The Red Haired Stokie (Page 3)

25 Mar 2024 · 21 min read

Revealing the History of the Hall Behind Park Hall's Name

Stoke-on-Trent, a city famed for its pottery industry, has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous historic estates that once punctuated its landscape with grandeur and elegance. Among these, the

18 Mar 2024 · 5 min read

Park Hall, Weston Coyney: The Unseen Front of WWII Deception

During World War II, the hills of Park Hall, Weston Coyney played an unexpected role in the war effort, a fact unbeknownst to many of its residents. A small area

13 Mar 2024 · 9 min read

The Villas, The Vampire, and The Lamp Post, Stoke

Tucked away up an unsuspecting side street in Stoke, The Villas stand as a testament to Victorian ingenuity and aesthetics. Built between 1851 and 1855, this collection of 24 houses

6 Mar 2024 · 5 min read

The Duke of Bridgewater Inn: A Glimpse into Longport's Past

Longport, near Burslem, is home to a master Potter's House that once belonged to the Wedgwood Family. While many might assume I am referring to Wedgewood's

23 Feb 2024 · 12 min read

Beyond the Beer: The George and Dragon, Meaford

Located in Meaford, Staffordshire, the George and Dragon Pub stands as a significant part of the village's history, tracing back to the 19th century. This establishment has experienced

16 Feb 2024 · 16 min read

The History of Beech Caves, Staffordshire: A Story of War, Work, and Wild Nights

In the Triassic period, a vast expanse of time stretching from around 252 to 201 million years ago, the landscape that would eventually become the area around the Beech Caves

14 Feb 2024 · 3 min read

Immediate Action Needed: Support Our Heritage Protection Law

I'm reaching out to everyone who holds our UK heritage as close to their hearts as I do. Our historic and heritage buildings are under an unprecedented threat,

10 Feb 2024 · 7 min read

The Secrets Beneath Audley: The Hidden Mine Shaping Our Understanding of Geology

The Kent Hill Gravel Mine and Quarry in Audley, Staffordshire, remained undocumented in early mapping records, including Yate's 1775 map, Teesdale's 1832 map, and the first

8 Feb 2024 · 4 min read

Ladydale Well, Leek: From Ancient Pilgrimages to Modern Preservation

Leek is home to many important historical sites, but one of its oldest and most intriguing is tucked away down an unsuspecting side street. Known as Ladydale Well, Lady Wall

6 Feb 2024 · 14 min read

Broad Eye Windmill, Stafford: The Midlands Tallest Windmill

Broad Eye Windmill, a historic landmark in Stafford, has stood tall and witnessed numerous changes over the centuries. Delve into the rich history of the tallest windmill in the Midlands,

3 Feb 2024 · 1 min read

Staffordshire's Lost Estate: The Ruins of Teddesley Hall

Join me as I step back in time to explore the remnants of Teddesley Hall, near Penkridge, Staffordshire. Discover what remains of this historical site and learn about its past,

29 Jan 2024 · 3 min read

Lights, Camera, Burslem! Step into the little-known 'Hollywood' era of this historic Potteries town

"A Pottery Girl's Romance" is a silent melodrama filmed in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent in 1918. This film is notable for being commissioned by William Rhodes, the Manager

28 Jan 2024 · 14 min read

Middleport’s Forgotten Gems: Exploring the History of Port Vale Mill and Middleport Calcining Works

In the heart of Middleport, situated between Longport and Newport along the Trent & Mersey Canal, stand two significant testaments to the area's rich industrial past: the Middleport

3 Jan 2024 · 6 min read

The Silent Spire: The Rise and Decline of St John the Evangelist Church, Goldenhill

St John the Evangelist Church, known also as the Parish Church of St John the Elder, stands as a landmark in Goldenhill, a suburb of Stoke-on-Trent. Originally rooted in a

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

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,

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

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