Rugeley

The town of Rugeley lies in the valley of the River Trent midway between Stafford and Lichfield, just east of Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and William I took it from Earl Aelfgar of Mercia as he established the royal hunting forest, or "chase", of Cannock. By 1259 it gained a charter to hold an annual three day fair that took place until 1932. This internationally known Horse Fair was famous for its carriage horses and took place on what is now the main road through the town, Horse Fair. In the 18th and 19th centuries an important sheep fair also took place, again giving its name to a road in the town.
Over the centuries local industries have included leather tanning, cloth making, ironworks, window glass (some of which is in York Minster), felt hats, brewing and most important of all, coal mining. It will also go down in posterity as the place where George Key invented and produced the donkey jacket in 1888. Transport has always been important to the town; it straddled the London - Chester turnpike, the 1777 Grand Trunk Canal (later renamed the Trent & Mersey) passes through and the west coast rail mainline also uses the Trent valley. In 1960 a world first saw a coal mine opening on the same site as Rugeley A power station. This closed in 1990, but Rugeley B still dominates the skyline to the south. Close beside it is an enormous warehouse used by an internet shopping company named after the greatest river in South America: if you have bought from the company online, it probably travelled to you from Rugeley!
The town centre has undergone a facelift in recent years. Many of the buildings retain their elegant Georgian facades, especially the banks and many inns. Pedestrian areas allow for a pleasant stroll through the town centre, whilst information boards tell of the town's past life. The street names in particular reveal a great deal about Rugeley's evolution, as you will discover on this Trail.
There are many pay and display car parks all around the town centre. Once you have parked, make your way to the Market Square to begin your quest. There are numerous places where you can stop for refreshment along with a park that is ideal for a picnic around halfway on your travels.
Both pushchairs and wheelchairs should have no difficulties with the route; the chief concern is that there are two busy roads to cross, but most of the route is traffic-free and you can relax and enjoy your visit to the full.