Penkridge is a market town in the south west of the county.
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| By the railway in Penkridge |
| Information | |
|---|---|
| County: | Staffordshire |
| District: | South Staffordshire |
| Population: | 8526 (2011 census) |
The name Penkridge may be derived from the name the Romans gave their fort in the area, Pennocrucium or the ancient Celtic for head of the ridge, penn-crug (penkrik). By 958 the setttlement was known as Pencric. The name is not derived from river Penk which flows through the town, indeed the river's name may be derived from Penkridge!
People have been living in the area since before the Romans, who built a settlement and fort in the area. Penkridge was first mentioned in 958 in a charter, though existed for some time beforehand. It was a settlement in the kingdom of Mercia.
Penkridge's early importance was due to the church of St Michael, which was a collegiate church with a chapel royal set aside for use by the king. The town grew economically after the reign of Henry III who relaxed the restrictions on land use around Cannock Chase near the town. The town began to have a weekly market and was famous for it's horse fair.
Like many small towns Penkridge grew in size and economic importance following the arrival of new transport links. Penkridge station is a stop on the West Coast Main Line, the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal also passes nearby. In more modern times nearby motorway links have seen the town population greatly increase.
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| White Hart pub |
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| Old telephone number on this sign |
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| St Michael's church |
