Pictures of Tamworth

About Tamworth

In the 8th century the Saxon Kingdom of Mercia was ruled from Tamworth. Later in AD 913, a fortress was built here by the daughter of King Alfred. This was demolished to make way for a Norman castle built by Robert de Marmion, a champion of William the Conqueror. Today, the castle, raised on a mound so long ago, still casts it watchful eye over the town.

Of its modern history, Sir Robert Peel has been by far Tamworth's most impressive character. He was the town's Member for Parliament in 1834 when he made his famous pre-election speech to his constituents outlining his plans for political reform. There-after, this speech became known as the "Tamworth Manifesto" it formed the basis of modern electioneering addresses to come, and is celebrated by a statue of Robert peel erected in the town in 1852.

The railways reached Tamworth in 1847, and in the ensuing years between then and the 20th century both the town and its various industries expanded, especially after the arrival of electricity in 1924.

Today, the town serves as both a market town and a centre for small industrial units rather than the giants of yester-year (although some still exist). It has, like many Staffordshire town's a multi-racial population, with a diverse culture.

Tamworth is ringed by two famous waterways, these are the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and the River Anker. It also has pleasant shopping facilities, and a museum where visitors can learn all about the town, its history and traditions.

The buildings to be seen are a delightful mixture of several periods, there are noteworthy inns, good restaurants, pubs, cafe's and plenty of places for relaxation including spacious parks.

For anyone wishing to stay there is a pleasing selection of hotels and overnight accommodation, with plenty of visitor attraction within easy reach. Amongst these you will find, The Snowdrome, Belfry Hotel Golf Course - venue for outstanding world class match-play champion golf matches, Twycross Zoo, Drayton Manor Park, Borrow Pit Lake for fishing, and of course historic Tamworth Castle.