Photographer, artist, writer, historian, explorer, animal lover, and nonconformist
burslem
Burslem, Stoke on Trent, is known as the 'Mother Town' of the Potteries. This small town has a rich history and heritage that dates back centuries. It was once a thriving industrial centre, with many pottery factories and coal mines. From its humble beginnings in the 17th century
peak district
Chatsworth House is one of the most iconic stately homes in England. Located in the Peak District, it has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549.
women
Stoke-on-Trent is the home and birthplace of many famous people from all walks of life. And while there are many articles and posts about them, I can't seem to find any that celebrate the women of our fair city. So in honour of International Women'
tutbury
On a sunny day on the 1st of June 1831, a group of unsuspecting workmen from the cotton mill in Tutbury were digging in the river Dove to clear the water and improve the mill. They were digging near the bridge when one of the workers dug up a silver
alton
The Chained Oak of Alton is a 700-year-old English oak tree which has been the subject of legend, superstition and folklore for centuries. The tree has become a popular tourist attraction, partly because Alton Towers used the story of the tree to create a ride based on its
werrington
Metal detecting is a hobby of mine, and although I am yet to find gold, I have found some very interesting bits of local history. We know that Oliver Cromwell led his troops from Biddulph, through Leek, past Werrington and off to Stafford, where the infamous Battle of Hopton Heath,
chatterley whitfield
This weekend we had the fantastic opportunity to have access to the amazing time capsule that is Chatterley Whitfield. It is probably one of the most recognisable sights on the Stoke-on-Trent horizon and is the best surviving example of a deep mine in England. The largest mine on
fenton
Fenton is most certainly one of the most beautiful towns in Stoke-on-Trent. As a town that was usually forgotten, it flourished with a beautiful community and a stunning heritage. Both of which have managed to stand the test of time. After the success of the Hanley Then &
dilhorne
Dilhorne Hall was a beautiful hall built in the 1830s by the Buller family. There have been halls on the site since the 13th century. Unfortunately, the hall was demolished in the 1920s and only the gatehouse still stands, as a private residence. On a recent walk through Dilhorne, we
hanley
This post is the first of a series that I am working on, of up-to-date then and now photographs. Stoke-on-Trent is ever-changing, but more so in recent years. So many of the old vs new photographs we see online or in books have moved on
hanley
I went out last week to get some up to date photos of Hanley. It has got such a bad reputation recently that I wanted to see the contrast between now and around a hundred years ago. Here is a short video I made as I took the photos. @jennatheravenuk
tunnel
Looks like I have a new tunnel to research! I have found out that apparently there is a tunnel hidden underneath Newcastle-under-Lyme. There are reports that a digger fell into the tunnel when working on the Aldi site. It apparently ran from Pool Dam to somewhere near the
