Tamworth - Staffordshire: History, Photographs, Genealogy

The town's name is from the River Tame. A rival to Tutbury, the town has one of the finest castles in the county. It was occupied in for almost 700 years since the Normans built it on the hill overlooking the junction of the rivers Tame and Anker. Subsequently, it was purchased for £3,000 in 1897 as a memorial to Queen Victoria. However, the castle was not the first imposing fortress to be built in Tamworth. Although no trace of it remains, King Offa, the Anglo-Saxon King of Mercia built a royal palace here in 757. This was a time when Tamworth was virtually the capital of England because Offa was overlord of the country. Tamworth was also the site of a major battle in 913 between the Danes and Alfred the Great's daughter, Ethelflaeda. Following her victory, she ordered the construction of a wooden stockade to ensure the Danes thought twice before having another go. Following the Norman conquest, the fortress became the property of Robert le Despencer before his cousin, and another of William the Conqueror's barons, Robert de Marmion, opted to fortify the stockade further and eventually built a castle, plenty of which still remains. Succeeding rulers all added to the building so that today it is a mixture of Norman, Gothic, Tudor, Jacobean and Georgian architectural styles. Measuring some 10ft thick at the base, the walls of the keep, along with the tower, are the work of the Marmions. The walls have a unique herringbone pattern in places. Later Tudor work includes the warden's lodge and the grand banqueting hall, both of which have received Jacobean restyling. The list of visitors to the castle includes Henry I, Henry II, Thomas à Beckett, Edward II and James I. A tour of the castle includes The History of Tamworth and The Norman Exhibition. Leaving the castle via the old 13th century gatehouse you enter the old Market Place and Market Street. Originally called Castle Street, this was once lined with medieval buildings. Today's street has a few fine 18th and 19th century buildings but the centrepiece is the Town Hall. Tamworth used to have two town halls - one each for the Staffordshire and Warwickshire parts of the town. These were replaced in 1701 by this mellow red brick construction which was paid for by Thomas Guy who was then a Member of Parliament for the town. A bookseller and philanthropist, he started in business around 1668 when he imported English bibles from Holland. However, it was through the South Sea Bubble Scandal that he made his fortune. The building for which he is best remembered is Guy's Hospital in Southwark. The Town Hall is supported by wide stone arches, above which is a two-bay brick-fronted hall with large windows, a pediment and a high-pitched roof topped with a cupola. The Butter Market was once held beneath the arches which, in addition, used to house the town's fire engine. In front of the Town Hall is the 1852 bronze statue of Sir Robert Peel, former Member of Parliament for Tamworth and twice Prime Minister. Expounding his ideas of free trade, he once delivered his Tamworth Manifesto from the Town Hall in 1834, the same year he accepted office for Prime Minister. He is best remembered for his re-organisation of the London police force - hence 'Bobbies' and for repealing the Corn laws in 1846. The latter split the Conservative party and forced his resignation. The parish church is dedicated to St. Editha, sister of Athelstan, who became King of England in 924. Editha herself married Sitgtryg, the Danish King of Northumbria, but things didn't quite work out as planned so she took the less celestial option of devoting herself to God and founded a convent at Tamworth. The earliest known church at Tamworth was built in the 8th century but St. Editha's dates from 963. However, much of that construction which was later modified by the Normans was burnt down in 1345. Today's building is a much modified version of the rebuilt 14th century church. The building has a rare double spiral staircase which can be ascended with permission. One flight has 101 steps and the other 106 and they are arranged so that the roof of one is the floor of the other. From the church you can head down either Little Church Lane or Church Street to arrive at Lower Gungate. The former will take you through an pretty thoroughfare where the shops have been restored to provide the visitor with a little flavour of yesteryear. Just past the junction of Lower Gungate and Little Church Lane is the Almshouses founded by Thomas Guy [see photograph in gallery above]. Rebuilt in 1913, the almshouses are still linked with the London hospital established by Thomas Guy. The buildings' front incorporates a steep gable and a cupola. Gungate, incidentally, is a Danish word. The original almshouses were built in the 17th century but when Thomas Guy failed to be re-elected in 1707 he accused the town of ingratitude and used his fortune to build his hospital in London rather than the Midlands. On the corner of Church Street there are two interesting old buildings - the Arts Centre and the Co-op. The Arts Centre was originally built as a theatre in 1821 but was later turned into a pig market before being used as Sir Robert Peel's Gungate Malthouse. In another bizarre twist, it was turned into the town's Baptist Tabernacle Chapel in 1870. One of its chaplain's, Revd. Donald Fraser was killed when serving as an Army Chaplain in France during the First World War. In 1974, the building reverted back to its original role of a theatre and arts centre. The Co-op building is a classic Victorian shop building. The institution formerly occupied a building constructed in 1884 for Alfred Sadler & Co. Ltd. Tamworth's Co-op was established by William McGregor, Vicar of Tamworth between 1878-1887. He lived further down Colehill in the old Co-op Milk Bar. I have read that, in 1919, the record dividend was £12,935 which was an incredible amount of money - a bit like winning today's lottery. The Co-op gradually expanded into surrounding buildings in the early part of the 20th century. A short walk along Colehill will bring you to Victoria Road named, along with Albert Road, in honour of the royal visit by the royal couple to Tamworth's Drayton Manor in November 1843. A few yards along Victoria Road is the Unitarian Chapel. It was built in 1724 with what has been described as a 'severe two-story brick façade.' This was later stuccoed and a porch added. The notable aspect of the building is the Flemish bonded brickwork on the end wall facing the former graveyard. The chapel is now used by an ex-servicemen's institution. The walk back into the town centre along George Street and Market Street is rewarded with the sight of some splendid Victorian buildings including the old National Westminster Bank described by Nikolaus Pevsner as the finest 19th century building in Tamworth. In Corporation Street is the Assembly Rooms which were built between 1887-1889 in the style of a Nonconformist Chapel to celebrate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Note the coat-of-arms supported by two mermaids. This was not registered with the College of Heraldry so it cannot be incorporated within the modern coat-of-arms for Tamworth. Today, the Assembly Rooms are used for a wide variety of public events. The Holloway leads down from the town, past the castle and over the river's bridge. It is lined with some fine and interesting buildings. Just beyond the van is The Castle Hotel which was once owned by William Tempest who later became an alderman and borough magistrate. The building was severely damaged in a fire during 1838 when six maidservants died. Facing The Castle Hotel is Bank House. Dating from 1845, this building was used as the Tamworth Savings Bank which was founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1823. Another building of interest, especially to beer devotees, is Brewery House on an elevated position in Ladybank. This was built as a workhouse in 1750 but was later used by a Mr. Morgan who established a brewery at the rear - hence the name. Brewery House overlooks Holloway Lodge, the main entrance to the Castle's grounds. Featuring two twin-towers, the gatehouse was built by the 2nd Marquess Townshend in 1810 and originally featured two separate single-storey rooms joined by the archway. It was following its acquisition by the Borough Council that the roof was raised and an upper storey added. There are plenty of pleasant walks within the castle grounds which run below the castle's ramparts and along the banks of the river. Just inside the gateway is the statue of Ethelflaeda. This was erected and unveiled in 1913 as part of Tamworth's Millenary Celebrations. The unveiling ceremony was conducted by the Earl and Countess Ferrers. The ceremonial opening of Tamworth Castle took place some fourteen years earlier when the Earl of Dartmouth represented the Borough Council in another celebration of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Close to the statue of Ethelflaeda another decorative feature has been created with the anchor of a ship. Ladybridge was originally constructed in 1294 but was repaired and widened in 1839. There used to be a large building next to the bridge which housed three corn mills and a fulling mill. It was called, appropriately enough, Castle Mills. The corn mills were worked by three separate water-wheels. The Castle Mills were demolished in 1920 - what an attraction they would have made today. It's only a small hike back towards Lichfield Street. The first building of note is a betting office which was originally a school founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1820. Further along on the same side of the road is The Moat House which dates from the 16th century. It was once the home of the Comberford family who once entertained Prince Charles, later Charles II here. The actual construction date is thought to be 1572. Featuring five stepped gables. On the opposite side of Lichfield Street is The White House. Dating from the early 19th century, this features an elegant double bow window. Further up the road is The Manor House, formerly the home of Thomas Guy. © Copyright. Posted on 15th December 2011 Images supplied by Digital Photographic Images. and Staffordshire Past-Track. Details to follow.... © Copyright. Images supplied by Digital Photographic Images.		Albert Hotel Amington Inn Anchor Angel Inn Bell Inn Bird in Hand Blacksmiths' Arms Bolebridge Bricklayers' Arms Bullit Carpenters' Arms Castle Hotel Coffee Pot Inn Colin Grazier Hotel Corn Exchange Dog Inn Coton Arms Dog Inn Dog and Partridge Dolphin Inn Empire Vaults Flying Scotsman Gardeners' Arms Fox Inn Gate Inn George Inn Globe Hotel Golden Cup Hare and Hounds Horse and Jockey Jolly Button Turner Jolly Collier Jolly Sailor King of Denmark Lamb Inn Logan's Vaults Market Vaults New Swan Old Bell Inn Old Boot Inn Old Red Lion Old Swan Inn Old White Lion Oliver's Hotel Park Inn Peel Arms Hotel Prince of Wales Queen's Head Inn Railway Tavern Red Lion Red Lion Inn Riftswood Rose and Crown Sandyback Saracen's Head Sir Robert Peel Staffordshire Yeoman Star Inn Stone Cross Stoneydelph Tamworth Arms Tamworth Arms Tavern in the Town Three Tuns Town Hall Vaults Townshend Arms Tweeddale Arms Wheatsheaf Inn White Horse Hotel White Lion Inn Winning Post Yates Zodiac The arms were officially granted on May 1st 1951. The Tamworth shield is supported by a crowned lion on the sinister side. This represents the county of Staffordshire. On the dexter side is the chained bear representing Warwickshire. Tamworth was situated in both counties until 1889. The crest is headed by Tamworth Castle, behind crossed swords, standing for the office of Champion of England, held by the Marmion family. If you have a genealogy story or query regarding the Tamworth area you can contact me and I will post it here in addition to including your message within the website pages for Staffordshire Genealogy. Details to follow.... Tamworth Borough Council "At each Inn on the road I a welcome could find; At the Fleece I'd my skin full of ale; The Two Jolly Brewers were just to my mind; At the Dolphin I drink like a wheale. Tom Tun at the Hogshead sold pretty good stuff; They'd capital flip at the Boar; And when at the Angel I'd tippled enough, I went to the Devil for more.” Mail Coach Guard		1818 Parson and Bradshaw's Bell Inn, William Weston Black Bull, Thomas Withnall Castle Inn, Urrum Lucas Coffee Pot, Mary Dudley [Old] Holly Bush, Samuel Jefcoate Jolly Button Turner, Elizabeth Pike King's Arms Inn, James Carter Barton King's Head, M. T. Broster [Old] Boot, Widow Thirlby Old Swan, William Freeman Old White Lion, James Hastilow Recruiting Serjeant, James Lowe Rose and Crown Inn, Thomas Coleman Star, Sarah Allen Tamworth Arms, John Shilcock Three Crowns, John Worthington Three Tuns, James Wallis Three Tuns, Charles Hawkins Waggon and Horses, William Johnson White Horse Inn, Charles Bridgwood White Lion Inn, James Wilcox White Lion, Charles Nightingale 1828-9 Pigot's Directory Bell Inn, Thomas Biddle Castle, Urrum Lucas Coffee Pot, Hobday Dog, Elizabeth Beard George, Jacob Clarke [Old] Holly Bush, Samuel Jefcoate Jolly Button Turner, James Hastilow King's Arms, James Carter Barton King's Head, Thomas Broster [Old] Boot, Edward Pallett [Old] Red Lion, Thomas Standley Old White Lion, George Knight Red Lion, John Weston Rose and Crown, Richard Atkins Star, Charles Goodwin Tamworth Arms, John Shilock Three Crowns, Edward Davis Three Tuns, James Wallis Three Tuns, Charles Hawkins Townshend's Arms, William Weston Wagon and Horses, Joseph Woodcock Wheatsheaf, Samuel Wilcox White Horse, William Deakin White Lion, John Lucas White Swan, Thomas Handley 1834 William White's Directory Bell Inn, Thomas Biddle Bull's Head, Richard Maddocks Castle Inn, Urrum Lucas Dog, Elizabeth Beard George, Jacob Clarke George IV, Henry Woodlands Golden Cup, Thomas Orton Hare and Hounds, James Webster Holly Bush, Samuel Jefcoate Jolly Button Turner, James Hastilow King's Arms, James Carter Barton Lamb, Thomas Barrett Malt Shovel, Job Keen [New] Swan, Thomas Handley [Old] Boot, Samuel Mottram [Old] Red Lion, Catherine Stanley Old Star, John Gilliver Old Swan, Joseph Hall Old White Lion, George Knight Park Inn, Richard Taylor Red Lion, John Dutton Red Lion, Alice Long Rose and Crown, Mary Ann Coleman Stag's Head, Richard Atkins [New] Star, Charles Goodwin Tamworth Arms, George Eaton Three Tuns, James Wallis Three Tuns, Ann Hawkins Townshend's Arms, William Weston Waggon and Horses, Joseph Woodcock Waterloo, Joseph Farmer Wheatsheaf, Samuel Wilcox White Horse, William Deakin White Lion, John Lucas 1845 Post Office Directory Bell Inn, Thomas Wainwright Castle Inn, Frederick Webb Coffee Pot, William Beard Dog, Thomas Beard George Inn, Jacob Clarke Globe Tavern, Richard Allum Hare and Hounds, Henry Roberts Horse and Jockey, Spencer Perry Jolly Button Turner, James Hastilow King's Arms Inn, Joseph Rhoades Lamb Inn, James Godderidge Malt Shovel, William Biddle [Old] Boot Inn, Samuel Mottram [Old] Red Lion, Samuel Wyatt Old Star, James Poynton Old Swan, Joseph Hall Park Inn, Thomas Whitmore Queen, John Boneham Red Lion, John Dutton Rose and Crown, Joel Harrison Saracen's Head, William Jones Staffordshire Yeoman, Thomas Kesterton Star, Charles Goodwin Swan With Two Necks, Francis Wilcox Tamworth Arms, George Eaton Three Tuns, James Wallis Three Tuns, Mrs Ann Hawkins Waggon and Horses, Joseph Woodcock Waterloo, Joseph Farmer Wheatsheaf, William Adcock White Horse, Mrs Clementina Brooks White Lion, William Wilcox White Lion Inn, Mrs Elizabeth Lucas		Staffordshire Places Alton Amblecote Barton-u-Needwood Bilston Blackheath Bloxwich Bobbington Brewood Brierley Hill Brockmoor Burton-on-Trent Cannock Chasetown Cheadle Cheslyn Hay Clifton Campville Codsall Coseley Cradley Heath Darlaston Eccleshall Edingale Enville Ettingshall Fazeley Fenton Gornal Great Bridge Greensforge Hanbury Hanley Harlaston Hednesford Himley Hopwas Kidsgrove Kingswinford Kinver Leek Lichfield Newborough Newcastle-u-Lyme Ogley Hay Old Hill Pattingham Penkridge Penn Pensnett Quarry Bank Rowley Regis Sedgley Shenstone Silverdale Smethwick Stafford Stoke-on-Trent Stone Swindon Tamworth Tatenhill Tipton Tividale Trysull Tunstall Upper Arley Uttoxeter Wall Heath Walsall Wednesbury Wednesfield West Bromwich Whittington Wigginton Willenhall Wolverhampton Wombourne Woodsetton Wordsley

Background Information
The town's name is from the River Tame. A rival to Tutbury, the town has one of the finest castles in the county. It was occupied in for almost 700 years since the Normans built it on the hill overlooking the junction of the rivers Tame and Anker. Subsequently, it was purchased for £3,000 in 1897 as a memorial to Queen Victoria. However, the castle was not the first imposing fortress to be built in Tamworth. Although no trace of it remains, King Offa, the Anglo-Saxon King of Mercia built a royal palace here in 757. This was a time when Tamworth was virtually the capital of England because Offa was overlord of the country.

Tamworth was also the site of a major battle in 913 between the Danes and Alfred the Great's daughter, Ethelflaeda. Following her victory, she ordered the construction of a wooden stockade to ensure the Danes thought twice before having another go. Following the Norman conquest, the fortress became the property of Robert le Despencer before his cousin, and another of William the Conqueror's barons, Robert de Marmion, opted to fortify the stockade further and eventually built a castle, plenty of which still remains. Succeeding rulers all added to the building so that today it is a mixture of Norman, Gothic, Tudor, Jacobean and Georgian architectural styles.

Measuring some 10ft thick at the base, the walls of the keep, along with the tower, are the work of the Marmions. The walls have a unique herringbone pattern in places. Later Tudor work includes the warden's lodge and the grand banqueting hall, both of which have received Jacobean restyling. The list of visitors to the castle includes Henry I, Henry II, Thomas à Beckett, Edward II and James I. A tour of the castle includes The History of Tamworth and The Norman Exhibition.

Leaving the castle via the old 13th century gatehouse you enter the old Market Place and Market Street. Originally called Castle Street, this was once lined with medieval buildings. Today's street has a few fine 18th and 19th century buildings but the centrepiece is the Town Hall. Tamworth used to have two town halls - one each for the Staffordshire and Warwickshire parts of the town. These were replaced in 1701 by this mellow red brick construction which was paid for by Thomas Guy who was then a Member of Parliament for the town. A bookseller and philanthropist, he started in business around 1668 when he imported English bibles from Holland. However, it was through the South Sea Bubble Scandal that he made his fortune. The building for which he is best remembered is Guy's Hospital in Southwark.

The Town Hall is supported by wide stone arches, above which is a two-bay brick-fronted hall with large windows, a pediment and a high-pitched roof topped with a cupola. The Butter Market was once held beneath the arches which, in addition, used to house the town's fire engine.

In front of the Town Hall is the 1852 bronze statue of Sir Robert Peel, former Member of Parliament for Tamworth and twice Prime Minister. Expounding his ideas of free trade, he once delivered his Tamworth Manifesto from the Town Hall in 1834, the same year he accepted office for Prime Minister. He is best remembered for his re-organisation of the London police force - hence 'Bobbies' and for repealing the Corn laws in 1846. The latter split the Conservative party and forced his resignation.

The parish church is dedicated to St. Editha, sister of Athelstan, who became King of England in 924. Editha herself married Sitgtryg, the Danish King of Northumbria, but things didn't quite work out as planned so she took the less celestial option of devoting herself to God and founded a convent at Tamworth. The earliest known church at Tamworth was built in the 8th century but St. Editha's dates from 963. However, much of that construction which was later modified by the Normans was burnt down in 1345. Today's building is a much modified version of the rebuilt 14th century church. The building has a rare double spiral staircase which can be ascended with permission. One flight has 101 steps and the other 106 and they are arranged so that the roof of one is the floor of the other.

From the church you can head down either Little Church Lane or Church Street to arrive at Lower Gungate. The former will take you through an pretty thoroughfare where the shops have been restored to provide the visitor with a little flavour of yesteryear. Just past the junction of Lower Gungate and Little Church Lane is the Almshouses founded by Thomas Guy [see photograph in gallery above]. Rebuilt in 1913, the almshouses are still linked with the London hospital established by Thomas Guy. The buildings' front incorporates a steep gable and a cupola. Gungate, incidentally, is a Danish word. The original almshouses were built in the 17th century but when Thomas Guy failed to be re-elected in 1707 he accused the town of ingratitude and used his fortune to build his hospital in London rather than the Midlands.

On the corner of Church Street there are two interesting old buildings - the Arts Centre and the Co-op. The Arts Centre was originally built as a theatre in 1821 but was later turned into a pig market before being used as Sir Robert Peel's Gungate Malthouse. In another bizarre twist, it was turned into the town's Baptist Tabernacle Chapel in 1870. One of its chaplain's, Revd. Donald Fraser was killed when serving as an Army Chaplain in France during the First World War. In 1974, the building reverted back to its original role of a theatre and arts centre.

The Co-op building is a classic Victorian shop building. The institution formerly occupied a building constructed in 1884 for Alfred Sadler & Co. Ltd. Tamworth's Co-op was established by William McGregor, Vicar of Tamworth between 1878-1887. He lived further down Colehill in the old Co-op Milk Bar. I have read that, in 1919, the record dividend was £12,935 which was an incredible amount of money - a bit like winning today's lottery. The Co-op gradually expanded into surrounding buildings in the early part of the 20th century.

A short walk along Colehill will bring you to Victoria Road named, along with Albert Road, in honour of the royal visit by the royal couple to Tamworth's Drayton Manor in November 1843. A few yards along Victoria Road is the Unitarian Chapel. It was built in 1724 with what has been described as a 'severe two-story brick façade.' This was later stuccoed and a porch added. The notable aspect of the building is the Flemish bonded brickwork on the end wall facing the former graveyard. The chapel is now used by an ex-servicemen's institution.

Former Municipal Offices [c.1899]

The walk back into the town centre along George Street and Market Street is rewarded with the sight of some splendid Victorian buildings including the old National Westminster Bank described by Nikolaus Pevsner as the finest 19th century building in Tamworth. In Corporation Street is the Assembly Rooms which were built between 1887-1889 in the style of a Nonconformist Chapel to celebrate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Note the coat-of-arms supported by two mermaids. This was not registered with the College of Heraldry so it cannot be incorporated within the modern coat-of-arms for Tamworth. Today, the Assembly Rooms are used for a wide variety of public events.

The Holloway leads down from the town, past the castle and over the river's bridge. It is lined with some fine and interesting buildings. Just beyond the van is The Castle Hotel which was once owned by William Tempest who later became an alderman and borough magistrate. The building was severely damaged in a fire during 1838 when six maidservants died.

Facing The Castle Hotel is Bank House. Dating from 1845, this building was used as the Tamworth Savings Bank which was founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1823. Another building of interest, especially to beer devotees, is Brewery House on an elevated position in Ladybank. This was built as a workhouse in 1750 but was later used by a Mr. Morgan who established a brewery at the rear - hence the name.

Brewery House overlooks Holloway Lodge, the main entrance to the Castle's grounds. Featuring two twin-towers, the gatehouse was built by the 2nd Marquess Townshend in 1810 and originally featured two separate single-storey rooms joined by the archway. It was following its acquisition by the Borough Council that the roof was raised and an upper storey added. There are plenty of pleasant walks within the castle grounds which run below the castle's ramparts and along the banks of the river.

Just inside the gateway is the statue of Ethelflaeda. This was erected and unveiled in 1913 as part of Tamworth's Millenary Celebrations. The unveiling ceremony was conducted by the Earl and Countess Ferrers. The ceremonial opening of Tamworth Castle took place some fourteen years earlier when the Earl of Dartmouth represented the Borough Council in another celebration of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Close to the statue of Ethelflaeda another decorative feature has been created with the anchor of a ship.

Ladybridge was originally constructed in 1294 but was repaired and widened in 1839. There used to be a large building next to the bridge which housed three corn mills and a fulling mill. It was called, appropriately enough, Castle Mills. The corn mills were worked by three separate water-wheels. The Castle Mills were demolished in 1920 - what an attraction they would have made today.

It's only a small hike back towards Lichfield Street. The first building of note is a betting office which was originally a school founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1820. Further along on the same side of the road is The Moat House which dates from the 16th century. It was once the home of the Comberford family who once entertained Prince Charles, later Charles II here. The actual construction date is thought to be 1572. Featuring five stepped gables.

On the opposite side of Lichfield Street is The White House. Dating from the early 19th century, this features an elegant double bow window. Further up the road is The Manor House, formerly the home of Thomas Guy.
© Copyright. Posted on 15th December 2011
Images supplied by Digital Photographic Images.
and Staffordshire Past-Track.

Details to follow....
© Copyright. Images supplied by Digital Photographic Images.

Albert Hotel
Amington Inn
Anchor
Angel Inn
Bell Inn
Bird in Hand
Blacksmiths' Arms
Bolebridge
Bricklayers' Arms
Bullit
Carpenters' Arms
Castle Hotel
Coffee Pot Inn
Colin Grazier Hotel
Corn Exchange
Dog Inn
Coton Arms
Dog Inn
Dog and Partridge
Dolphin Inn
Empire Vaults
Flying Scotsman
Gardeners' Arms
Fox Inn
Gate Inn
George Inn
Globe Hotel
Golden Cup
Hare and Hounds
Horse and Jockey
Jolly Button Turner
Jolly Collier
Jolly Sailor
King of Denmark
Lamb Inn
Logan's Vaults
Market Vaults
New Swan
Old Bell Inn
Old Boot Inn
Old Red Lion
Old Swan Inn
Old White Lion
Oliver's Hotel
Park Inn
Peel Arms Hotel
Prince of Wales
Queen's Head Inn
Railway Tavern
Red Lion
Red Lion Inn
Riftswood
Rose and Crown
Sandyback
Saracen's Head
Sir Robert Peel
Staffordshire Yeoman
Star Inn
Stone Cross
Stoneydelph
Tamworth Arms
Tamworth Arms
Tavern in the Town
Three Tuns
Town Hall Vaults
Townshend Arms
Tweeddale Arms
Wheatsheaf Inn
White Horse Hotel
White Lion Inn
Winning Post
Yates
Zodiac

Tamworth Coat-of-Arms
The arms were officially granted on May 1st 1951. The Tamworth shield is supported by a crowned lion on the sinister side. This represents the county of Staffordshire. On the dexter side is the chained bear representing Warwickshire. Tamworth was situated in both counties until 1889. The crest is headed by Tamworth Castle, behind crossed swords, standing for the office of Champion of England, held by the Marmion family.

If you have a genealogy story or query regarding the Tamworth area you can contact me and I will post it here in addition to including your message within the website pages for Staffordshire Genealogy.

Sir Robert Peel from an engraving by G. R. Ward

Details to follow....

Tamworth Borough Council

The Mail Coach by John Frederick Herring
"At each Inn on the road I a welcome could find; At the Fleece I'd my skin full of ale; The Two Jolly Brewers were just to my mind; At the Dolphin I drink like a wheale. Tom Tun at the Hogshead sold pretty good stuff; They'd capital flip at the Boar; And when at the Angel I'd tippled enough, I went to the Devil for more.”
Mail Coach Guard

1818 Parson and Bradshaw's
Bell Inn, William Weston
Black Bull, Thomas Withnall
Castle Inn, Urrum Lucas
Coffee Pot, Mary Dudley
[Old] Holly Bush, Samuel Jefcoate
Jolly Button Turner, Elizabeth Pike
King's Arms Inn, James Carter Barton
King's Head, M. T. Broster
[Old] Boot, Widow Thirlby
Old Swan, William Freeman
Old White Lion, James Hastilow
Recruiting Serjeant, James Lowe
Rose and Crown Inn, Thomas Coleman
Star, Sarah Allen
Tamworth Arms, John Shilcock
Three Crowns, John Worthington
Three Tuns, James Wallis
Three Tuns, Charles Hawkins
Waggon and Horses, William Johnson
White Horse Inn, Charles Bridgwood
White Lion Inn, James Wilcox
White Lion, Charles Nightingale

1828-9 Pigot's Directory
Bell Inn, Thomas Biddle
Castle, Urrum Lucas
Coffee Pot, Hobday
Dog, Elizabeth Beard
George, Jacob Clarke
[Old] Holly Bush, Samuel Jefcoate
Jolly Button Turner, James Hastilow
King's Arms, James Carter Barton
King's Head, Thomas Broster
[Old] Boot, Edward Pallett
[Old] Red Lion, Thomas Standley
Old White Lion, George Knight
Red Lion, John Weston
Rose and Crown, Richard Atkins
Star, Charles Goodwin
Tamworth Arms, John Shilock
Three Crowns, Edward Davis
Three Tuns, James Wallis
Three Tuns, Charles Hawkins
Townshend's Arms, William Weston
Wagon and Horses, Joseph Woodcock
Wheatsheaf, Samuel Wilcox
White Horse, William Deakin
White Lion, John Lucas
White Swan, Thomas Handley

1834 William White's Directory
Bell Inn, Thomas Biddle
Bull's Head, Richard Maddocks
Castle Inn, Urrum Lucas
Dog, Elizabeth Beard
George, Jacob Clarke
George IV, Henry Woodlands
Golden Cup, Thomas Orton
Hare and Hounds, James Webster
Holly Bush, Samuel Jefcoate
Jolly Button Turner, James Hastilow
King's Arms, James Carter Barton
Lamb, Thomas Barrett
Malt Shovel, Job Keen
[New] Swan, Thomas Handley
[Old] Boot, Samuel Mottram
[Old] Red Lion, Catherine Stanley
Old Star, John Gilliver
Old Swan, Joseph Hall
Old White Lion, George Knight
Park Inn, Richard Taylor
Red Lion, John Dutton
Red Lion, Alice Long
Rose and Crown, Mary Ann Coleman
Stag's Head, Richard Atkins
[New] Star, Charles Goodwin
Tamworth Arms, George Eaton
Three Tuns, James Wallis
Three Tuns, Ann Hawkins
Townshend's Arms, William Weston
Waggon and Horses, Joseph Woodcock
Waterloo, Joseph Farmer
Wheatsheaf, Samuel Wilcox
White Horse, William Deakin
White Lion, John Lucas

1845 Post Office Directory
Bell Inn, Thomas Wainwright
Castle Inn, Frederick Webb
Coffee Pot, William Beard
Dog, Thomas Beard
George Inn, Jacob Clarke
Globe Tavern, Richard Allum
Hare and Hounds, Henry Roberts
Horse and Jockey, Spencer Perry
Jolly Button Turner, James Hastilow
King's Arms Inn, Joseph Rhoades
Lamb Inn, James Godderidge
Malt Shovel, William Biddle
[Old] Boot Inn, Samuel Mottram
[Old] Red Lion, Samuel Wyatt
Old Star, James Poynton
Old Swan, Joseph Hall
Park Inn, Thomas Whitmore
Queen, John Boneham
Red Lion, John Dutton
Rose and Crown, Joel Harrison
Saracen's Head, William Jones
Staffordshire Yeoman, Thomas Kesterton
Star, Charles Goodwin
Swan With Two Necks, Francis Wilcox
Tamworth Arms, George Eaton
Three Tuns, James Wallis
Three Tuns, Mrs Ann Hawkins
Waggon and Horses, Joseph Woodcock
Waterloo, Joseph Farmer
Wheatsheaf, William Adcock
White Horse, Mrs Clementina Brooks
White Lion, William Wilcox
White Lion Inn, Mrs Elizabeth Lucas

History on the town of Tamworth in the county of Staffordshire. Research is augmented with photographs, details of licensees, stories of local folklore, census data, newspaper articles and a genealogy connections section for those studying their family history.

Staffordshire Places