The quiet town was once the capital of England – a title it held for almost 200 years in the 8th century
When you think of England’s capital city, London immediately springs to mind, with its globally renowned landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. However, this wasn’t always the case.
Three centuries before London claimed the title, a humble market town northeast of Birmingham in Staffordshire held the distinction. Despite being the smallest borough in Staffordshire at just 12 square miles, and one of the tiniest in the country, Tamworth’s significance should not be underestimated – it was once the capital of England.
In the 8th century, King Offa designated Tamworth as the seat of royal power, a status it maintained for nearly 200 years.
Although Tamworth served as the power centre and housed a palace during King Offa’s reign, it wasn’t until the 11th century that Tamworth Castle was constructed by Robert Despenser, steward of William the Conqueror, reports the Express.
Before and after the famed Norman conquest of England, Tamworth experienced a period of prosperity as local lords built castles within and around the town.
In the 8th century, England was divided into the kingdoms of Mercia, Northumbria, and Wessex, with Mercia being the largest and most influential.
Tamworth was the heart of the Mercian Kingdom, and the Mercian Kings spent more time in Tamworth than anywhere else.
However, London’s position as the capital city was solidified in 1066 when William the Conqueror marched on the city following his triumph in the Battle of Hastings.
Today, this market town retains its historical charm and offers residents a more peaceful lifestyle, with independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants populating the streets of the traditional town centre.
It may come as a shock to some, but England has had numerous capitals before London was finally chosen.
In the 10th Century, Athelstan, the first king of (all) England and grandson of Alfred the Great, declared Malmesbury his capital after defeating an army of northern English and Scots.
Not only does Colchester claim to be Britain’s oldest recorded town, but it also became the nation’s Roman capital in AD49.
