history

A collection of 29 posts

stone

Secrets of Stone, Staffordshire: Exploring the Hidden Underground Remains of a Medieval Priory

Hidden underneath a large house in Stone, Staffordshire is what remains of Stone Priory. It is a significant historical monument, embodying the complex interplay of legend and historical fact. The Priory's origins date back to around 670 AD, a period rich in English medieval history and folklore. It

staffordshire

Unraveling the Stafford Knot: Tracing the Origins of Staffordshire's Emblem

The Stafford Knot, correctly known as the Stafford Knot and often mistakenly called the Staffordshire Knot, is an emblem steeped in the rich tapestry of English history. This symbol, distinguished by its unique three-looped design, is intricately tied to the identity of Staffordshire and its county town, Stafford. The knot&

etruria

Preserving our Heritage: The Resurrection of Etruria's Iconic Chapel

Take a look at the history of Etruria's Old Chapel and its new use as a beautiful funeral venue. This should be used as an example of what can be done without historic buildings.

heritage

Rediscovering the Potteries: Must-See Stops at Stoke-on-Trent's Heritage Festival

Behind the Scenes: Exclusive Tours and Talks at Stoke-on-Trent's Heritage Festival

murder

A Staffordshire Serial Killer - William Palmer, The Rugeley Poisoner - The Red Haired Stokie

Welcome to the dark side of 19th-century Staffordshire, where crimes were committed with cunning and deadly intent. Today, we dive into the story of William Palmer, also known as the Rugeley Poisoner or the Prince of Poisoners, and one of the most notorious criminals of the era. William Palmer was

abandoned

Hidden History, the Tunnels and Passages Underneath Staffordshire

You cannot walk anywhere in Staffordshire without there being a rumour of a tunnel or some secret passageway beneath your feet. Whether you are in a town or village, or out in the countryside. It may be part of an old mine, we have plenty of them in Staffordshire. Or

history

Tunstall Then & Now

Tunstall is one of the youngest towns in the Potteries, and although it is not mentioned independently in the Domesday Book, it is believed to have been a part of Richard the forester's lands, centred on Thursfield. However, Tunstall Manor rose to power quickly and by the 16th

photography

Uncovering Stoke-on-Trent's Hidden Legacy: The Birthplace of Photography - Thomas Wedgwood

As a professional photographer in Stoke-on-Trent, I have always been interested in the history of photography. But what few people know, is that the invention of photography has its roots in Stoke-on-Trent, where a pioneering figure played a crucial role in its development: Thomas Wedgwood.

hanley Featured

Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent - Why is the investment into this town being wasted on the wrong things?

The town of Hanley, in Stoke-on-Trent, is one that holds much potential and history, yet the investment into this town is being spent in all the wrong places. Derelict buildings, struggling businesses and poor transport links are just a few of the things that are causing Hanley to become a

stoke

Stoke Then & Now

Stoke-upon-Trent, often referred to as simply Stoke has a long and rich history. Reaching as far back at least to the Romans and their road that ran from Deva (Chester) to Derventio (Derby) via Stoke. However, the modern town owes its growth and prosperity to the Industrial Revolution, which brought

burslem

Burslem Then & Now

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 - Explore the Rich History & Breathtaking Landscapes of the Most Iconic Stately Home in England

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

Influential Stoke-On-Trent Women - International Women’s Day

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's Day,

tutbury

The Tutbury Hoard - Thousands of Silver Coins Found in the River Dove

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 - The Facts Behind the Folklore

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 legend, Hex.

werrington

Could a Cannonball, Found in a Field in Werrington, Staffordshire, Be Proof That Oliver Cromwell Fought a Battle There in the English Civil War?

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

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 the North

fenton

Fenton Then & Now

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 & Now post

dilhorne

An old building is hidden behind Dilhorne Hall

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

Hanley Then vs Now

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 even since then. One of

Members only

hanley

Old vs New photos of 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

eyam

Lockdown - How One British Village, Eyam, Over 350 Years Ago, Perfected the Art of Quarantining and Social Distancing.

Hidden in the depths of Derbyshire lies a beautiful little village with a poignant history. Over 350 years ago, the rural village of Eyam, pronounced 'Eem', quarantined themselves in a famous act of self-sacrifice, to stop the Bubonic Plague from spreading to nearby towns and villages. The Great

tunnel

Stoke's Hidden Tunnel, Lost Canal and Its Victorian Hero

At the height of the industrial revolution, canals, railways and tramlines crisscrossed the landscape of Stoke-on-Trent. The now-defunct Newcastle-under-Lyme Canal was completed in 1800 and ran for over 3 miles from Newcastle to the Trent & Mersey Canal at Stoke. But did you know that part of it is still

explosion

There Are WW2 Bombs Hidden Underneath Staffordshire

The Fauld Explosion At 11:11 am on the 27th of November 1944, an explosion occurred that would forever change the face of the Staffordshire countryside. Near the small, rural village of Hanbury, the Royal Air Force (RAF) had chosen a gypsum mine as their underground ammunition store during WW2.

Molly Leigh

Molly Leigh - the True History of an Independent, Wealthy, Land Owning Woman

Join me on a captivating journey as we delve into the remarkable life of Molly Leigh, the Burslem Witch. Uncover the true history of this extraordinary woman—a fiercely independent, wealthy landowner who defied societal norms in 18th-century England. We shed light on Molly's life, her alleged witchcraft,