Stroud is a small country town one hour north of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It is part of the Mid-Coast Councillocal government area. The major road through Stroud is the Bucketts Way. At the 2006 census, Stroud had a population of 669. The township of Stroud can trace its beginning back to the late 1820s when it became the headquarters for a public funded company known as the Australian Agricultural Company. In 1824, this company received a grant of one million acres of land between Port Stephens and the Manning River. This land was to be used for agriculture. Stroud was a self-contained village by 1832 and, as early as 1836, the Company's storehouses and much of the convict labour force were located there. By 1850, it had become the Company's headquarters. Land was subdivided for private settlement in 1849, with settlers arriving from England the following year to take up land grants there. Many fine buildings were constructed at Stroud. Some of these are still in use today: Stroud House ; St John's Church and Quambi School House, and the underground grain silos, built by the A. A. Company for the storage of grain.
Sport
In 2007 the Stroud Raiders a men's football team reformed. With strong performances through the year the Raiders were the Minor and Major Premiers for 2007. There is also a women's football team called the Supercats. Stroud also has a cricket team. These teams share the Stroud Showground. Stroud used to have four tennis courts which were home to the Stroud Tennis Club, and a twenty five metre pool which is usually open from October to April. Golf and bowls are played at the Stroud and District Country Club. Some of the sports facilities, along with houses, property and camping grounds, where severely damaged in April 2015 in a large storm that caused flash flooding.
Events
The Stroud Show is usually the first weekend after Easter. The is usually held on a Saturday in July . This coincides with the same event in three other Strouds: Oklahoma , Gloucestershire and Ontario. The Stroud Rodeo is usually the third weekend in September. Retreats and conferences are held at the Franciscan Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Education
Stroud has a primary school which was established in 1884.
Railways
It was not possible for the North Coast railway line to serve Stroud. A railway station was established at Stroud Road but this is now closed and the nearest station is at Dungog.
Heritage listings
Stroud has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
