1 Jan 2024 · 4 min read A Young Historian's Dream: Witnessing the Time Team Excavation at Burslem in 1999 As a self-professed local history nerd, some of my fondest childhood memories are intertwined with explorations of local history. One such unforgettable experience was in 1999 when the acclaimed Time Read more
29 Dec 2023 · 21 min read Cliffe Park Hall, Staffordshire: From Grandeur to Decay Cliffe Park Hall is an architectural gem nestled above the picturesque Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire. The lake itself inspired the naming of one of England's most celebrated authors, Read more
stone 19 Dec 2023 · 9 min read 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 Read more
staffordshire 6 Dec 2023 · 5 min read 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 Read more
1 Dec 2023 · 4 min read Murder on Wetley Moor In the early 19th century, Wetley Moor, a rural area teeming with natural beauty and small-scale mining activity, witnessed a mysterious and tragic event. The story revolves around Thomas Sherwin, Read more
29 Nov 2023 · 3 min read Help Us Save and Restore Longton Cemetery Chapel I want to share a story of dedication and community spirit that centres around the Grade 2 listed chapel in Longton Cemetery. This architectural gem, constructed in 1868 with its Read more
28 Nov 2023 · 8 min read Longton Then & Now Longton sits at the southern end of Stoke-on-Trent. It's particularly known for its numerous preserved pot banks, showcasing the city's ceramics history. Out of the six Read more
23 Nov 2023 · 1 min read Primrose Cottage, Stafford Tucked away in the middle of Stafford is this beautiful little 17th-century thatched cottage that has been given a new lease of life. You can now also join my Patreon Read more
22 Nov 2023 · 1 min read Finding Pottery Fragments in the Rubble, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent Everywhere you turn in Stoke-on-Trent there is evidence of our history, even in the most unlikely places, like a pile of rubble at the side of a street. If you Read more
8 Nov 2023 · 1 min read The Burslem Scheme - 1960 I found this fantastic video in the archives of Burslem being renovated in the 1960s. It's awful that our towns don't get this much care and Read more
7 Nov 2023 · 1 min read Join me on Patreon Hey everyone! I invite you to join me on Patreon, where we can delve into the captivating history of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire together. As a patron, you are pivotal in Read more
etruria 30 Oct 2023 · 4 min read 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. Read more
heritage 8 Sep 2023 · 7 min read 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 Read more
16 Jul 2023 · 6 min read Beneath the Chained Yew of Doveridge: Robin Hood’s Forgotten Love Story The border between Staffordshire and Derbyshire is abundant with treasures from the past, but none are quite as fascinating as the ancient Yew Tree standing majestically in the churchyard of Read more
25 May 2023 · 16 min read The Worst Staffordshire Mining Disasters The history of coal mining in Staffordshire spans several centuries and has played a crucial role in shaping the county's economy and communities. Coal mining in Staffordshire can Read more
11 May 2023 · 14 min read Uncovering the Myths and Legends of Staffordshire Staffordshire has a rich history filled with myths and legends that have been passed down through generations. From headless horsemen to ancient burial sites, this region is filled with stories Read more
murder 4 May 2023 · 9 min read 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 Read more
3 May 2023 · 1 min read Potholes in Stoke-on-Trent - Why are our roads so bad? Join me as I take a look at some of the potholes that are causing problems in and around Stoke-on-Trent. What are your thoughts? Do you think there is a Read more