|  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 the Thoroton Society, 10 (1906)
 The
Saxon Cross
The
Saxon Cross standing in St Helen's churchyard was probably erected
in about 1000AD 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.
Also
see Stapleford
Cross >>
By Rev. A. D. Hill, Transactions of the Thoroton Society, 10
(1906)
 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.
Also see The
Teverey Family >>
By George Fellows, ' Arms, Armour and Alabaster
Round Nottingham' (1907)
Stapleford
Church >> By
Mr G. Fellows, Transactions of the Thoroton Society,
10 (1906)
 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.
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.
The
Warren Arms
The Warren Arms public house on Derby Road was mentioned as early
as the 1750s and until the early 20th century was the only building
on the north side of the road, where the park wall, backed by
the great trees inside, marked the boundary of the parkland surrounding
Stapleford Hall, home of the Warren family from the 1670s.
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
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