Stamford
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An ancient town, once fortified by the Romans, later developed by the Saxons, and later still made the capital of the Fens by the Danes. Eventually, the conquering Normans constructed a castle here, built on the site of the former Danish stronghold, traces of which can still be see.
Wealth flowed into the town in the 12th century, as Stamford became an important wool centre - indeed, Stamford cloth was renowned throughout Europe. By the 16th century, the town's newly acquired wealth displayed itself in a number of building programmes, the result of which is a pleasing mixture of different building styles that remain to us today - Georgian mansions rub shoulders with Queen Anne and Tudor houses. There are also a few remains of medieval houses along St.Mary's Hill - No 13 dates from about 1220, whilst No 11 may date back as far as 1150.
Stamford was also an important religious centre in the Middle Ages. There were 4 monasteries and priories, 4 friaries, 6 religious hospitals and 14 parish churches in the town. Within the eastern perimeter of Stamford lie the remains of the ruined chapel of St.Leonard's Priory. Founded as a Benedictine house in 1082, the west front and the north arcade of the chapel is early 12th century - Edward I is known to have stayed here when passing through the town.
Although there were twice as many churches in the town centre in medieval times, six still remain to us and recall the thriving heyday of this former wool centre. The two churches All Saints and St.Mary's, are the only ones with spires. The former has a 13th century nave and chancel, together with a separately built tower and spire, both 15th century additions. St.Mary's is a lovely example of a 13th century Early English church; prominently situated above the River Welland, the church has an exceptionally fine 14th century spire with four stone evangelists. St.George's church, rebuilt after the Lancastrians sacked the town in 1461, is particularly noted for its stained glass. St.John the Baptist is a plain Perpendicular church with late medieval glass and brasses. St.Michael's, rebuilt in 1836, has recently been converted into shops, while the medieval St.Paul's church has become the chapel of Stamford School.
Very near to Stamford lies Burghley House, built by William Cecil, Elizabeth I's favourite adviser, in 1553. It is regarded as the grandest surviving Elizabethan house in England. With its dome towers, slender chimneys and massive 200-ft frontage, it houses one of the finest collections of 17th century Italian paintings. The Italianate ceilings are quite breathtaking, as are the tapestries, the oriental porcelain and fine furniture. 'Capability' Brown was commissioned to design and layout the extensive parkland at Burghley.
Stamford Museum has a life-size model of England's fattest man, 53 stone Daniel Lambert, who eventually died in Stamford in 1809.