|
Stafford Town Centre - Photo:
Val Vannet
CCL |
A vibrant market town on
the banks of the River Sow, this county town
was created by King Alfred’s daughter, Aethelfraed, in the Middle Ages. Much later it
became a centre for shoe making. The remains
of one of two old castles can still be seen
and acts as a backdrop to many events,
including Shakespearian plays. The top
attraction here, though, is the Elizabethan
High House, England’s largest timber-framed
house, which somehow survived the ravages of
the English Civil War. Both Charles 1 and
Prince Rupert stayed here for a few tumultuous
days in 1642. The house has now become a local
museum. The remarkable Williams Salt Library,
run by a charitable trust, is contained in an
18th century house. |
