Hednesford

Hednesford (pronounced Hensford) is a small Staffordshire town located within the Cannock Chase district. Hednesford is situated between Cannock Chase and the town of Cannock. Like many of the local Staffordshire towns and villages it built a reputation closely associated with the coal mining industry and Hednesford remained a part of this industry for over a centry. The older sections of the town are situated surrounding the hilltop locations while the more modern parts that sprung up to support coal mining were established in the lower areas and these became the focal points of Hednesford as the community expanded after the industrial revolution.

Hednesford was one of many sites chosen by the British armed forces for a training camp and between 1914 and 1918 the area was a buzzing hive of activity with over a quarter of a million British and Commonwealth troops passing through to head to the Western Front. In 1938 a Royal Air Force camp was established in Hednesford in an effort to help train technicians and engineers, and the site later became known as RAF Hednesford. In 1956 this site played a role on the global stage as it was used to house Hungarian refugees who were fleeing from the Russian invasion of Budapest. This area was gradually redeveloped and is now Cannock Chase Country Park.

In recent years Hednesford has suffered something of a commercial decline (particularly since the 1980's) as many of the larger towns and cities that are situated near by attract more visitors each year. Many businesses have set up home in Hednesford making it something of a central location for industry in the area and major redevelopment of the town is taking place. Hednesford is also home to one of the oldest scout troops, founded in 1908 by Tom Patchett the troop gradually opened to all denominations and it recently celebrated its centenary year and is still going strong. The town itself is best known for the Hednesford Hills Raceway, a stock car circuit built on the site of an abandoned reservoir, and each year a large number of fans flock to the area to enjoy the races.