Mention Staffordshire to most people and they immediately think of a county dominated by heavy industry. While it certainly has a rich industrial heritage - with the Potteries in the north and the iron ore, limestone and coal of the Black Country in the south - there are many more treasures to discover. This north Midlands county has a wealth of natural beauty; sweeping hills and valleys shape its magnificent landscape, which includes moorland, heathland and the Staffordshire Peak District.
Covering 26 square miles, the former royal hunting ground of Cannock Chase is now an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; there are glorious stately homes including Shugborough Hall and the landscaped gardens of Biddulph Grange. A legacy of Staffordshire's industrial past is the greatest number of canals in any English county, but the boats today carry holidaymakers rather than heavy working cargoes.
In this book, professional photographer Noel Bennett captures Staffordshire's diverse and dramatic landscapes. From the cities of Lichfield, Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford to the scenic villages, and the industrial heritage to the breathtaking countryside, `Staffordshire in Photographs' is an exceptional portrait of the county by a photographer who knows it well. Readers will discover the endless variety of scenery, the hidden delights and well-loved places that make Staffordshire special.