Staffordshire History Centre

About the history centre

Enjoy over 1000 years of Staffordshire history through displays, changing exhibitions, interactives and restored heritage rooms in the William Salt Library. There is a designated research room for consulting original documents and the Hildegarde Simon activity room where we run seasonal events and activities. Please note we are currently cash only onsite, except for our drinks machine, but we are working to introduce card payment methods soon.

Opening times

The History Centre is open Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 16:00. It is free to visit.

Finding us

The main entrance is via the archway on Eastgate Street in Stafford. There is an additional entrance via gates on North Walls. The two entry points are connected via a pedestrian walkway.

Address: Staffordshire History Centre, Eastgate Street, Stafford ST16 2LZ or you can locate our archway entrance using what three words.

The centre is a ten minute walk from Stafford Railway Station. The most direct route is to walk alongside the edge of the park towards the crown courts and Stafford college. At the war memorial go straight ahead and follow St. Marys Place to Greengate street and and then into Martin Street; when you exit Martin Street the centre will be across the road on your right. You can also walk via Victoria Park crossing the white bridge and exiting the park onto Mill Bank. From South Walls turn left into Cope Street and the centre will be ahead to your left.

The closest bus stops are the Gatehouse Theatre and Goal Square.

Information about parking can be found on Stafford Borough Council’s Car Parking in Stafford page. The closest public car parks are North Walls (long stay) and the Waterfront and Civic Centre (variable stay). Blue badge parking is located on Tipping Street, please contact us for information about blue badge parking.

Visitor facilities

Accessibility

The history centre is on one level with step free access throughout. The main gallery is brightly lit and spacious with smooth flooring; the space is open plan and sound can echo. A gentle ramp slopes down to the heritage part of our building which is darker with tiled and wooden floors. There is visitor seating both inside and outside.

We are working to create a social story, sensory map and access box; in the mean time you may wish to bring your own sunglasses and ear defenders.

We have an accessible toilet, the closest changing places toilet is located in Staffordshire Place One which is approximately 150m away. We currently offer an audio descriptive tour of our main display, large print labels and printed transcriptions of our audio content. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.

We are looking to continually review our work around access and are keen to hear feedback from visitors with lived experience.

For families

We have seasonal family trails and interactive games and puzzles in our main exhibition. You can find picture books and a dressing up station in the William Salt Library. We will be growing our family resources over the coming months with help from our family focus group. Coming soon: sensory backpacks to help young visitors explore our displays and a new children’s audio trail.

You are welcome to breastfeed at the Staffordshire History Centre, please let staff know if there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable. A baby change table is located in our accessible toilet.

Things to see and do

We run a seasonal events programme for a variety of audiences and for all ages; small charges may apply for events and activities. See below for the latest events. If you wish to extend your visit to Stafford we are located close to The Gatehouse Theatre, The Ancient High House and Victoria Park and the historic churches of St. Chad and St. Mary.

Researchers

If you wish to consult original documents please follow the instructions on the The Research Room page to book.

Upcoming Events at the Staffordshire History Centre