Stafford, County town in West Midlands, England
Stafford is a county town in Staffordshire, England, positioned where several watercourses meet and surrounded by gentle hills in the West Midlands. The castle occupies a rise south of the main streets and joins several church buildings to form visible landmarks in the skyline.
The settlement arose in 913 as a fortified site under Aethelflaed of Mercia and later became the center of a county. During medieval times trade in wool and leather grew, leading to craft guilds and cementing the economic role of the town.
The old center follows wide Georgian streets lined with brick buildings housing local shops and cafes that define the main routes. Residents often gather in the market square and use the riverside parks for everyday walks.
The railway station links the town directly to Birmingham and London via the West Coast Main Line and sits a short walk from the center. Many points of interest lie within walking distance, and the river provides a convenient route for orientation.
The town holds the largest timber-framed town house in England, dating from the late sixteenth century and now serving as a local museum. Since the late fifteenth century a specialized guild of shoemakers shaped local trade and left traces in many street names.
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