Destination Stafford

24/03/2025

Loved the pageant. I’d love to bring it back

Dorothy Irene (Duckie) Dodds in her Gramophone Costume, Stafford Pageant, 1925.

Duckie was married to Percy Dodds who owned the Golden Key shop on Gaol Road. She won first prize with this costume, which 'records' the amount of money collected each year for Stafford Infirmary. Her other spectacular fundraising costumes include a dress made of keys and one made of mirrors.

The annual procession through Stafford ended with a fair on the town common. A prize was awarded to the best decorated entries and along the route collections were made for Stafford General Infirmary.

21/02/2025

Please feel free you share

20/02/2025

19/02/2025

Do you know your pubs in Stafford town centre ?
This is going into the free booklet I'm drafting for History Day.
Eastgate Street
The Fox and George one to 2 Eastgate St 1714 to 1904
The White Hart 7 Eastgate St 1803-1936
The Castle Inn 10 Eastgate St 1822-1956
The Bottle and Glass 11 &12 Eastgate St 1614- 1817
The Rob Roy 20 Eastgate St 1867-1910
The Lord Nelson 31 to 32 Eastgate St 1798 still in existence
The Theatre Bar (Sheridan/Dappers) 38 Eastgate St 1743 to present day now empty
Cow and Hare 55/56 Eastgate St 1786 -1928
The Spread Eagle 63 Eastgate St 1839 to 1913
The Malt & Hops 68 Eastgate St 1862 - 1923
Shrewsbury Arms 75 Eastgate St 1788 present day
The Crown Tavern Eastgate St 1542 to 1666 now Eastgate House
The Goat 80 Eastgate St 1753-1873
The King's Arms 95 to 98 Eastgate St 1690s to 1700
The Blue Boar Pig Market 1794-1801 adjacent to the Ye Olde Rose and Crown
Tipping Street
The Crispin 14 Tipping St 1791 to 1912
The Turks Head 19 Tipping Street 1611 to 1911
The Duke of York 6 and 7 Tipping St 1784- 1928
Greengate Street
The Bridge Tavern Greengate St 1753 to 1755 situated by the river at Green Gate where the Brine Baths used to be (Civic Offices)
The Alexandra Hotel 18 Greengate St 1817-1961
The New Inn 26 Greengate Street 1830-1849. In 1890 demolished to make way for Brine Baths
The Swan Hotel 45 to 46 Greengate St 1614 to present day
The Jolly Bacchus 8 Greengate St 1851 to 1912
The Bear 7 Greengate St 1731 to present day
The Woolpack 33 Greengate St 1859 to 1891 was demolished to allow the building of the new pub The Bath Hotel in 1892.In 1980 the building became Pitchers Wine Bar. In 2002 became the Tavern The Brine Baths opposite being demolished in 1976.
The Post House 35 Greengate St was built in 1714 – see main article
The Talbot Inn 50 to 52 Greengate St 1588 to 1708
The Bull and Cross Keys 57 Greengate St 1672- 1770
The Old Bulls Head Inn Greengate St 1732 to 1787
The Roebuck 5 Greengate St 1787-1873
Martin Street Area
The Old Blue Posts Inn, 16 Martin St 1862 to 1918. In c1925 number 15 & 16 were bought by Staffordshire County Council for offices, sold when a modern purpose-built office building on Tipping Street was in 2011. The buildings are apartments called Martin Street Mansions
The Roebuck St Martin’s Lane 1765 to 1799.
The Plume of Feathers St Martins Lane 1802 to 1810
The Rising Sun 17 Martin St 1860 to 1892 when the County Council acquired all the buildings County Council Offices which opened in 1895
The Fountain Inn 14 Martin St 1788- 1910
The Shakespeare 10 Martin St (Lane) 1806 to 1857 the alehouse was next to the Lyceum Theatre. In 1915 the theatre then known as The Playhouse burnt down
The Market Vaults 4 St Martin’s Place 1800 to present day
The Doghouse 5 Martin Street built c1840 a Georgian Grade II listed building, at one time the Tandoori Mahal, Kitchen Corner, Esprei, Satchmos.
Market Street Area
Ye Olde Rose and Crown 10 Market St 1706 to present day
The Shoulder of Mutton full Market Street 18591913
Old Shoulder of Mutton 7 market St 18331916
The Wheatsheaf in 9 Market St 17421819
Market Place was a narrow lane with ancient houses from the Pig Market leading to St Martin’s Lane Stafford second Shire hall was built in front of it. In 1794 permission was granted to demolish the ancient houses and the Shirehall to make way for the existing Shirehall inclding these three pubs;
The Dukes Head Market Street 1704 to 73 , The Cheshire Cheese Market Street 1757 to 1774 , The White Horse Market Place 1614 to 1794
The C**k Market Place 1606-1796. In 1802 the judge’s house was added to the Shirehall where The C**k previously stood
The Old Blue Posts Inn 1 Martin’s Court 1735-1861 demolished in 1858 when new county chief’s office was built on south side of the building, in 1861 the county magistrates purchased to extend the judges lodging house
Market Square Area
The George Inn 15 Market Square 1640-1842 demolished 1924 and Barclays Bank built
The Star Inn 16 Market Square 1606 to 1849 sold to council in 1852 who demolished to make way for Guildhall. The yard behind became part of the covered market
The Council of War 1674-1729 on the corner Crabbery Lane (Street) and 1 Gaolgate then Market Place
The Market Tavern 3 Gaolgate St 1850-1866 was The Council of War
The Swan Inn Market Place 1400 to 1619
Salter Street
The Malt Shovel 15 Salter St 1851 to 1854
The Bank House cafe bar Salter St 1999 to present day formerly a Savings Bank from 1863 to 85
The Vine Hotel 67 Salter St 1606 to present day. Stafford’s oldest pub site and Grade II listed building
The Leopard 96 North Walls 1850 to 1872. Where the towns Malt Mill stood which closed in 1781
The Maltsers Arms 101 North Walls 1868-1911 to the rear of what was Marks & Spencer’s
Gaolgate Street
The Maidenhead 4-6 Gaolgate St 1560- 1827 demolished in 1828 and became a drapery store later demolished again in 1964 to make way for Cooperative Society ‘new store’
The Dolphin Hotel 7 Gaolgate St circa 1782 -1931
Flying Swan 13-14 Gaolgate St 1651 to 1662
The Green Dragon 20 to 21 Gaolgate St 1652 - 1696
The Brick Layers Arms 19 Gaolgate St 1825-1901 rebuilt and became The King Edward the VII 19 Gaolgate St 1902-1959 demolished gain in 1960and reopened two years later as Woolworths
The Kings Arms 27 Gaolgate St 1823-1845
The Butlers Bell 25 to 27 Gaolgate St built in 1826. The name refers to the iron mongers shop that used to be on the site from 1827 which closed in 1950
The Crown and Horseshoe 28 Gaolgate St 1784-1824
The Wheatsheaf in 29 Gaolgate St 1819 to 1936on the site that the Edinburgh Woollen Mill used to be
The Oak Inn 31 Gaolgate St 1800 – 1912 In 1932 Marks & Spencer acquired number 31 and 32
The Bull 32 Gaolgate St pre 16th century - 1614 – 1659 rebuilt in 18th century with malt house at the end of the garden with grocery and iron mongers to the front. Acquired by Marks & Spencer in 1932
Three Tonnes Inn 33 Gaolgate St 1614 to 1956. Sold and demolished in 1956 replaced by H Samuels Jewellers
The Maids head 39 Gaolgate St 1755-1958 1958 the pub was converted in the shoe shop Freeman, Hardy and Willis now Boots opticians
The Bell 40 to 41 Gaolgate St 1622 to 1744

The Slipper Inn 14 Stafford Street 1804-1956
The Jolly Crafts 1 Chapel Street 1745 to 1938
Redrum (Noah’s Ark) 36 Crabtree St built in 1555 Grade II listed building – see main article
Seckersons House St Mary's Church on 1730-1987 built in 16th century owned by Lord Stafford and situation at the western end of what now is St Mary's Grove
The Ring of Bells 13 St. Mary's Place 1846 to 1875 on the east corner of Church Lane. Demolished in 1846
The Bird in Hand 21 Mill St 1800 to present day
The Talbot and Smithfield Victoria Square 1791 to 1964. Demolished to make way in 1989 to make way for the new Crown Courts
The Boot in 10 Cherry St 1834 to 1924 demolished in 1935
The Miner’s Arms 39 Cherry St 1860 to 1891. Demolished in 1960s to make way for the College of Further Education
The George Tavern 26 Hill St 1850 to 1926 demolished make way for the College of Further Education
The Deer’s Leap 3 Earl St 1940 demolished in 1968 to make way for St. John's Guildhall Market Hall
The Three Cups 5 Duke Street 1852 to 1904 demolished in 1963 to make way for the new College of Further Education
The Queens Head Inn 1 Broad Eye 1806 to 1961 closed in 1961 and was demolished later in the 1960's
The Head and Chicken Broad Eye 1750 to 1803
The Lamb Inn Broad Eye 1821 to present day
The New Inn 27 Broad Eye 1827 to 1977 . Reopening in 1997as Props Wine Bar until 2002. In 2004 the building was totally refurbished reopened as The Essence of Orient Chinese Restaurant
The Barley Mow Inn 45 Broad St 1785 to 1967 site is now occupied by the ramp exit from overhead market car park
The Bulls Head 11 to 12 Broad Street 1870 to 1910 closed in 1910 demolished in the 1960s to make way for the new college
The Railway Tavern 2-3 Castle Hill 1924 to 1937 the site is now the road between the Broad Eye roundabout and The Essence of the Orient Restaurant

The Coach & Horses 1892 to present day initially listed as The Crown beer house. in 1957 it changed from beer house to a Public House
The Victoria Inn 16 Tenterbanks 1852 to 1969. The council purchased the Victoria in 1969 to clear the access to Victoria park
The Horse and Jockey 6 Water St 1852 to 1920 closing in 1920 to become a grocers and ultimately demolished for road widening
The Nags Head 16- 18 Mill St 1830 to present day, now a restaurant. In 2005 it became Vision Stafford’s first and only gay pub, reverting back ti nags Head in 2007
The Crown & Anchor 39 Mill St 1805-1937 now shop space
The Star1 Mill Street 1846-1955 demolished around 1969 and replaced
The Victoria 1 Back Walls 1840-1841 continued as an off licence until 1911demolished in 1960’s now Staffordshire Place sits on the site
The Anchor Back Walls 1805 to1809 now where the Magistrates Court used to be
Faces Riverside 1995 – present day. When the Brine Baths where demolished in 1976 and the Civic Offices planning permission was given to convert part of the ground floor offices into an American Diner/Restaurant since has opened under several different names.
The Dog and Partridge 16 South Walls. 1830- 1981 situated in Back Wall South garden backing onto the Cow and Hare in Eastgate St. The building is the only 19th century building existing in South Walls which has been modernised and extended as Oriel Dental Practice
The Coopers Arms 29 South Walls 1868-1913 in 1977 was demolished to make way for the Queensway ring road now a pedestrian crossing
The Unicorn 28 Lammascote Road 1753 to 1976 on the corner of Lammascote Road and South Walls the building was attached to 12th century East Gate with portcullis manned 24/7 by the tenant. In 1800 the remains of East Gate were removed In 1643/44 the stone walls either side of the gate were demolished leaving the gate. The building was demolished together with a terrace houses to make way for Queensway

12/02/2025

UPDATE - Stafford History Day Stafford Town Centre
Saturday, 1st March
Market Square;
Live broadcast by Vibe 1 Radio
Stalls, street food, and a mobile bar
Fundraiser for Parkinson's UK Stafford Branch – Guess the number of balloons in a classic car and help raise funds to support those living with Parkinson’s.
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Family-Friendly Activities at the Staffordshire History Centre
Pop-up exhibition – Explore the history of Victoria Park, Stafford
Craft activities – Free for all ages
Spotlight talks – Featuring historical artefacts from Stafford’s past
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Stafford Gatehouse Theatre – TALKS & PRESENTATIONS
Café open, indoor stalls, and exhibitions from 10 AM to 4 PM
• 11:30 AM – Andy Cooper
The History of Morris Dance – Discover the rich traditions and evolution of this iconic English folk dance.
• 12:30 PM – Roanne Williams
Local History & Hauntings – Explore Stafford’s intriguing past and ghostly legends.
• 1:30 PM – Adrian Basford
The History of the Town Crier – Learn about the origins and role of the town crier in British history.
• 2:30 PM – Lynne & Frank Stretton
The Changing Face of Stafford – A visual journey through postcards and photographs from 1902 to the present day, showcasing Stafford’s transformation over the years.
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Historic Stafford - TOURS & TALKS
• Stafford Heritage Trail – Meet at 11:30 AM at the Ancient High House for a 45-minute guided tour of Stafford’s historic landmarks. This is a free, shorter version of the popular Stafford Heritage Trail.
• Borough Broderers Talk – 10:30 AM at the Ancient High House. A 30-minute talk on the Borough Broderers, who created Stafford’s intricate embroidered textiles. A free tour will highlight their craftsmanship, and volunteers will be stationed in key rooms to share fascinating, untold stories of the house’s history.
• Witch Marks Talk – 2:00 PM at the Ancient High House. Discover the history behind the witch marks found on the walls of the Ancient High House, with insights into witchcraft and trials.
• Volunteers Bring the Ancient High House to Life – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Volunteers will be available in various rooms to share the fascinating history of this historic building.
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STAFFORD CASTLE COMES TO TOWN
10:30 AM to 3:00 PM – Living history display in Market Square, featuring:
• Historical weaponry demonstrations and handling
• Coin minting (additional charge)
• Brass rubbing
• Try on chain mail and armour
Please note that all talks and tours have limited spaces and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact the Ancient High House on 01785 619131.
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Staffordshire Libraries - Stafford Library
Open from 9 AM to 4 PM
• 11:00 AM – ‘My Time Inside’ with Joy Stephens-Blank
A compelling talk about her experiences teaching at Stafford Prison, offering a unique insight into education within the prison system. Booking essential – call 01785 278351.
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OTHER VENUES & ACTIVITIES
• Studio.__.fresh Arts & Crafts Shop (6 Market Street)
Free workshop featuring mapagraphs – a unique art form blending vintage maps and creative designs. Vintage maps will also be available to view and purchase.
• StaffordChurches.uk - Mary’s Church
Open from 10 AM to 3 PM. A breathtaking example of medieval architecture with bell tower visits at 10 AM and 11 AM, offering stunning views of Stafford.
• St Chad’s Church
Open from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Renowned for its Norman architecture and medieval charm, visitors can explore its peaceful interior and admire its intricate stonework.
• Staffordshire Ghostbusters Crew
Wandering the town and available for photos, with a dedicated stall in Market Square.



Historic Stafford Vine Hotel and Pub Socialising in Stafford Stafford Borough Council Staffordshire Archives and Heritage Stafford and Staffordshire Tactical Information Group Staffordshire Libraries StaffordChurches.uk Spotted Stafford - Current Group Stafford Stuff Friends of Stafford News and Events Visit Stafford Borough Whats on Staffordshire Our Beautiful Borough Our Staffordshire

09/02/2025

Not sure if I should add this to the booklet
What do you think ?

09/02/2025

St Chad’s Church, one of the oldest buildings in Stafford, dates back to the early 12th century and is believed to have been founded around 1150 by a man named Orme. The church has stone carvings of beakheads, animal faces, and human forms, these carvings are thought to be Syro-Phoenician or Egyptian in origin.The church has stone carvings of beakheads, which are bare-chested figures wearing short skirts and wristbands and one human figure is thought to be based on the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, who represents symbols of death and rebirth.
The church has a Latin inscription that reads "Orm vocatur qui me conditit" which means "He who built me is called Orm". "Orm" is an old Danish word for dragon, serpent, or worm.
The remarkable Norman architectural details, including a well-preserved chancel and the original founder’s stone.
Over the centuries, the church has undergone several restorations, most notably in 1873–1874 when the west front was carefully restored by the renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. St Chad’s holds an important place in local history, with links to notable figures such as Izaak Walton, the celebrated author of The Compleat Angler. In his will, Walton bequeathed funds to repair the churchyard wall, ensuring it remained protected from encroachment.
Despite its age, the church continues to serve as a place of worship and historical interest, attracting visitors who come to admire its intricate stone carvings, medieval craftsmanship, and peaceful atmosphere.

09/02/2025

The Odeon Theatre on the corner of Newport Road was one of the smallest cinemas built for Oscar Deutsch’s Odeon Theatres Ltd. It opened on 5th October 1936 with a live performance by Jack Payne and his Band, followed by Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times. Situated on the corner of Newport Road and Bridge Street, the building’s distinctive brick exterior featured white stone accents and sweeping horizontal bands. Inside, the compact foyers led to an auditorium that seated 956 across stalls and a circle. The projection box was positioned at the rear of the stalls, beneath the circle, and the simple Art Deco design featured air extraction grilles and concealed ceiling lighting.

The cinema briefly closed in 1946 due to flooding but otherwise remained operational. It was renamed the Astra Cinema in 1981 before becoming the Apollo Cinema in 1988 the downstairs cinema was closed and became a bingo club for a couple of years, during which time the two mini cinemas in the former circle remained open. The bingo operation gave way to films again in 1990 and all three screens were again open, with seating for 305, 170 and 164. The venue was later rebranded Stafford Cinema under Curzon Cinemas in 2014 but closed in 2017. Various efforts were made to revive it, including by Sam Lavington, who aimed to preserve its heritage. Despite his efforts, the cinema ceased operations in 2021
In late 2022, it was announced that the site was going to be brought back to life as a live entertainment venue, however the cinema is back on the market after plans to turn it into a music venue failed to materialise.
At the moment, there is a planning application made for a change of use from the Redeemed Christian Church of God. If approved by Stafford Borough Council the building would become a place of worship, with community facilities
This is not a listed building

09/02/2025

Redrum the former Noah Ark Inn is a Grade II listed building,
Crabbery Street holds a significant place in Stafford’s history, as it was along this route that Queen Elizabeth I passed during her visit to the town in 1575. Dating back to the early 16th century, the Noah’s Ark is recognised as the oldest surviving secular structure in Stafford. Constructed from sandstone, it was originally the residence of the Dean of Stafford before later serving as an inn.
Her Majesty left for Stafford Castle by the way of Crabbery Street stopping at the Noah Ark for refreshments (now Redrum) crossing the River Sow at Broad eye. Her retinue was apparently so large that the castle could not host them all and they camped on the area surrounding the castle.
William Palmer, a convicted poisoner in 1866 also known as the Rugeley Poisoner or the Prince of Poisoners, was an English doctor found guilty of murder in one of the most notorious cases of the 19th century. His mother in law owned Noah's Ark (Redrum on Crabbery St).
He reportedly poisoned with strychnine his; wife, mother in law, four of his five legitimate children, both of his known illegitimate children his brother his uncle and four others he finally was brought to trial for the death of his friend and horse owner who Palmer tried to swindle him out of his winning after he won a big race at Shrewsbury, Palmer seemed constantly in debt. Charles Dickens called Palmer "the greatest villain that ever stood in the Old Bailey" which drew crowds of 30,000 people to watch him hang on the 14th of June at 8am (public hangings ceased in 1868)

09/02/2025

Market Square
A market was first established here in the 12th century, remaining until the 19th century, when it was relocated to the Guildhall opposite. Plans are now in place to rehouse the market once more as part of redevelopment behind the Grade II listed Guildhall and the former Co-op site.
Stafford’s market origins date back to 1206, when Edward the Elder enacted a law requiring all buying and selling to take place in a market town. By the 1280s, the town had a Shire Hall, used as a meeting place for local governance. In the 1790s, a new Shire Hall was proposed for Market Square, later designed by Charles Trubshaw and completed in 1853.
Over time, Market Square evolved. Flower beds, trees, and seating were added in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1992, the square was pedestrianised, and the bus shelter removed. The most recent renovations in 2023, funded by the Future High Streets Fund, introduced new paving, furniture, and planting, alongside improvements to underground infrastructure, Shirehall

09/02/2025

The Bear, has been a significant part of the town’s history since the late medieval period. Originally built as a timber frame house in the 1650s, alterations in 1758 allowed an alehouse called the May Pole to open in part of the building. In the 1780s it became a coaching inn called the White Bear and over time this was shortened to the Bear Over the centuries, it has been known by several names, including the White Bear, the Black Bear, and simply the Bear Inn. As a coaching inn, it played a vital role in the town’s development, providing weary travellers with food, drink, and lodging during their long journeys with coaches to Manchester and Birmingham daily. The building we know today was reconstructed or refaced in the 1880s
The inn's sign, a large carved wooden bear, is associated with the Beresford family; their crest featured a rampant black bear. The bear no longer stands on its hind legs as this made it vulnerable to strong wind

09/02/2025

Malthouse on Water Street. on your left. This striking building was constructed in 1837 by George Brewster and once played a key role in Stafford’s brewing industry.
Nearby on Mill Bank are the remains of the Town Mill, another of Brewster’s creations, built in 1834on the site of the medieval town mill . Once a bustling centre of local industry, the mill harnessed the power of the River Sow to grind grain into flour, serving the town’s growing population. At its peak, the mill supplied flour to the town’s bakers and merchants, sustaining the growing population and contributing to Stafford’s economic expansion. Water-powered mills were a crucial part of local industry during the 19th century.The remains of the mill were uncovered during a river improvement project on the River Sow. The mill was demolished in 1957 and the land became part of Victoria Park. The mill wheels are still preserved where they stood.

09/02/2025

The Soup Kitchen, Stafford located on Church Lane, is housed in a building with a 19th-century frontage, though its origins date back to the 16th century. In The Ancient Town of Stafford, Alfred Middlefell records that in 1881, Number 1 Church Lane was owned by Joseph Griffiths and his daughter, Margaret Owen, a dressmaker. Number 2, meanwhile, served as the Soup Kitchen, established by Lady Salt of Baswich House, who dedicated herself to aiding the town’s poor. Alongside providing nourishment, the Soup Kitchen also offered nursing care, and a blanket club distributed around 150 blankets each winter to those in need.
By 1903, the building had transitioned into a lodging house for actors from the nearby Playhouse, and in 1920, it became an antiques shop. It later returned to its original purpose as The Soup Kitchen cafe and has been run by the Sandy family for over thirty years with seating for 300 guests

09/02/2025

Church Lane Evangelical Church a Grade II Listed Building. This place of worship has been a significant part of Stafford’s religious landscape since it first opened its doors in 1839.
Originally established to provide a spiritual home for the town’s growing evangelical community, the church has witnessed nearly two centuries of change, adapting to the evolving needs of its congregation.

09/02/2025

Sheriff's Office Garde II listed building
At the end of Church Lane stands the former Sheriff's Office, a quaint timber-framed building with a distinctive jettied first storey. This historic structure is a fine example of medieval architecture, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the period. Timber framing was a common construction method in Stafford during the late Middle Ages, with overhanging upper floors designed to maximise space on narrow streets. The Sheriff’s Office played a vital role in the administration of law and order, serving as a base for the sheriff, who was responsible for maintaining peace and overseeing justice in the town.

09/02/2025

Nestled on Mill Street, Primrose Cottage is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1610. Its iconic thatched roof has long been a distinctive feature of Stafford’s historical landscape. Originally a residential dwelling, the cottage evolved into a commercial premises in the 19th century, becoming home to the County Fruit Stores. In the 1950s, the Jackson family took ownership, renaming it "Jackson’s Fruit and Veg," which served the community for decades.
In March 2018, Jackson’s closed its doors, and the building briefly operated as a food bank before falling into disrepair.
In 2022, former police officer Stuart Love undertook an extensive restoration project, transforming the neglected structure into Love’s Independent Funeral Directors. With careful attention to detail, he preserved the cottage’s historic charm while adapting it for its new purpose

09/02/2025

Noell's Almshouse
Sir Martin Noell, a wealthy London merchant, made his fortune through trade and later in the colonies of Barbados. Born in Stafford, he maintained strong ties to his hometown and served as the Member of Parliament for Stafford in Oliver Cromwell’s Parliament of 1656. Noell was among those who supported the proposal to offer Cromwell the Crown, a move that would have transformed England’s political landscape. In 1662 Martin Noell (age 62) was knighted. His career was cut short when he succumbed to the plague in 1665.
A lasting testament to Noell’s legacy can be found in the almshouses he established around 1660 on Church Lane. Built to provide shelter for six poor men and six poor women, these almshouses reflect his commitment to supporting the less fortunate in his hometown

09/02/2025

Broadeye Windmill, built in 1796 by John Wright, stands as a testament to Stafford’s industrious past. Constructed using stone from the demolished Elizabethan Shire Hall, it was initially built to address food shortages caused by high grain prices and the export of flour to Birmingham via the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. Despite Stafford having three water mills, they could not produce enough flour for local needs, leading to the creation of the Broadeye Windmill.
Situated in one of the borough’s lowest-lying areas near the River Sow, it was once the tallest windmill in the Midlands, standing at an impressive 63 feet with seven floors, though only the top four were used for flour production.
By 1835, a steam engine was installed to supplement production during calm weather. However, the arrival of the mainline railway in 1837 allowed cheaper, higher-quality flour to be transported into Stafford, making it difficult for the mill to compete. By 1896, it ceased milling operations, and the sails were removed the following year. In the 20th century, the windmill served as a butcher’s shop and later a wartime storage facility for American troops before falling into disrepair.
It was designated a Grade II listed building in 1951.