The finest stone town in England*


Stamford is an outstanding stone town in Lincolnshire. Built on Jurassic rock, Stamford is England's first urban conservation area. It has over 600 listed buildings ranging from remnants of medieval monasteries to fine 18th century town houses. In 1967, Stamford became the first conservation area.

Stamford Civic Society was formed in 1962 to lobby for the conservation and preservation of the town, while also looking to its future prosperity. The Society is a member of Civic Voice, the national charity for the civic movement.

You can support our work and participate in our social events and other activities by joining the Society. If you would like more information, please contact us.

The Society runs regular events and projects, works with local schools and produces a quarterly Newsletter for members. The Stamford Urban Group has been part of the Civic Society since 2013.

* according to Celia Fiennes, ("Stamfford town is as fine a built town all of stone as may be seen; its on the side of a hill which appears very fine in the approach"), Sir Walter Scott ("the finest sight on the road between Edinburgh and London"), the historian W. G. Hoskins ("If there is a more beautiful town in the whole of England, I have yet to see it"), Sir John Betjeman ("the best town we have") and Nikolaus Pevsner ("the English country market town par excellence'.").


Stamford's Historic Sites app

For access to our mobile app, with handy information on many of our town's historic sites, scan this barcode with your smartphone's camera. Or tap the barcode if you are already using your smartphone.

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