Photographer, artist, writer, historian, explorer, animal lover, and nonconformist
A chilling local legend in North Staffordshire tells of Thomas Meakin, a young man who was allegedly buried alive in 1781. The story spans the quiet village of Rushton Spencer and the bustling canal town of Stone, involving an apothecary’s household, a mysterious illness, and a faithful pony that
Ever noticed this little brick building on the road to Rudyard Lake? It might look like an old cottage or utility building – but this curious structure is actually a WWII pillbox, cleverly disguised with a pitched roof and gable ends to help it blend into the countryside. Today, the timber
Stoke-upon-Trent was glowing last night for the annual Lantern Parade! The streets came alive as crowds gathered outside Stoke Library to take part in a magical evening of light, colour, and community. The parade made its way through town to Stoke Minster, led by the glowing Stoke Elk
We were up bright and early this morning and took the dogs for a walk at Bramshall Road Park in Uttoxeter, a place I’d never explored. Imagine my surprise when I spotted some stunning ridge and furrow formations right in the middle of the park! What is Ridge and
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 🚂 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,
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
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
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
🌿 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
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
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,
