Stafford is a small city that became a shoe-making center in the 18th C and converted to electrical engineering in the 20th C. Shire Hall, built in 1795, is quite interesting. Also worth noting is the parish church, restored by Sir Gilbert Scott in 1841. It has a central tower, early English nave and Decorated transepts. It also contains the
bust of Izaak Walton (1593-1683) who was born here and baptized in the Norman font in this church.
There are many other impressive buildings in Stafford, including the William Salt Library, which contains valuable books and manuscripts detailing the history of the county. Victoria Park in Stafford is a riverside park with bowling greens, play areas and a paddling pool.