History
Stackton Valley
An Idyllic valley in the middle of Great Brickan. Fertile rolling hills provide good grazing for sheep and cattle. The River Stack flows from a largish lake in the surrounding hills until it eventually leaves the valley and flows into the North Sea.
Visitors will find a warm welcome from the local people and plenty of opportunities for a day out or a weekend getaway.
Stactum
The Roman town of Stactum began as a fortified camp of a detachment of the XXXIII (Ferox) Legion during its Brickish service before the revolt of 78 CE. The town had a small bathouse and a theatre built by the soldiers who showed no interest whatsoever in the usual road building commonly done by legionaires throughout the Empire. Roman Stactum was virtually abandoned in the 3rd century as the barbarian invasions swept the outposts of the Empire before its complete collapse.
Barony of Stackton
Godwin, the first Baron Stackton, built a small castle c. 1045 to cement his claim to the lordship of the valley after years of service to the King. Much improved by his son Edward after returning from the first crusade the castle was eventually abandoned and in large part dismantled in the 18th Century. By this time the family manor house had been long established in the old monastery bought by the 10th Baron, Henry, at the dissolution.
Today the Stackton family maintains their ancestral seat as a tribute to the family history. The buildings and grounds, including the world famous game preserve, are open to the public year round (except Christmas Day).
Stackton Town
Originally a small settlement built around a ford on the River Stack it was chartered as a town by the first Baron Stackton who exercised feudal rights over the town including an annual tax on a bridge he built in 1068, Foundations of that bridge were incorporated into the New Bridge built as a cooperative venture between the burghers and Baron Henry in the Sixteenth Century. It was the first Baron who built the original circuit walls much of which remains to this day.
Many notable sights of historical interest remain in the town including Stackton Hall, Castle Gate Blackfriars, St. Block’s Abbey Church and The Stump. Modern visitors attractions offer everyone opportunities for recreation including the Stackton Waterslide Park, the George Brickly Recreation Center and Stackton River Adventures. Visitors can easily visit The Old Forest National Park or Stackton Manor and Game Preserve both located within easy driving or cycling distance of the town.
Vistitors will also not want to miss the weekly Market as colourful stalls are set up every Thursday morning selling everything from fresh local produce, handicrafts, and artwork to household neccessities and antiques.
Admiral the Lord Stackton
Admiral the Lord Stackton had a long and prosperous career in the Royal Navy in the late 18th and early 19th centuries rising to Admiral of the Fleet before retiring to the family seat as the first Duke of Stackton. His most famous command was the brig Impermeable (12 Guns) in which he carried off the much larger Spaniard Clickefuego (24 guns).
It was the Admiral who began the collection of rare and exotic animals that continues to this day in the Stackton Manor Animal Safari. Animals, birds and other creatures were collected by the Admiral over his 63 years of Service all over the world.
Stackton Valley Railway
With the advent of the age of rail George, 2nd Duke of Stackton, invested heavily in the company that became known as the Stackton Valley Rail Road. This small rail line began as primarily a cargo route for the local coal mines but from the beginning the Duke insisted on promoting the fresh air of his beloved valley to weary city dwellers. The SVRR provided passenger service from the capitol to Stackton and a thriving holiday industry has brought thousands of people to Stackton every year.
The SVRR built the Stackton Arms Hotel which is of course right across the main square from the train station and still welcomes guests in grand style.
Duke of Stackton's Regiment of Foot
Edward, the third Duke was Colonel-in-chief of the Stackton Fencibles who eventually merged with the 42nd Regiment of Foot to form what is today the Duke of Stackton's (23rd) Regiment of Foot.
