burton upon Trent DE14 1AH
01283 239556
Lichfield:Lichfield Record Office, The Friary
Lichfield WS13 6QG
01543 510720
Stoke on Trent:Stoke on Trent City Archives, City Central Library, Bethesda Street, Hanley
Stoke on Trent ST1 3RS
01782 238420
William Salt Library:
Eastgate Street
Stafford ST16 2LZ
01785 278372
Archives & Heritage comprises the Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Archive Service and the County Museum Service. Together we care for the historic archives of Staffordshire and Stoke and the museum collection for the County of Staffordshire. Our Archives Service can help you to find out more about the history of your family or your local community. The William Salt Library collections represent an outstanding resource for the study of local and family history in Staffordshire and are available for consultation by the public in our reading rooms free of charge.
Staffordshire Arts & Museum Service
Shugborough Estate, Milford
Stafford ST17 0XB
01889 881 388
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/sams
Staffordshire Arts and Museum Services is made up of The Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford and the County Museum housed at Shugborough Hall just outside Stafford centre. The Shire Hall Gallery is a contemporary art Gallery showing temporary exhibitions. The County Museum houses collections connected to Staffordshire.
Staffordshire County Museum
Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service, Shugborough
Milford ST17 0XB
01889 881388
Housed in the Servants’ Quarters at the Shugborough Estate, the County Museum features the restored Victorian kitchen, laundry and brewhouse, as well as galleries and temporary exhibitions illustrating Staffordshire life over the past 200 years.
Staffordshire Regiment Museum
Whittington Barracks
Lichfield WS14 9PY
01543 434394
www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com
Situated on the A51 between Lichfield and Tamworth, next to Whittington Barracks, the museum tells the story of the present day Staffordshire Battalion of the Mercian Regiment and its predecessors from 1705. There are frequent special exhibitions and events in the museum and/or its extensive grounds.
Tamworth Castle
The Holloway, Ladybank
Tamworth B79 7NA
01827 709626
www.tamworthcastle.co.uk
A visit to Tamworth Castle takes you back in time and offers a perfect blend of fascinating history, regular live entertainment events and a stunningly complete building. As you explore the castle you can see for yourself the maze of intact rooms, halls and chambers that still echo with events from Saxon beginnings, Norman dynasties, Tudor grandeur and great family influences.
Tutbury Castle
Castle St Tutbury
Burton Upon Trent DE13 9JF
01283 812129
Situated in the heart of England, Tutbury Castle sits on wooded slopes overlooking the winding River Dove, with spectacular views across the plain of the Dove to the beautiful Derbyshire hills. Its commanding view and natural defensive position makes this an obvious site for a castle. Now the castle is host to a variety of events from theatre to ghost hunts.
Wall Roman Site
Watling Street
Nr Lichfield WS14 0AW
0870 333 1181
Wall was an important staging post on Watling Street, the Roman military road to North Wales. It provided overnight accommodation for travelling Roman officials and imperial messengers.
Wedgwood Museum & Visitor Centre
Wedgwood Drive, Barlaston
Stoke on Trent ST12 9ER
01782 371900
The Wedgwood Museum contains the world’s greatest collection of Wedgwood ceramics, ranging from a unique collection of Josiah Wedgwood’s original trials for the perfection of Queen’s Ware, later delivered in the form of a 900+ piece dinner service to Catherine the Great of Russia in 1774, to a rare 5 foot high Exhibition Vase, decorated by Emile Lessore, the only one of its kind in Britain.