From Victorian Innovation to a Hub for Art, Nature, and Heritage Built-in 1884 by the Staffordshire Potteries Waterworks Company, Stockton Brook Waterworks was one of several pumping stations constructed to meet the increasing demand for clean drinking water in North Staffordshire. As the population rapidly grew, reaching approximately 200,
The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is one of the oldest and most intriguing folk customs in Britain, and its unique combination of ancient symbolism, rural traditions, and local pride makes it a fascinating subject of study. This dance, performed annually in the small Staffordshire village of Abbots Bromley, has endured
The Industrial Revolution brought about tremendous changes in manufacturing, particularly in the ceramic industry. A key element of this transformation was the development and use of bottle ovens. These iconic structures, which once dominated the skyline of Stoke-on-Trent and other pottery towns, played a crucial role in the
The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, located in the heart of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, has been the centre of cultural heritage for the city since its establishment. It was originally opened in 1956, though its roots go back even further, with the original museum collection being housed in a
This is a call to action! Foxfield Railway, our local heritage railway, has had its original Facebook page hijacked and rebranded as 'The Train Buff'. They’ve lost over 10,000 followers overnight—this is a devastating blow to this volunteer-run charity that’s been keeping our
This morning, Bethesda Chapel in Hanley opened its doors for a special event, inviting the community to discuss the future of one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most treasured heritage sites. Often referred to as ‘the Cathedral of the Potteries,’ this iconic building has long held a place in the
If you've ever wandered through the Guildhall Shopping Centre in Stafford, you might have noticed a curious tower standing tall amidst the modern structures. It's easy to pass by without a second thought, but this tower is more than just a quirky piece of architecture—it&
This morning, I had the pleasure of visiting the Etruria Industrial Museum, where I joined members of The Heritage Network to launch the 2024 Heritage Open Days festival in Stoke-on-Trent officially. The museum, situated along the historic Trent & Mersey Canal, provided the perfect backdrop for unveiling this
Date: Tuesday 24th September Time: Meet at 10:00 AM Meeting Point: Market Place Café, next to the Town Hall Distance: Approximately 3 miles Duration: Around 3 hours Guide: Jenna Goodwin, The Red Haired Stokie Capacity: Limited to 40 people Join us for an engaging and informative walking tour through
During a meeting held yesterday at the historic Spode Factory site, Stoke-on-Trent City Council unveiled ambitious plans for the site’s future. Led by City Director John Rouse and Jonathan Wheeler of MACE, the presentation acknowledged previous missteps and laid out a vision for a future that prioritises
Tilstone House, a majestic neo-Tudor mansion built in 1888, has stood as a testament to aristocratic elegance and architectural grandeur for over 130 years. Originally commissioned by the Old Etonian baronet Sir Gilbert Greenall, later the 1st Baron Daresbury, Tilstone House was designed primarily as a hunting lodge but
Stoke-on-Trent, affectionately and famously known as "The Potteries," has proudly been awarded World Craft City status by the World Crafts Council. This prestigious accolade propels the city onto the global stage, honouring its profound social, cultural, and economic contributions, deeply rooted in its centuries-old ceramic
