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Introduction.

The River Sow the main river that passes through Stafford begins its journey in a valley on the outskirts of Fairoak.

From its birth as it emerges as a spring it develops into a major river to become a tributary of the River Trent before ending its journey at the Essex Bridge near Shugborough.

On the way it passes through some of the finest countryside that Staffordshire can offer. Its tranquil journey belies the events that have happened to the places on its route, events that many know nothing about. These events helped shape the landscape we see today, made and lost the towns and villages we live in. Many people have been associated with the river and these places, some have become Saints, some have shaped the lives of others, some have met Kings. From all that has happened, the river has always been there and been a major part of it all. Most of the time the river is unknown, it has always been there and is ignored as it is part of ‘the furniture’.

This journey along the 15 miles the river travels will tell you of the beautiful countryside that is waiting to be discovered and hopefully leave you with the desire to explore and find your favourite stretch of the river, or to investigate the events that have happened

What of the events that have happened to some of the places the river passes? This will attempt to tell you of these major historical events and show you some of the historical buildings associated with those events.

But first a bit of history. In the 12th and 13th centuries the Sow was known as Sowe and its meaning was a sough, drain, stream or channel.

And so to begin our journey.

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