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Trent & Mersey Canal - Stone, Staffordshire

Stone, Staffordshire

Stone is a market town a few miles south of Stoke-on-Trent. Claiming to be the birthplace of the canal system. We were surprised to find that there is no museum or permanent display of any description. When we visited the Library, the Librarians admitted they were slightly embarrassed at the lack of any visitor attraction!

The town itself is quite pleasant with the High Street being a wholly pedestrian area with a market square in front of the Library. It is obvious from the facades that Stone High Street has a hidden history - some of the brick work, stonework and rendering has a historic quality.

The Somerfield Supermarket entrance off High Street was once Stone Brewery (Offices?). Photo retouched by us.

We were directed down the High Street, by one of the librarians, to Cumberland House (at present a doctor's surgery), where the Duke of Cumberland once spent some time in 1745 at the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie's Rebellion, whilst the Duke's army were encamped locally, 'the building may have a blue plaque'.

On the way to Cumberland House we saw the Crown Inn had a 'green plaque' adjacent to the front door, crediting a Henry Holland with the design of the building, serving the mail coach and others.