A Morning Well Spent in the Churnet Valley This morning, I woke up, saw the sunshine, and thought, this weather is too good to waste! So I grabbed my bike, my drone, and my phone and headed off to Froghall for a bit of an adventure. I started at Froghall Wharf and cycled along the Caldon Canal towpath
USATC 6046: A Hardworking Steam Survivor in the Staffordshire Countryside 🚂 USATC 6046: A Hardworking Steam Survivor in the Staffordshire Countryside 🚂 Today, I filmed USATC 6046 powering through the Churnet Valley Railway, cutting through the stunning Staffordshire landscape and the post-industrial remains of Froghall. A true spectacle of steam and history! Built in 1945 by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
How Stoke-on-Trent’s Six Towns Shaped the City’s Coat of Arms Stoke-on-Trent is famously composed of six historic towns, Burslem, Fenton, Tunstall, Stoke-upon-Trent (often called Stoke Town), Longton and Hanley, each of which developed its own coat of arms or heraldic device in the 19th century. These arms reflect local industries (especially pottery), notable families and cultural heritage. Below, each town’
Stoke-on-Trent's Forgotten Pauper's Graveyard - Chell Workhouse Did you know a nearly forgotten pauper's graveyard is hidden in the middle of a housing estate in Chell, Stoke-on-Trent? Opposite the old Chell Workhouse, later Westcliffe Hospital, this burial ground quietly remembers hundreds of individuals who lived and died anonymously in poverty. It is a piece of
The Great Pottery Throwdown Bird Baths & Gladstone Pottery Museum Join me as I take a look at the stunning bird baths from The Great Pottery Throwdown before exploring the Gladstone Pottery Museum and Stoke-on-Trent’s incredible ceramic heritage. From traditional pottery techniques to the history of the craftsmanship behind these unique creations, there’s so much to discover! If
New Guided History Walks for Spring & Summer – Now Available to Book! 🌿 Spring & Summer Walks are Now Live! 🌿 Exciting news! I’ve added brand-new guided history walks to my website, perfect for spring and summer. This year, I’m expanding beyond Stoke and taking you on fascinating journeys through Newcastle-under-Lyme, the Moorlands, and beyond! Each walk is packed with local history,
Historic Weatherby’s Falcon Pottery Factory in Hanley Demolished – A Cautionary Tale for Heritage Sites The historic Weatherby’s Falcon Pottery factory in Hanley is being demolished following a Section 78 order from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The order mandated that the owners either demolish the unsafe building within 14 days or risk the council stepping in to do so at their expense. The factory had
Ales, Tales & Taverns: A Historic Pub Walk of Newcastle-under-Lyme Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Celebrate National Beer Day with me, Jenna Goodwin – The Red Haired Stokie, in collaboration with Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, on a fascinating pub walk through Newcastle-under-Lyme’s history! 🏰🍺 On Sunday, 15th June, we’ll explore the town’s oldest, lost, and surviving pubs, uncovering
The Ruins of Woodseat Hall, Rocester: Victorian Scandal, Madness & the Fall of an Estate Step into the scandalous past of Woodseat Hall, Rocester, Staffordshire. A tale of madness, betrayal, and inheritance battles that rocked Victorian Britain. From family feuds and eccentric heirs to courtroom drama and downfall, this is the dark story of an estate torn apart. But just when all seemed lost, Colin
🔪✨ Mysteries, Murders & the Macabre: Discover The Dark Side of Staffordshire's History at The Mere Inn – 6th March 2025✨⚖️ 🔪✨ Mysteries, Murders & the Macabre: Discover The Dark Side of Staffordshire's History at The Mere Inn – 6th March 2025✨⚖️ Join me, Jenna Goodwin, The Red Haired Stokie, for an unforgettable evening at The Mere Inn, Alsager on 6th March 2025 from 7pm to 9pm, as we uncover the
Fossil Hunting at Lathkill Dale, Derbyshire – Ancient Sea Creatures & Hidden History! Lathkill Dale, nestled in the heart of the Peak District, is a breathtaking landscape rich in history, geology, and natural beauty. Just a short journey from Stoke-on-Trent, this picturesque dale offers an incredible fossil-hunting experience alongside stunning views and fascinating historical sites. Starting the Journey: Monyash to Ricklow Quarry Our
Castle Classics 2024 – Join Us for the Next Show on 15th March! Castle Classics 2024 brought the streets of Newcastle-under-Lyme to life with an incredible display of classic and retro vehicles! From iconic British classics to American muscle and rare collectables, car enthusiasts and families gathered to celebrate a shared passion for automotive heritage. Due to its success, we’re excited to
Staffordshire's Forgotten Treasure: The Uttoxeter Casket, One of England’s Rarest Medieval Relics The Uttoxeter Casket, carved in England around 1050, is a rare and remarkable glimpse into the world of late Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship. This beautifully carved wooden artefact, now housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, weaves together art, religion, and history in an object that feels almost timeless. Crafted from boxwood,
What Has Improved in Stoke-on-Trent in the Last 15 Years? A Before and After Comparison Many people think that nothing has improved in Stoke-on-Trent in the last 15 years, and while there is still much work to be done, it is worth reflecting on the positive changes that have taken place. Over the past decade and a half, Stoke-on-Trent has seen significant transformation, with considerable
Want to listen/watch me talk about Stoke-on-Trent for a whole hour? I recently joined The Knot Pod to chat about Stoke’s history, challenges, and opportunities - from the decline of the high street to the hidden gems that make this city special. In this episode, we dig into: 🏙️ The high street decline - What caused it, and what can be
Featured The Harm of Sensationalist Journalism in Stoke-on-Trent Yesterday, I was among a group of local journalists and media representatives invited to Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s media briefing to hear about the 2025 budget. The session clearly outlined the council’s plans, challenges, and opportunities for our city. It wasn’t all positive news – there are tough decisions
📸 Burslem Camera/Phone Photography Walk 🏛️ Love snapping photos with your phone? Whether you're an absolute beginner or just looking to improve, this walk is perfect for YOU! Join Jenna Goodwin, local historian and professional and award-winning photographer, as we explore the beauty of Burslem. Learn how to: ✨ Get the most out of your
What Happened to Seighford Hall? A Staffordshire Estate’s Rise and Fall Seighford Hall, a Grade II-listed building near Stafford, is a treasure trove of history. Its story spans more than 450 years, encompassing Tudor craftsmanship, ghostly encounters, industrial magnates, and even a stint as a nightclub. Today, the hall lies abandoned, but its legacy endures through its remarkable past. What Happened
Step Into the Past with The Red Haired Stokie History and Photography Enthusiasts, Are you ready to uncover the fascinating history of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire while sharpening your photography skills? I’m Jenna Goodwin, an award-winning professional photographer with over 15 years of experience, and I’m thrilled to invite you to join me on my Guided History
The Overlooked History of Providence Independent Churchyard in Upper Tean Hidden in the heart of Upper Tean, Staffordshire, lies the Providence Independent Churchyard. Despite its quiet presence, this graveyard holds layers of historical significance tied to the local community and the broader history of religious nonconformity in England. The Roots of Nonconformist Worship in Tean In the late 18th century,
🌟 Explore Stoke-on-Trent for the Centenary! 🌟 2025 marks a special year as we celebrate 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent as a city, and what better way to honour our heritage than by exploring its rich history and beauty? I’ve planned an exciting series of Photography Walks and Heritage Tours over the next few months, and I’
A Series of FREE How-To Local History Workshops 🎉 Exciting News, Stokies! 🎉 Join me, Jenna Goodwin (The Red Haired Stokie), for a fantastic series of FREE How-To Workshops as part of our Local History Group! 📚✨ 🗓 When: 3rd December: 2pm-4pm 7th January: 2pm-4pm 4th February: 2pm-4pm 📍 Where: Longton Library 👩🏫 What to Expect: I’ll be guiding you through the fascinating
The Longest Yarn: A Woolen Tribute to D-Day at Stoke Minster Explore The Longest Yarn exhibition at Stoke Minster from Nov 21 to Dec 5, 2024. An 80-meter knitted tribute to D-Day, crafted by global artisans. Free entry!
How You Can Help Shape the Future of The Red Haired Stokie For those who know me, you’ll know how passionate I am about uncovering, preserving, and sharing the history and heritage of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. From videos and articles to guided walks and creative projects, every bit of my work is fuelled by a love for this incredible area
Bringing the Magic of Hanley’s ABC Cinema to Life in a Fenton Garden Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting the incredible Home ABC Cinema in Fenton with friends. From the moment I stepped inside, it felt like stepping into a time machine, transporting me straight back to the golden days of my childhood. This labour of love, created by local bus
