Common myths and legends about Stafford’s most famous son are facing a rethink thanks to new research by a local historian.

Stafford man Neil Thomas has put together a new leaflet casting doubt on many traditional assumptions about the famous Compleat Angler author Izaak Walton.

Mr Thomas’ findings were launched at the Collegiate Church at St Mary, which contains a memorial to the baptism of Walton in 1593. But Mr Thomas is now casting doubt on the supposed date of his birth, which, according to a memorial in the north isle, was on August 9 of the same year.

The leaflet also questions the birthplace of Walton, marked by a plaque at the police station in Eastgate Street.

Mr Thomas, also a visitors’ steward at St Mary’s, says no evidence exists to support either claim.

Other traditions questioned by the leaflet, which was launched to coincide with a Heritage Days event at the church over the weekend, include that Walton was educated at the town’s grammar school, worked as an ironmonger in London and lived for many years at Stafford’s Ancient High House. Claims that Walton attended King Edward VI Grammar School have also been put in doubt.

Mr Thomas said: “I wanted to correct some common misconceptions about him, including assumptions that he was only interested in fishing.”

The leaflet, entitled Izaak Walton: the Compleat Anglican, is available from St Mary’s Church.