From Old Photographs
4 total works
Until the early twentieth century Rugeley was celebrated for its annual June horse fair, during which it was said to be impossible to move in the Horsefair for the number of horses and people. This major event reflected the town's agricultural background. During the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries improving communications and its situation on the Cannock Chase coalfield gave rise to Rugeley's industrial development, which was to culminate in the twentieth century in the opening of two large power stations. The increasingly widespread use of photography from the mid-nineteenth century onwards was making possible a visual record of the changes the area was undergoing which would provide future generations with a remarkable and immediate insight into the live and times of their forebears. The photographs in this fascinating selection, many of which have been drawn from private collections and are published here for the first time, throw light on the diverse aspects of everyday life for ordinary people. Informative captions remind us that beneath the apparent tranquillity of so many of these scenes lay a reality often characterised by difficulty and hardship. The compilers have brought together a wealth of local information which makes this, their latest volume, an invaluable addition to the libraries of all those who want to know more about Rugeley and the surrounding areas.
The photographs in this fascinating selection document the changes which overtook the county town of Staffordshire in the century following the discovery of photography. They evoke a time before the advent of the motor car, when the pace of life was so much slower and cattle were still traded in Gaolgate Street, and cover a broad social spectrum, from the lord in his country seat to the labourer in his humble cottage. As well as very early images of Stafford, the selection includes views of the villages in a district bounded by Gnosall, Dunston, Milford, Salt and Great Bridgeford. The importance of the church in everyday life, not least as the focus for social activity, becomes obvious, the regular outing being a major event in most communities. Pleasures on the whole are simpler and include train rides to Milford, a visit to the fair, picnics or fishing. The daily round, in factories or on the land, is remembered, and a series of delightful shop fronts suggests that not all change has been for the better. The photographs, taken from public and private collections, have been chosen for their rarity, many never having been printed before. For those who remember they will be a source of much nostalgic pleasure; they will help everyone recapture a forgotten past.
Stafford means 'ford' by a 'staithe' (landing place). Historically, the town's location was of great importance as it provided the only feasible place for a large army to cross the River Trent. Stafford From Old Photographs offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Staffordshire's county town and provides the reader with a visual representation of Stafford's fascinating history. Drawing upon an eclectic collection of photographs, the author offers a charming glimpse into the history of Stafford and life in the town, successfully illustrating every aspect of this beautiful town. There is something for everyone here, whether they have lived in the area all their lives, or whether they are just visiting this fabulous town. It also shows how photography has continually evolved to keep up with an ever-changing society.
The town, historically known as 'Rudgeley', is listed in the Domesday Book and it is thought that the name derives from 'Ridge lee', or 'the hill over the field'. This historic market town lies midway between Stafford, Cannock,Lichfield and Uttoexeter. Around Rugeley From Old Photographs offers a captivating glimpse into the history of Rugeley, providing the reader with a visual representation of the townA fs intriguing and chequered history. Drawing upon an eclectic collection of photographs, Joan Anslow presents the reader with an insight into RugeleyA fs history and life in the town. Around Rugeley From Old Photographs provides something for everyone,whether they have lived in the area all their lives, or whether they are just visiting this beautiful town. It also shows how photography has continually evolved to keep up with an everA ]changing society.