A TIMELINE OF STAFFORD HISTORY
By Tim Lambert
913 A burh or fortified settlement is founded at Stafford 1000 Stafford is a flourishing little town with its own mint 1070 William the Conqueror builds a castle at Stafford 1200 Stafford has a population of about 1,000 1206 King John gives Stafford a charter. Stafford is a busy little town with weekly markets and annual fairs. 1585 Ancient High House is built 1622 Stafford has a population of 1,550 1746 Chetwynd House is built. Stafford is still a small town. The main industry is making cloth. 1766 An infirmary is built 1792 The first theatre in Stafford is built 1798 Shire Hall is built 1801 Stafford has a population of nearly 4,000. During the 19th century the population soars. 1830 A body of men is formed to pave, clean and light the streets of Stafford 1837 The railway reaches Stafford 1877 Borough Hall opens. Boot and shoe making is the main industry in Stafford. 1881 Stafford has a population of almost 20,000 1895 Stafford gains an electricity supply 1901-02 The first council houses are built in Stafford 1908 Victoria Park opens 1934 Stafford Guildhall is built 1951 Stafford has a population of over 40,000 1978 The Queensway opens 2001 Stafford has a population of 62,000
