Staffordshire's county town was home to Iron Age settlers before the Romans and then the Saxons contributed to its history. The pottery production for which the county has long been famous had its foundations in Stafford - pottery owners were drawn here by the rich mineral deposits and forestry. With its castle, Ancient High House, town walls and important jail, the town has a rich history of not only places but people as well. By the eighteenth century, the potteries in Stafford were overshadowed by the more important shoe manufacturing industry, then later by electrical companies, glue producers, steam power, woodyards, military equipment and munitions. Within these pages, not only is there a comparison to be made between old and new views, but there are also glimpses into the lives of some of the people who have contributed to this historic town.

Anthony Poulton-Smith is a prolific writer, who has written many local history books for Amberley and has a particular interest in the origin of place names. He lives in Tamworth, Staffordshire.