The pretty Staffordshire town called Tamworth is home to a number of family attractions, beauty spots and shopping destinations. Here is everything you need to known about the area
A UK market town which attracts avid skiers for its creative snow dome was once known as England’s capital 300 years ago.
Tamworth, which is nestled in Staffordshire, offers a much quieter way of life compared to the city of London. At just 12 square miles, it is classed as the smallest borough in the West Midlands county. According to estate agent Taylor Cole, the area is bustling with great transport links, desirable shops and is even home to an indoor ski centre, SnowDome. Drayton Manor theme park is also located in Tamworth.
On its website, the estate agent said: “Tamworth, which takes its name from the River Tame that flows through the town, is a vibrant place with plenty of shops in the town centre, including more than 60 in Ankerside Shopping Centre. Accompanying the high street stores are numerous unique and independent shops, bars and restaurants.”
They added: “In 1994, Europe’s first real indoor ski slope opened its doors right here in Tamworth. You will find the Snowdome located just off the A5, offering a unique skiing experience for a wide range of abilities, from a beginner’s slope to a more advanced 170m-long slope, for more experienced skiers.”
Way back in the 8th century, King Offa established Tamworth as the seat of royal power – a position it retained for almost 200 years. While Tamworth was the seat of power, and there was a palace in the town in King Offa’s day, it wasn’t until the 11th century that Tamworth Castle was built by Robert Despenser, steward of William the Conqueror.
Before and after the famous Norman conquest of England, Tamworth enjoyed a period of prosperity as lords of the manor built castles in and around the town. In the 8th century, England was divided up into kingdoms which were Mercia, Northumbria and Wessex, Mercia being the largest and most significant, reports Express.
Tamworth was the heartland of the Mercian Kingdom and the Mercian Kings spent more time at Tamworth than anywhere else However, London’s status as a capital city was cemented in 1066 when William the Conqueror marched on the city following his victory in the Battle of Hastings.
This may come as a surprise to many, but England had many capitals before London was eventually settled upon. In the 10th Century, Athelstan, the first king of (all) England and grandson of Alfred the Great, made Malmesbury his capital after defeating an army of northern English and Scots. As well as claiming to be Britain’s oldest recorded town, Colchester was turned into the nation’s Roman capital in AD49.
