Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A Visit to Stamford


Just a short stroll from the charming Burghley House, is the delightful town of Stamford, which is certainly worth a detour. Located 100 miles north of London, this beautifully preserved English stone town boasts historic buildings and churches.


A popular setting for movies and television shows, this picturesque and cobbled stone street exemplifies the town's old world charm.


Interestingly enough, this small town was one of the 10 largest towns in England by the 12th century,


coming to prominence in the 9th and 10th century, and prospering under Norman rule as a wool town.



The town is full of warm stone buildings made from the Lincolnshire limestone nearby, and it sports a medieval core of 17th and 18th century stone buildings to admire.


Lunch found us at The Central Restaurant on the market square.


We were first drawn in by the scones and treats in the windows,


and once inside, we were charmed by the medieval oak beams of the tiny restaurant with great market views.


You won't want to miss the All Saints Church, some parts dating back to the 13th century. It dominates the Red Lion square and its market activity.


I was entranced though by the smaller St. Mary's church


whose earliest parts date from the 12th century.



A peaceful cemetery alongside


was the home of many beautiful tombstones, each with a story of its own and the life it was commemorating.


As the sun began to sink, we reluctantly left to make our way to our prearranged destination of Lincoln, wishing we could have stayed much longer to stroll the town of Stamford and enjoy its charm.

Definitely worth a repeat visit....

5 comments:

  1. Dear Debi - your photos are lovely, such a joy to see. I noticed on the 4th photo the old writing on one buildings saying "good stabling and loose boxes" a left over from the time when coaches and horses passed through the town. The tree outside small St. Mary's is lovely with its leaves which are gold on one side and cream on the other.

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  2. Oh you visit so many interesting and beautiful places. I am so glad you do because I love seeing these places through your awesome pics and writing.
    Would love to visit Stamford and especially St. Mary's. Lovely how you captured these flowers on the ground.
    Take care and keep sharing.
    Love
    Maggie

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  3. Hi Debi,

    Ooo, this is another wonderful destination to add to the list. You're such a terrific tour guide that even if we don't make it to all the places you've shared, we'll have experienced at least a bit of it!

    I hope you are well and having a great week.

    G

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  4. Gorgeous town and absolutely beautiful photos! Glad I stopped by:)

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  5. My favorite photos are of the churchyard with the yellow leaves.

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