with: Sancerre, France Industry For three centuries leather working and shoemaking had been important domestic industries in Eccleshall, but by the end of the 19th century both had almost ceased, with the growth of the mechanised shoe factories in nearby Stafford. Glass production was important to the town in the 14th and 15th centuries. Farming remains a major activity in the area. Eccleshall has been the site for an operational biofuel power station since September 2007, fuelled by elephant grass, the majority of which is grown by local farmers within a 30-mile radius. The maximum capacity of 2.6MW makes Eccleshall one of the first carbon-neutral towns in the UK, according to the company that runs the plant. Notable people William Overton (c.1525–1609), an English bishop, he is buried in Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall. Samuel Butler (1774-1839), Bishop of Lichfield, previously headmaster of Shrewsbury School, died at Eccleshall Castle. Charles E. Dudley (1780-1841), U.S. Senator from New York, Mayor of Albany, New York, member of the New York State Senate, born at Johnson Hall, Eccleshall. John Lonsdale (1788–1867), Bishop of Lichfield, died at Eccleshall Castle and buried in Eccleshall. Sport Frederick Webster (1885 in Eccleshall — 1938), an English cricketer who played for Derbyshire in 1906. Anthony Hobson (born in Eccleshall 1965), a former English cricketer. Hobson was a right-handed batsman who bowled right-arm off break David Boden (born in Eccleshall 1970), a former English cricketer. Boden was a right-handed batsman who bowled right-arm medium-fast. David Hibbert (born Eccleshall 1986), a former football striker; now a coach at Stoke City F.C. Nearby locations See also Listed buildings in Eccleshall References External links Parish Council website Comprehensive guide to Eccleshall Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish Eagle House (Early 18th century grade II listed building) Towns in Staffordshire Civil parishes in Staffordshire Borough of Stafford