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The "loyal and ancient"
Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme - a Borough
with not only a proud 800-year history but also a
modern and exciting future.
Although there is still a
debate over the precise origins of Newcastle, the
first formal recognition of the Borough
undoubtedly came after the granting of an 1173
Charter by Henry II, with the town's name
springing from the building of the castle and the
early Lyme Forest.
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The town began to expand
around the gates of the medieval castle and the
development of the unusually wide Ironmarket and
High Street helped Newcastle's market to
flourish.
Traditional outdoor markets
are still held on "The Stones" six days a week
and the town centre is renowned locally and
nationally for its floral displays. |
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The Borough
itself involves
a mix of
attractive rural
villages,
together with
the two main
towns of
Newcastle and
Kidsgrove.
Villages in the
large rural
area, some of
which date back
to Anglo-Saxon
times, include:
Ashley,
Audley, Betley,
Keele,
Loggerheads,
Madeley, Maer,
Mow Cop, and
Whitmore.
The Borough's
position in the
centre of the
country has
ensured that
transport has
played a major
part in its
growth over the
centuries and
its proximity to
today's motorway
network makes it
an ideal base
for touring
North
Staffordshire
and the
surrounding
counties.
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