Stone was named after the pile of stones that were placed on the graves of King Wulfhere's 2 sons, who were killed by their father in 665AD because of their conversion to Christianity. 

The church built over these stones, in 670 AD, was replaced in 1135 by an Augustine Priory, which survived until the dissolution, in the reign of Henry V111.  The building collapsed in 1749, to be replaced by the church of St. Michael and St. Wulfrad.

The present parish church of St. Michael was built in 1753 by William Robinson, partly on the site of the old Priory church.

In the churchyard there is also the Jervis Mausoleum. Here lie the Admiral and many members of his family. 

Jervis's most famous victory was at the battle of Cape St. Vincent (St. Valentine's Day 1797), when he and Nelson routed the Spanish fleet and prevented it from joining with the French in attacking England. The Admiral was born at Meaford Hall 1.25mN E of Stone.

Industry

The main 2 industries of Stone in the early years were brewing and shoemaking. 

Shoemakers worked in small shops and factories and by 1874, 1,600 people were engaged in the industry.  

Today, the old industries have declined or disappeared, however, the Joules Brewery is now the local Somerfield's supermarket.

Trent & Mersey Canal

The canal has played a vital role in the development of the town. In 1766 Josiah Wedgwood and engineer James Brindley signed the document that established the Trent & Mersey Canal Company

The canal opened in1771 and provided a quick, safe and cheap method of bringing large amounts of raw materials to the potteries and also transporting china products to various destinations.

Many canal side sites have, in recent times, been sold for housing developments. The ‘Moorings' apartments, just below the Star Lock, are based on the old Stubbs warehouse, whilst opposite the Wharf, apartments and houses surround the old Trent Hospital - formerly a Workhouse.

Road names on the 'Whitebridge Estate' at Meaford Fields have been taken from Stone's long association with the canal. These include: ‘Brindley Close' after the Surveyor General of the Trent & Mersey Canal Co., ‘Rangeley View' and ‘ Dixon Close' after the Rangeley & Dixon foundry that cast mileposts in 1819 and Rendel Wyatt, (founder of the Canal Cruising Company in 1948).

Although the canal is no longer used for transportation of cargo, over 10,000 narrow boats pass through Stone every year.

Food and Drink

As far back as the 12th century, Stone was famous for the qualities of the ales brewed by the canons at Stone Priory. This tradition was carried on by various brewers, over the centuries. Perhaps the most famous brewery, associated with the town, was that of John Joule and Sons. Francis Joule

Cheese fairs where held in the town from the mid-19th century. Again the canal played an important part in transporting cheese to other parts of the country.