Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Stotfold has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Stotfold.
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Sights in Stotfold
Situated in the English county of Bedfordshire, Stotfold is a small town with a population of just under 5,000 people. Its origins date back to the early 10th century when it was listed in the Domesday Book as a village called Stochefeld. Over the centuries it has remained a small rural settlement but in recent years has seen a significant increase in housing developments as people have sought to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Despite its size, Stotfold has a number of notable sights and attractions. One of the most prominent is the 12th century Church of St Mary the Virgin which sits atop a hill overlooking the town. The church is built in the traditional Norman style and contains a number of interesting features including a 15th century stained glass window and a 12th century font.
Another notable sight in Stotfold is the Watermill Centre, a former flour mill which has been converted into a museum and educational facility. The centre houses a working watermill powered by the River Ivel, as well as a variety of exhibits on the history of milling and the local area. The centre also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as breadmaking classes and vintage car shows.
If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy the great outdoors, Stotfold Mill Nature Reserve is the perfect spot. The reserve is situated on the site of the former flour mill and covers an area of over 80 acres. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, dragonflies and damselflies. There are also a number of walking and cycling trails crisscrossing the reserve, making it the perfect place to explore on a sunny day.
So, whether you are looking for a place to learn about local history, enjoy the great outdoors or simply soak up the atmosphere of a traditional English village, Stotfold is definitely worth a visit.
History of Stotfold
The first record of Stotfold is in the Domesday Book where it is listed as Stotevorde, meaning a hamlet or small settlement on the stony ford over a stream. The stream in question is the one known today as Sandridge Brook which flows through the centre of Stotfold. In 1066, Stotfold belonged to the Abbey of Ely.
The manor of Stotfold was subsequently held by a number of medieval families including the Cresses, the Tiptofts, the Bardolfs and the Wentworths. It was during the Wentworth era that Stotfold began to develop as a village, with William Wentworth constructing a watermill on the brook and building a number of cottages for his workers. In the early 16th century, the manor passed to the Peckham family who were to hold it for the next 200 years.
Under the Pecks, Stotfold grew steadily in size and by the early 19th century, it was a thriving village with a population of around 700. The village had a number of businesses including three mills, two blacksmiths, several pubs and a number of shops. There was also a large brickworks which employed many of the villagers.
In 1866, the manor was bought by Colonel Charles Cockerell who set about making a number of improvements to the village. A school and a new church were built and the old watermill was replaced with a steampowered one. The colonel also had a number of new houses built for his workers and their families.
By the beginning of the 20th century, Stotfold had become a prosperous village with a population of around 1,000. However, the village was to change dramatically in the years leading up to the First World War. With the introduction of new farming methods, the need for agricultural workers declined and many of the villagers found themselves out of work. The brickworks also closed down, leading to even more unemployment.
As a result of the economic downturn, a number of illegal stills were set up in the village and many of the pubs became havens for criminals and vagrants. In an attempt to improve the situation, the government devised a scheme whereby unemployed men from all over the country were relocated to rural areas such as Stotfold to work on farms. This scheme, known as the Workington Plan, saw around 200 men arrive in the village in 1914.
However, the outbreak of war in August 1914 led to the cancellation of the Plan and most of the men left Stotfold to join the army. Those that remained found work in the local munitions factory which had been set up to support the war effort.
As the years went by, Stotfold slowly recovered from the effects of the war and the village continued to grow. In the 1960s, a new estate was built on the outskirts of the village and a number of light industrial units were established. Today, Stotfold is a thriving community with a population of around 4,000.
Vacation in Stotfold
Stotfold is a small town located in the county of Bedfordshire in England. It is situated about 30 miles north of London. Though small, the town offers a number of vacation possibilities for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are a number of Bed and Breakfasts located in Stotfold, as well as a number of selfcatering cottages and apartments. The town is also home to a number of pubs and restaurants, so there is no shortage of places to eat and drink.
For those looking for something to do during their stay, there are a number of museums and art galleries located in the town. There is also a golf course and a number of parks and gardens to explore.
Whether you are looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation or something a little more lively, Stotfold is a great option. With its wonderful accommodation and range of activities on offer, there is something for everyone in this charming English town.
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