Is it true that a small village can claim ties to a U.S. president? Welcome to Stapleford. This charming village is located just south of Cambridge. It may seem like just another quaint English village. But Stapleford holds a rather unique claim to fame.
Stapleford is first mentioned in the year 956. It was given the Latinised name of Stapelforda. Interestingly, the spelling has hardly changed since then. The area had been inhabited long before this time. Wandlebury Ring is an Iron Age hill fort. It lies within the parish boundary. It was originally built in the 3rd century BC. Then it was rebuilt with a double bank in the 1st century AD.
However, more recently, Stapleford found fame in a different way. It was discovered that Barack Obama is a direct descendant. His ancestor, Thomas Blossom, grew up here. He lived here towards the end of the 16th century. Before setting sail for the United States.
Stapleford is home to two pubs. They are called The Rose and The Three Horseshoes. The village also boasts Saint Andrew’s Church. Also, there is a primary school. Several garages and two hairdressers serve the community. Allotments, a youth football club, and a cricket team add to the village’s character. Several farms dot the surrounding landscape.
Let’s talk about some famous residents. Racing driver Robert Huff once called Stapleford home. Nobel laureates Sir John Sulston and Sir James Mirrlees also lived here. Both men sadly passed away in 2018.
From 1750 to 1755, John Berridge served as curate in Stapleford. He rode out from Clare College. He was a later evangelist. He performed his duties with a sincere desire to do good. He preached and taught the importance of sanctification. Yet, Berridge later reflected his ministry in Stapleford was fruitless. He neither believed nor preached the gospel of justification by faith. He believed he was having no beneficial effect on his congregation. So, he resigned. Later, he became vicar of Everton near Sandy.
Stapleford is twinned with two places. Villedomer is in the Loire region of France. Nachingwea is one of the six districts in the Lindi Region of Tanzania.
Stapleford offers beautiful countryside surroundings. The village is surrounded by green fields and rolling hills. You can enjoy scenic countryside views. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing walk or a bike ride. You’ll often see locals out and about enjoying the fresh air.
If you are interested in history and architecture, Stapleford has plenty to offer. The village is home to several historic buildings. The beautiful 15th-century All Saints Church is here. The church is a must-visit. It has stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
The village probably began near the ford across the Granta. This ford is in the south-west corner of the parish. A post marked the ford. This gave the village its name.
Until 1814, a Green of about 30 acres survived. It extended from Bar Lane to the far side of Haverhill Road. The population in 1801 was 235. By 1871, it reached a peak of 594.
The opening of Shelford railway station in 1845 had an effect on Stapleford. Several large houses were built in Mingle Lane. Four substantial mansions were built on Foxhill soon after 1900. These included Middlefield. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
So, as you explore Stapleford, remember its long history. From its Iron Age roots to its connection to a modern president. This village embodies the charm and history of the English countryside.