Rock Lodge Town House

Stamford: Pride Of Lincolnshire

by 36waterfalls

Stamford is a gorgeous market town in the heart of England, officially founded in 1695. Before that it had been part of a 1000 year old Danish settlement, having had Vikings and Anglo Saxons for residents.

Two decisions, taken long ago, made sure the town's beauty would be preserved, though at the time it was an unintended choice.
First the 18th century Parliament established "turnpike trusts", meaning: local parishes took over responsibility to maintain the national roads. Muddy tracks were turned into well surfaced highways, thus cutting travel times (by coach) from London to Edinburgh from 12 to 4 days!
Stamford in those days was a day's travel from London and developed coaching inns, stables and trade. Many merchants and lawyers set up business in Stamford and some beautiful architecture arose.
Second was the passing of the Reform Bill in 1832, which allowed expansion and industrial development and caused many landowners to leave their properties.
Stamford discouraged this heavily and with result: the Great North Railway bypassed the town. Lack of industrialisation left Stamford unspoilt and kept many of the Medieval and Georgian buildings in tact.

In 1967 the town was designated England's first conservation area. Numerous churches, medieval architecture, pubs and speciality shops make it the perfect setting for a great day out!