Some Fun Facts About Staines-Upon-Thames...

What are some fun facts about Staines?

Staines is a town in Surrey, England, located on the River Thames. It has a long and interesting history, and is home to some fascinating facts. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and fun facts about Staines.

Staines’ Ancient History

Staines has a long history that dates back to Roman times. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Stanes. The name comes from the Old English word ‘stan’ meaning stone. The area was known for its stone quarries, which supplied building materials for many local structures.

In 1218, King John granted Staines its first charter and it became an important market town. In 1222, it was granted the right to hold an annual fair which still takes place today. During this time, Staines also became a centre for river trade and industry with many wharves being built along the River Thames.

The Great Fire of 1687 destroyed much of Staines but it was quickly rebuilt and continued to thrive as an important market town until the 19th century when industrialisation began to take hold in the area.

The Home of Mr Bean
Rowan Atkinson's character Mr Bean is said to be based on a real-life resident of Staines - one Richard Curtis! Curtis lived in Staines during his childhood and went to school here before moving away as an adult. He later wrote the Mr Bean TV series which made its debut in 1990 and has since become one of Britain's most beloved comedy characters!

Staines’ Famous Residents
Staines has been home to many famous people over the years including actor Hugh Grant who attended school here; singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran who lived here during his teenage years; and former Prime Minister Tony Blair who was born here in 1953.

The Town’s Motto
Staines' official motto is “Semper Fidelis” which means “Always Faithful” in Latin - a fitting motto for such a long-standing community!

Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of fun facts about Staines that make it an interesting place to visit or live! From its ancient history to its famous residents, there is something for everyone in this charming town on the banks of the River Thames.