Author: David Martin

Hanley: A nostalgic journey through time and the effects of neglect

My journey spans the transformative years between 1980 and 2007, documenting the vibrant nightlife, iconic local landmarks, businesses and the palpable atmosphere that once defined my hometown. A town full of so much hope for a future that never came.

In the 80s and 90s, Hanley’s nightlife was the heartbeat of the towns night-time economy. Iconic clubs like The Place, Chicos, Satchmos and Golden at the Academy, the latter attracting busloads from the West-Midlands and Manchester, hosted world famous DJs, featured on MTV and in numerous sub-culture magazines of the day.

Hanley: A nostalgic journey through time and the effects of neglect.

Moorcroft Pottery Reopens

Moorcroft Pottery in Cobridge, which closed in April, has reopened. Will Moorcroft, who bought the firm and saved it from liquidation, has restarted production. Will, whose grandfather William Moorcroft founded the company, said he was “quite emotional” when the factory started making ware again.

More Images of Longton

This video takes you on a nostalgic journey down Memory Lane to Longton in the 1960s. You will be taken back to a time of tight-knit communities, bustling high streets and industrial activity in a pottery town in Stoke-on-Trent.

During your trip down Memory Lane you will see a stunning collection of rare photographs that bring Longton’s past to life.

When you have seen the video, please use our Comments Section below to share your memories of Longton with us. Tell us about the schools you attended and your first job. Let us know what you did in your spare time and tell us about your interests and hobbies.

World Heritage Sites: The Ironbridge Gorge

The Ironbridge Gorge showcases the advancements made in iron production during the Industrial Revolution. It is a testament to technological innovation and reflects the social changes that began in the 18th century. In the gorge, there are industrial archaeological features. including mines, foundries, and workshops. They tell the story of an industrial valley.

Having viewed this video, North Staffordshire Heritage is asking why North Staffordshire’s Industrial Landscape is not a World Heritage Site.

Open Day at Hilderstone Dig

There is a free open day at Stoke-on-Trent Museum Archaeological Society’s dig on Hall Lane, Hilderstone. The whole excavated area will be uncovered and many interesting finds will be on display. The site was originally believed to be the location of a multi-phase house dating from the 17th century. During deeper excavations this year, Roman and Medieval finds have been made. What could have been a ring ditch has been discovered, and it is possible that the site is prehistoric.

The site is open on Sunday, 28 September, from 11 am to 3 pm. Entry is free. Parking is available at Hilderstone Garage, Hall Lane.

Major Regeneration Schemes Will Transform Stafford

Major regeneration projects will transform Stafford town centre.

Staffordshire County Council and Stafford Borough Council are working on schemes to ensure that Stafford will be a place where people want to live and work.

Their projects complement each other and will encourage investment and support the tourist industry.

Stafford’s Market Square and the approach to the Railway Station have already been refurbished.

The borough council is working on major high street regeneration projects including the Guildhall shopping centre.

Staffordshire County Council has started work on its Eastgate regeneration scheme to create leisure facilities and homes in former council buildings.

Both councils are working in partnership to deliver the Stafford Station Gateway scheme which will redevelop land near the railway station.

A Walk from Kidsgrove to Biddulph via Mow Cop

Mow Cop’s craggy high point is crowned with Mow Cop Castle, an artfully ruined folly, constructed on the instruction of Randle Wilbraham, the lord of nearby Rode Hall ,in 1754. Since 1937 the castle and the gritstone rocks it sits upon have been owned and managed by the National Trust. These days the site is a country park.

Beneath Mow Cop Castle, it is very evident where gritstone was quarried over the centuries. These days, the village appears to be a quietly affluent place, but historically, quarrying meant that it was once an industrial hub.

Kidsgrove – Biddulph

Mow Cop, the birthplace of the Primitive Methodist Church, and Biddulph Grange Gardens will help to make North Staffordshire’s Industrial Landscape a World Heritage Site.

Friday NewsDesk

This has been a week of contrasts. We were delighted to learn that Longton is going to get a £2 million facelift. It will ease traffic congestion and attract more customers to the town’s shops and heritage market. Although disappointed, we were not surprised that production at Wedgwood’s Barlaston factory will cease from the end of September until January 5th 2026. The company’s accounts are due to be published in October. We wonder how economists will view them.

The Brownhills Murder (1797), the first post in our new series about Tunstall called Historic Tunstall, was posted this week.

Monday, September 15th, was Battle of Britain Day. Our post, North Staffordshire and the Battle of Britain, paid tribute to those whose courage in the face of overwhelming odds saved the world from Nazi domination and gave Britain its finest hour.

Although he is taking a Sabbatical to study Anglo-Saxon legal history, David will continue to edit our website.

We hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. Take care and stay safe.

Kidsgrove: Images of bygone days

Celebrating 35 years of friendship with Erlangen

Stoke-on-Trent is celebrating its 35 year old friendship with its twin city Erlangen.

The celebration takes place in October at Commerce House, where there will be stories, student talks and live links to Germany.

For 35 years, Stoke-on-Trent has shared projects, people and ideas with Erlangen.

To find out more and to book your free place, please go to: https://my.staffordshirechambers.co.uk/events-training/event-calendar/stoke-on-trent-erlangen-celebrating-35-years-of-friendship-oct25.html