In 1903 a little group of Sisters left France and came to Stafford in the heart of England, opening the first religious house there since the Reformation, almost four hundred years earlier.

Their foundress, Anne Marie Javouhey, had grown up during the French Revolution and founded her Congregation in 1807. Her intrepid spirit, bequeathed to her daughters, , is shown in the early history of the Stafford Sisters. Life in a disused shoe factory was a challenge indeed for women who spoke only French, had very little money and a big vision. We read of very humble beginnings where flowers were made and sold. Soon, however, a tiny school opened with three pupils.

Better premises in Rowley Park and finally in the delightful property known as Forebridge Villa allowed the founding vision to expandf. This was 1905. From the days in Rowley Park the sisters had opened their house to 'Lady Boarders' and this was a feature of the house all down the years until 1984 when the needs of the times indicated that a Nursing Home was necessary.

The intervention of World War I, the taking in of refugees from Antwerp, from Alsace, caused many restrictions but finally in 1927 a fine school was built, beside the original house and 170 pupils had excellent facilities for both day and boarding school.

Another war with its challenges brought refugees again, saw further progress but also changes, especially in education. Large comprehensive schools were now in vogue, and sadly the decision was made to close the primary and secondary schools. Some of the Sisters now worked in the local comprehensive Blessed William Howard School. However the parish school (a state school) took over the premises and for thirty years their school existed in our premises. Now their new school, in our former kitchen garden, is about to open, a splendid building. The Sisters' dream for Stafford hasn't faded. It's a living reality.

The Nursing Home had by now become well known. Most of the former school had been adapted to meet its needs. In 1984 a secular matron was appointed. Men as well as women are residents in the Nursing Home with its 33 beds offering nursing and palliative care in a friendly, warm, caring atmosphere. With a resident Chaplain there is the added bonus of spiritual help always available, and CCTV (closed circuit television) is very comforting for those who cannot go to the Chapel.

Over the years the Sisters have been involved in the parish of St.Austin's, in its school, prayer groups, Legion and Children of Mary, Prison visitation, hospital visitation and feeding of the hungry poor.

Over a hundred years have passed and the needs of the present day are very different from those of 1903. The Sisters of St.Joseph of Cluny try to meet these needs by being open to God's Will.