Stapleford’s origins can be traced back to Norman times.
The name 'Stapleford' is thought to originate from 'the post by the ford', so it is not surprising that it is a common English place name and there are thought to be some 17 Staplefords across the country.
Stapleford’s development was partly due to the fact of its proximity to the River Trent and River Erewash, making it an accessible centre for trade.
The Saxon Cross which dates from around 1000 AD is situated in the churchyard of St Helen’s and is though to be the oldest Christian memorial in the whole of the midlands.
It would have originally been used as a place or worship before the existence of a church. A new stone ball was placed on top of the cross in the year 2000 to replace the original which was damaged in a storm in 1916. It was originally situated in the middle of Church Street near to St Helen’s Church but was moved into the churchyard for safety.
St Helen's Parish Church was consecrated around 1220 and is built in the Early English style of architecture, although there have been additions and alterations in later centuries.
Wesley Place Chapel was built near the spot where John Wesley preached in 1774.
In the late 18th Century the area enjoyed a stocking hose industry. Many people will still remember the huge Johnson and Barnes factory in the centre of town which was demolished in the late 1970’s/early 1980’s.
The Roach is the main crossroads through the town and link Nottingham Road, Derby Road, Toton Lane and Church Street. Its name came from the time when French prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars had to make a road through the rock and thus was called ‘La Roche’.
St John's Church of England School was built on Nottingham Road in 1837 at a cost of £3,200 and endowed by Lady Caroline Warren in memory of her late husband, Admiral Sir |ohn Borlase Warren of Stapleford Hall. It is the oldest building still in use as a school in the county.
Stapleford Town Square was refurbished and enhanced and officially opened in August 2000. It is dedicated to the memory of Lance Corporal Walter Parker VC.
Born in 1881 in Lincolnshire and educated in London he moved to Stapleford to work at Stanton Ironworks as a coremaker.He was awarded the Victoria Cross in recognition of his bravery at Gallipoli on May 1, 1915. After which he was invalided out of the Marines and returned to Stapleford. He died in 1936 as a result of his wounds and is buried in Stapleford cemetery.
Nottingham was to prosper as the world centre of the lace trade during the 19th Century. Weavers Cottages were built which had large windows on the top floor to allow light into the room. A fine example can still be seen on Nottingham Road near to Sandicliffe.
In 2006 a new NHS Health Centre was opened on Church Street.
On the edge of Stapleford lies Stapleford Hill with a summit at 101m above sea level. There is an Ordnance Survey Triangulation Point at the top, although this is no longer in use.
Famous People
Sir John Borlase Warren
Sir John Borlase Warren, was born in Stapleford in 1753 and entered the Royal Navy as an able seaman in 1771.
In 1774 he became an MP for Great Marlow and was created a baronet.
In April 1794 as commodore of the frigate squadron they assisted off the northwest coast of France in the blockade of Brest. Warren and his squadron captured a number of French frigates.
In 1796 they captured or destroyed 220 vessels.
In October 1798 a French fleet, carrying 5000 men, sailed from Brest intending to invade Ireland but the plan was foiled by Warren and his squadron.
In 1802 he went to St Petersburg as ambassador extraordinary.
In 1806 he captured a large French warship, the Marengo.
He became an admiral in 1810, and was commander-in-chief on the North American station between 1813–1814. He died in 1822.
Latest News in Stapleford:
| Title | Author | Date |
| Pregnant woman robbed in Stapleford | News Correspondent | 17 June, 2009 |
| Salvation Youth Cafe to open | News Correspondent | 06 April, 2009 |
| Armed robbers target house on Toton Lane, Stapleford | News Correspondent | 23 March, 2009 |
| Stapleford man guilty of benefit fraud | News Correspondent | 17 March, 2009 |
| Stapleford School celebrate in Dragons' Den competition | News Correspondent | 16 March, 2009 |
