The Hemlock Stone The Hemlock Stone stands near the summit of Stapleford Hill adjacent to Bramcote Hills and the park (Location Map). The stone and the hills are made up of red sandstone which was deposited in the early Triassic period over 200 million years ago. The upper part of the Hemlock Stone is heavily impregnated with barium sulphate or barytes, a mineral that is resistant to weathering, which forms a protective cap above the pillar of softer rock below.
Over many millennia, erosion of the softer sandstone surrounding the pillar by water, ice and wind has shaped the strange form of the Hemlock Stone that we see today.
Many theories exist as to how the Stone got its name but it is thought by many to have been the site of activity by the Druids, the priesthood of the Celts. Myths and legends concerning the Stone abound, many of which formed part of a specially commissioned play performed in the walled garden area in 2001. A huge bonfire was lit on top of the Stone, one of the official beacons the length and breadth of the country, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2002. A recent project of Broxtowe Borough Council and the local community has seen the installation of new interpretation panels, way markers to highlight the many wooded walks in the area, new carved stone seats and the publication of a special leaflet, as well as the inauguration of the Hemlock Happening, an outdoor festival to showcase the talents of local schools, groups and individuals. Also see The Hemlock Stone >> By Mr Emsley Coke/Mr Samuel Page, The Hemlock Stone, Transactions of theThoroton Society, 10 (1906)

The Saxon Cross

Also see Stapleford Cross >> By Rev. A. D. Hill, Transactions of the Thoroton Society, 10 (1906)

The Saxon Cross standing in St Helen's churchyard is thought to date back to around 700AD and is believed to be the oldest Christian memorial in Nottinghamshire. It is over three metres tall and features many interlacing carvings including a symbol of St Luke treading on a serpent.

Travelling preachers would have called the local people to worship near it before the church was built. It may even have been responsible for the name 'Stapleford' meaning a post near a ford or river crossing.

A new stone ball was placed on top of the cross in the year 2000 to replace the original which was damaged during a storm in 1916.

St Helen’s Parish Church

St Helen’s Parish Church was built in the early English style of architecture and was consecrated around 1220. Additions and alterations were made in later centuries and the memorial chapel and fine wrought iron gates were added in the 1920s. The church contains tombs of the The Teverey Family from the 17th century.

Walter Parker VC Memorial Square

On the 1st August 2000, the new town square was officially opened and dedicated to the memory of Lance Corporal Walter Parker VC who was born on the 20th September 1881 in Grantham, Lincolnshire.

He was educated in London, moved to Stapleford and began work at Stanton Ironworks as a coremaker. He enlisted in1914 and whilst serving with the Royal Marines Light Infantry was awarded the Victoria Cross in recognition of his bravery at Gaba Tepe, Gallipoli on 1st May, 1915.

In charge of a party of Royal Marine stretcher bearers, he went through heavy enemy machinegun fire to carry water, medical supplies and ammunition to an isolated forward position. Despite being seriously wounded he continued to help evacuate wounded troops.

He was invalided out of the Marines in 1916 and returned to Stapleford. He died in 1936 as a result of his wounds and is buried in Stapleford cemetery.

Read more about Walter Parker VC >>

The Wesley Place Chapel

The Wesley Place Chapel was built near the spot where John Wesley preached in 1774 and is now the home of Stapleford Volunteer Bureau. It has a fine interior hall with balcony.

Lacemakers' Cottages, Nottingham Road

During the 19th century, when Nottingham was the centre of the lace trade, many people worked from home. To maximise the daylight their machines were kept in workrooms with very large windows on the top floor of their cottages. The buildings were originally constructed for framework knitters and their stocking machines in the 18th century.

St John's Church of England School

St John's Church of England School was built in 1837 at a cost of £3200 and endowed by Lady Caroline Warren in memory of her late husband, Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren of Stapleford hall. Now run as a primary school by the Nottinghamshire Education authority; it is the oldest school building still in use as a school in the country.

Stapleford Town Trail A guide to the historic features and places of interest in Stapleford, produced by the Stapleford and District Local History Society, is available from Stapleford Library.

Information on places of interest supplied by Stapleford & District Local History Society