Narrowboat Holiday Blog
Narrowboat Holidays Across Great Britain
Narrowboat Holidays Across Great Britain
The English city of Stoke-on-Trent has been shaped by the pottery industry for over 300 years and is affectionately known the world over as ‘The Potteries’.
The Trent and Mersey Canal and the Caldon Canal allowed the development of some of the most famous names in pottery and a tour along both these waterways will give you an incredible insight into this fascinating history.
Staffordshire became a centre of ceramic production in the early 17th century. This was because there was an abundance of potters clay and coal substitute to fire the ovens. Plus there were plenty of other raw materials necessary for potting close by: lead in Derbyshire, salt in Cheshire, and fine sand in Mow Cop.
Hundreds of companies produced decorative or industrial items. By 1800 the pottery industry was well established and expanding, with over 300 potworks in north Staffordshire.
Perhaps the most famous name in pottery is Wedgwood. This name comes from its founder, Josiah Wedgwood, an independent potter who became Britain’s most successful ceramics pioneer, leading English pottery from a cottage craft to an art form and international industry.
Did you know?
The Caldon Canal joins the Trent and Mersey at Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, and was built to carry minerals from the uplands of the Peak District to the Potteries. Reminders of the Industrial Revolution along its banks include the remains of lime kilns, ironstone workings and ironworks.
Image © Martin Brent / VisitBritain
Did you know?
The industry has remained in the area thanks to the skills of the local people and Stoke-on-Trent is still famous for its quality ware which is sold all over the world. Wedgwood, Moorcroft, Aynsley, Burleigh, Dudson, Emma Bridgewater, Portmeirion, Spode, Royal Doulton, and Royal Stafford are just a few of the leading brands you will find in the city.
Potteries to visit:
You can visit Stoke-on-Trent from our Peak District base and our Acton Bridge base.
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