Mercian Research
A research foundation for Britain’s economic, social and architectural history
A New Chapter for a Long‑Standing Foundation
Mercian Research is the new name for the organisation formerly known as North Staffordshire Heritage. The change reflects a development that has been taking place for several years. While the foundation began with a focus on the history and heritage of North Staffordshire, its research has steadily broadened in scope. Today, our work ranges across Britain’s economic, social, industrial and architectural history, with studies extending from the Midlands to the wider national and international contexts that shaped it.
The new name acknowledges this evolution. Mercian Research retains the foundation’s Midlands roots while recognising the wider geographical and thematic range of our work.
Our Origins and Founding Vision
Mercian Research owes its existence to the vision and commitment of Betty Martin (1943–2023), an historical geographer whose scholarship and generosity shaped the organisation from its earliest days.
A graduate of the University of Manchester, Betty wrote her thesis on the economic history of the Potteries during the nineteenth century. Over the course of her career she produced numerous articles tracing the district’s social development from Anglo‑Saxon settlement to the end of the twentieth century, as well as studies of its architectural heritage. Her work combined rigorous scholarship with a deep understanding of place, community and historical continuity.
Betty founded and financed North Staffordshire Heritage with the aim of promoting serious, independent research into the region’s past. Her intellectual legacy continues to guide Mercian Research, and several of her unpublished articles will be made available on this website in the coming months.
Our Research
The foundation’s work has expanded significantly in recent years. Alongside studies of local and regional history, Mercian Research now undertakes research into:
- Britain’s economic and social development
- industrial and technological history
- architectural and urban heritage
- transatlantic connections and global trade
- the history of aviation and engineering
Our projects have included research into the Rolls‑Royce Merlin and Griffon engines, the Spitfire and the Mustang, the work of North American Aviation and Supermarine, the Industrial Revolution, markets and fairs, and early flying‑wing research in both the UK and the USA.
This breadth of interest reflects our belief that local, national and international histories are deeply interconnected.
Our Purpose
Mercian Research exists to:
- conduct independent, evidence‑based historical research
- preserve and share the work of scholars associated with the foundation
- contribute to public understanding of Britain’s economic, social and architectural past
- support heritage awareness and informed discussion
- make high‑quality historical writing accessible to a wide audience
The website will be expanded over the coming weeks to reflect our new direction, including updates on current projects, research areas and forthcoming publications.
Looking Ahead
Mercian Research builds on the strong foundations laid by North Staffordshire Heritage while embracing a wider and more ambitious programme of study. We look forward to developing this work further and to sharing our research with readers in the Midlands, across Britain and around the world.
Mercian Research 