Stoke-on-Trent has lots to offer when you are looking to move here, and our ‘Move to Stoke-on-Trent’ blog could leave you feeling giddy.
The area is full of ceramic history and still filled with red-brick, bottle ovens that you can see among the grey skylines and local ceramics master designer’s like Emma Bridgewater with her very popular bright polka dot pottery designs that would make any kitchen stand out!
Stoke-upon-Trent, commonly called Stoke, is a town that amalgamated with Hanley, Tunstall, Fenton, Longton and Burslem to form the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent in 1910. This county borough was granted city status in 1925 becoming the City of Stoke-on-Trent.
It was once a very large industrial area – but now sadly overlooked – part of the Midlands, the city offers visitors and locals a surprisingly kooky combination of colour and culture. In fact, Stoke-on-Trent’s City Of Culture bid for 2021 is underway right now.
Stoke-on-Trent has been shaped by the pottery industry for over 300 years and is affectionately known the world over as ‘The Potteries’. From small-scale beginnings in the mid seventeenth century, the abundance of coal and clay meant that the pottery industry grew and became rooted in the area.
Over the years Stoke has seen hundreds of companies that produced all different types of pottery, from tableware and decorative pieces to also industrial pottery items.
The main pottery types produced were:
- Stoneware
- Earthenware
- Porcelain
All these types during the ‘The Potteries Industrial Boom’ were made in large quantities, and the Staffordshire industry was a major innovator in developing new varieties of ceramic bodies such as jasperware and also bone china. The Potteries companies were the ceramic pioneers of transfer printing onto china, as well other glazing and decorating techniques.
By the end of the 18th century North Staffordshire had become the largest producer of ceramics in Britain. Popularity grew and then large demand in export markets took the Staffordshire pottery around the world, especially in the 19th century.
Unfortunately, production (and demand) began to decline in the late 19th century, as other countries started to develop cheaper products. The Pottery area declined steeply after World War II. Some production however does still continue in the area, but at a very small percentage compared with production at the peak of the industry.
At its peak the key companies in the Potteries who were instrumental in the growth of the area included the following:
- Wedgwood
- Davenport
- Spode
- Aynsley
- Doulton
- Dudson
- Mintons
- Twyford
- Moorcroft
The growth of the area was also aided by the opening of the Grand Truck Canal (Also known as the Trent and Mersey Canal) in 1777. This provided perfect transport links and outlets to the major ports of Hull and also Liverpool. These routes were used to deliver much needed raw materials to the pottery industry but also used for the export of the finished pottery goods. The canal routes are still open to this day but are now used more for boating and leisure activities.
Famous People of Stoke-on-Trent
Edward John Smith
Born in Hanley, Stoke on Trent, in January 1850. At the age of 13, he went to Liverpool to begin a seafaring career. He took an apprenticeship with Gibson & company, Liverpool.
In 1880, he joined white star and won his first control in 1887. In his lifetime, he commanded various ships including the Coptic, Republic, and Olympic, among others. He was the captain of the infamous Titanic.
Oliver Lodge
Arnold Bennett
Reginald Mitchell
Sir Stanley Matthews
Stanley was born in 1915. He was a professional footballer. He made his first appearance for his local First Division professional team at the age of 17. Two years down the line, he was selected to play for England.
Stanley started his career in football in 1931. He played at different times for Blackpool and Stoke City. By the time of his retirement in 1965, he held 54 international caps.
Phil Taylor
Phil was born in 1960. He has been the world’s darts champion for a total of 14 times. He still lives in Stoke -on-Trent.
He has also won over 75 other major tournament prizes, making him the most successful darts player of all time.
Stoke-on-Trent's World Famous Oatcake
Our Staffordshire oatcake is well known throughout the county, and now due to (Pottery ex-pats) in other countries around the world.
The oatcake history dates back to the 17th century (in some records). It is also known in the area as a ‘Potteries Poppadom’ or even a ‘Clay Suzette’
In its day it was once common throughout the county that oatcakes were sold directly from the window of a house to customers on the street. The last oatcake producer in this style, the “Hole in the Wall” in Stoke however closed down on 25 March 2012.
Don’t worry, however Stoke still has numerous small commercial companies who sell oatcakes, either ready to eat, with a filling, or in batches of half a dozen or a dozen for the customer that you can take home. Some of these companies also sell the oatcake mix that you can buy to take home and make for yourself.
Places of Interest You Must Visit in Stoke-on-Trent
Alton Towers – The UK’s most popular theme park.
Wedgwoods – This is one of Stoke’s most famous pottery museums.
Moorcroft Pottery – This is one of Stoke’s most famous pottery museums.
Emma Bridgewater – One of Stoke’s new designers, with a wonderful factory shop.
Trentham Gardens – The wonderful Trentham Estate with fantastic gardens and loads of shops to visit.
We hope you enjoyed reading our ‘Move to Stoke-on-Trent’ Blog and have fount it of interest whether you are thinking of moving to Stoke-on-Trent or a looking to relocate here. Green4Logistics provides a house removals in Stoke-on-Trent service. Call today if you are looking to relocate. If you have any questions regarding the Move to Stoke-on-Trent guide then please comment below.
