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HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 TRise an& progress 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MANUFACTCrSB 
 
 OF 
 
 POTTERY AND PORCELAIN; 
 
 WITH REFERENCES TO GENUINE SPECIMENS, 
 
 AND NOTICES OF 
 
 Eminent ipotters. 
 
 BY 
 
 SIMEON I^HAW. 
 
 FIRST PUBLISHED IN HANLEY IN 1829. 
 
 How pleasing, to the Patriotic Philanthropist, 
 The I^dscape, with its devious hills and vales, 
 Whose slopes exhibit many thousand roofs. 
 The comfortable homes of Laborants, 
 Whose Industry and Art transmute to Gold 
 The copious stores of useful Minerals, — 
 Goals, days, and Ores, derived from the mines. 
 Enriching much their Country and themselves. 
 
 REISSUED BY 
 
 SCOTT, GREENWOOD, & CO., 
 
 PUBLISHERS OF THE 
 
 19 LUDGATE HILL, LONDON, E.G. 
 
 1900 
 
ffint«-«I) «t ^tetimters' giaXl. 
 
TO 
 
 JOSIAH SPODE, ESQ., 
 
 IN RESPECTFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF 
 UNSOLICITED KINDNESS, AFFORDED 
 WHEN MOST CALCULATED TO BENE- 
 FIT THE AUTHOR, 
 
 THIS VOLUME 
 IS GRATEFULLY DEDICATED, 
 
 BY HIS OBLIGED SERVANT, 
 
 SIMEON SHAW. 
 
PEEFACE. 
 
 The Scroll of History presented a Blank, that might 
 be filled up by others also with myself. How far my 
 Attempt is worthy of the subject, the Public will not be 
 long in giving me correct Information. 
 
 This Volume originated in the Reminiscences of many 
 aged Persons, who had witnessed the time and manner in 
 which the Art of Pottery had attained much of its im- 
 portance. Facts and circumstances, which when they 
 first occurred, merely excited momentary attention, have 
 proved momentous in elucidating the Incidents which 
 have been developed, while gratifying a rational and 
 amusing curiosity concerning the Manufacture of the 
 District, and the Persons whose genius and perseverance 
 have raised it to its present celebrity. The prevention 
 of illiberal prejudices and contracted views, and the enter- 
 tainment afforded, by contemplating the first essays in an 
 Art, and the important results, are adequate apology for 
 my inquisitiveness, not to mention the greater service of 
 rescuing from Oblivion much of these Materials, which 
 probably would have been irretrievably lost, thro' the 
 demise of several since the Memoranda were first obtained. 
 
vi PREFACE. 
 
 and the indifference or listlessness of others rapidly ap- 
 proaching the bourne which bounds the confines of the 
 Eternal World. 
 
 In the Mercantile World generally, the meed of 
 admiration and excellence has been assigned to some 
 Potters, overlooking others whose ingenuity has been 
 extremely beneficial. By divesting all, of those guises 
 which during lif« perplexed the observer's judgment, they 
 become subservient to general benefit as if they were our 
 contemporaries ; and thus some are presented as deserving 
 the gratitude of posterity, of whom, but for this work, it 
 might be said, 
 
 "And what, no Monument, Inscription, Stone? 
 Their place, their dates, their Names, almost unknown : 
 Go, search it there, where, to be born and die. 
 Of rich and poor make all the history.'' 
 
 I need not be told that the person who, disregarding 
 poverty, diificulty, and privations, dares attempt to deserve 
 well of his country by supplying Information alike im- 
 proving and entertaining, must reckon on envy at his 
 talents, and contempt of his indigence; and submit to 
 be traduced, ridiculed, and despised, for this useful and 
 most irksome labour. 
 
 On Indigency's barren track 
 Where man does every comfort lack. 
 Thrown on this sterile waste and tine 
 The strongest powers may sink and pine ; 
 Or shivering in misfortune's storm. 
 While half nutrition wastes his form, 
 The unbending Author, proud tho* poor, 
 May hide in shades or dells obscure. 
 
PREFACE. vii 
 
 Some Readers there certainly will be, from whose 
 candid Criticism I shall not recoil, but avail myself of 
 all their suggestions for emendation, in an Appendix, for 
 which while stating that all further Information from 
 genuine Sources, shall be duly acknowledged, I gratefully 
 mention my obligations for valuable Materials, already 
 introduced, to E. Wood, Sen., T. Minton, Sen., W. 
 Turner, T. Fenton, J. and R. Riley, H. Daniel, and G. 
 Fomster, Esqrs., and Mr. Leigh, Attorney. — Is it possible 
 to adduce higher Authority ? 
 
 The Delay in Publication, tho' productive of much 
 inconvenience to myself, has been embraced to introduce 
 much additional information, entertaining to present 
 readers, and pregnant with interest to posterity, which 
 has been supplied while the work has been in progress. 
 
 S. S. 
 
 SHBLTON, OCT. IST, 1829, 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 [SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR THIS REISSUE OF 
 SIMEON SHAAY'S BOOK.] 
 
 Seventy years ago Simeon Shaw published his History qf 
 the Staffordshire Potteries, a work which probably paid 
 him very poorly for the trouble and research entailed in 
 collecting the information therein given, but which is now 
 of the greatest value and interest to all interested in 
 pottery and the Staffordshire Potteries. The details 
 given by him of the early potters are always interesting, 
 ■often valuable, and so far as we can ascertain, invariably 
 correct. A man of education and scientific knowledge, he 
 was able to appreciate and describe technicalities that in 
 so complex an industry as potting are always pitfalls to 
 the uninitated. It is true that his references to then 
 living notabilities in the potting world are apt to excite 
 a smile by their conventional compHments ; but it is only 
 just to remember that these men were those among whom 
 the somewhat impecunious author had to live, and that 
 they were the most probable subscribers. The essential 
 features of the book are the lucid description of the 
 development of English pottery, from the earliest reliable 
 records, and the picture of the district known as the- 
 Potteries, in 1829. No doubt the former might be dealt 
 with much more fully, but additions would be mainly 
 a matter of insignificant detail ; to the potter, Shaw's 
 account omits nothing essential, nothing that cannot be 
 
X INTRODUCTION. 
 
 practically filled in by one conversant with the materials, 
 usages and methods of the potting industry. 
 
 Of the progress of the Potteries and the potting in- 
 dustry since 1829 much has been written, but no connected 
 history has yet found its way into print. Following up 
 the lines of Simeon Shaw's history, it may be interesting 
 to take a brief survey of potters and the Potteries at the 
 close of the nineteenth century. In 1829 Shaw wrote 
 that " We have populous towns and villages, the abode of 
 social comfort to multitudes ; with regular markets, public- 
 edifices, extensive and commodious manufactories, elegant 
 mansions, and comfortable habitations, for a busy and 
 enterprizing community of jifty thousand persons ". That 
 this population has in seventy years increased to four times 
 the number, is a fact that would have seemed impossible 
 to the historian. In round numbers the population of 
 the district comprising the Staffordshire Potteries is now 
 200,000, with a rateable value of ,£^650,000. Even in 
 1829 Shaw could write that in a " few years " the whole- 
 district " will appear to a traveller a large manufacturing 
 town, with distinct names for its subdivisions". This 
 is a very correct description of the Potteries as it now 
 is. The subdivisions, as in Shaw's time, and for long 
 before, are Tunstall (present population 15,300), Burslem 
 (35,000), Hanley (60,000), Stoke (24,000), Fenton 
 (17,000) and Longton (39,000). 
 
 Needless to say, the idea of amalgamation has fre- 
 quently been mooted, and it is obvious what great 
 advantages, in certain directions, might be obtained by 
 the incorporation of the whole district into one town ;. 
 but vested interests, local jealousies, and difficulties con- 
 
INTRODUCTION. xi 
 
 nected with the varied rating and indebtedness of the 
 different towns have always prevented the subject from 
 being even formally entertained. Consequently each town 
 has its own local government. Stoke, Hanley, Burslem 
 and Longton being boroughs, and Tunstall and Fenton 
 Urban District Councils. Each town has its School of 
 Art, its Science Classes, and other local institutions, with 
 their consequent limitations and advantages. 
 
 If it be asked why Hanley, of all the pottery towns, ha& 
 increased in size and importance beyond the others, the 
 question is difficult to answer. Its situation has no special 
 advantages ; its railway station is on a branch line from 
 Stoke, while its capacity for increase by annexation of 
 adjacent villages has been more limited than that of any 
 other town. Nevertheless it has grown out of all propor- 
 tion to its neighbours, and in many ways may be looked 
 upon as the metropolis of the Potteries. Probably the 
 fact that it is the central portion of the district has 
 more than compensated for other disadvantages. 
 
 Hanley was not incorporated until 1857, since when it 
 has gone the way of most energetic industrial boroughs, 
 keeping abreast of the times, increasing rates, much to the 
 dismay of prosperous traders and manufacturers always 
 prophesying disaster which never came, and incurring a 
 public debt of i.-'Q04,000. Other potters have arisen who 
 knew not Mayer and Meigh and Warburton and Daniel, 
 and have made the name of Meakin and Johnson house- 
 hold words in the new world. If there are comparatively 
 fewer " elegant mansions " so carefully noted by Shaw,, 
 the modem business establishments are to the old ones 
 as the steam engine to the carrier's cart. 
 
xii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The other towns differ from Hanley only in degree. 
 Longton, perhaps, has a character of its own very distinct 
 from that of Hanley. The former is a cosmopolitan town. 
 Longton cleaves unto its own, and its own cleave to it. 
 The special conditions incident to the manufacture of cheap 
 china ware have evolved a type of manufacturer diflFering 
 ■considerably from any other, and while it would be a 
 mistake to assume that education and refinement have 
 made less strides in this town than any other in the 
 district, their effects are undoubtedly less in evidence than 
 a certain definite practicalness and directness of speech 
 and action which are more appreciated by the business 
 man than the litterateur. That this is no mere fanciful 
 attribute is attested by the fact that Longton, possessing 
 public institutions equal to the rest of the district, has 
 been able to acquire them at a much less cost to the rate- 
 payers, the public debt being considerably the least among 
 the pottery towns. The Public Park is an ornament of 
 which any town in the country might be proud, and the 
 Sutherland Institute, the latest of her muncipal enterprises, 
 is the finest institution of its kind in the county. 
 
 It is only when one reads a history like this of Shaw's 
 that it is possible to realise the differences which can come 
 over an industrial district in the comparatively short space 
 of seventy years. No doubt not all these differences and 
 developments can be placed to the credit side of humanity 
 and civilisation, but whatever sentimental regrets may at 
 times be felt for a quieter and simpler environment, few of 
 us would care to return to the times when, as Shaw tells 
 us, water was sold in the streets at " a halfpermy a pailful ". 
 One can scarcely realise that as regards the carriage of 
 
INTRODUCTION. xiii 
 
 earthenware and china to its various destinations, the 
 district remained in the condition described by the historian 
 until 1855, when a portion of the North Staffordshire Rail- 
 way was opened. Previous to that date the nearest rail- 
 way station was Whitmore, on the London and North 
 Western line, about seven miles from Stoke. All goods 
 had to be sent by canal and road, and the cost of carriage,, 
 which is more than sufficiently high now, must have been 
 a much more serious factor in the ultimate selling price of 
 the goods. 
 
 No greater changes have taken place than those con- 
 nected with the young. Education, such as it was, was- 
 almost entirely in the hands of the Church, supported by 
 voluntary subscriptions and the fees of the children. Sunday 
 schools there were, attached to many of the churches and 
 chapels ; but though every credit is due to those philanthro- 
 pists who supported them and taught therein, it was not to be- 
 expected that they could make much impression on children 
 of tender years who had spent the week working hard in 
 the vitiated atmosphere of a potter's workshop of the old 
 type. Nothing more need be said of the existing condi- 
 tions of education than that the district has taken full 
 advantage of modem educational legislation, and that the- 
 various School Boards of the district, supplemented by the- 
 efforts of the religious denominations, enable or compel every 
 child to attain to a certain degree of knowledge before 
 beginning to work. 
 
 Not less important and sweeping have been the effects- 
 of factory legislation. It appears scarcely credible to us- 
 that long after the date of Simeon Shaw's book, children 
 of eight, nine and ten should have been allowed to have- 
 
XIV INTRODUCTIOxM. 
 
 their minds and bodies starved and dwarfed, their whole 
 Jives blasted, by long hours of labour under conditions and 
 in workshops which would not now be tolerated for men. 
 It would have been well if Shaw had left on record more 
 particulars of the employment of men, women and children 
 in his day. But probably it seemed so natural at that 
 time for the children of the poor to be employed from 
 nine to twelve hours a day, that it appeared like a dis- 
 pensation of Providence ; and their various employers who 
 ■" amassed considerable fortunes " could be written of that 
 their " modesty and unaffected piety are exceeded only by 
 their philanthropy and assiduity in every good work for 
 public and private benefit,'' to quote one of Shaw's charac- 
 teristic eulogies. How entirely modern is the care and 
 •consideration for the young is evidenced by the artisans' 
 Press of that, and a later, period, wherein one searches 
 almost in vain among multitudinous pages of political, 
 social and industrial demands, for any recognition of the 
 rights of children. There is no need here to describe 
 the awakening of the public conscience, the opposition 
 of manufacturers to the Factory Acts, and the final 
 triumph of the reformers. If there is tendency now to 
 ^o to extremes, to overrate the value of book education 
 to the detriment of other training equally valuable, 
 at least we have advanced very considerably from 
 the almost utter disregard of a national duty which 
 ■obtained in the former half of the century. 
 
 An equally beneficial change might be recorded of 
 the social habits and conditions of the people. Shaw 
 boasts indeed that " of the i comfortable habitations of the 
 thousands of industrious individual journeymen, a greater 
 
INTRODUCTION. xv 
 
 number reside in their own houses, the savings of their 
 labours, than can be found in any other place of equal 
 population in Great Britain," and his general accuracy 
 justifies us in believing that he had at least good grounds 
 for his statement. But he gives no estimate of the actual 
 proportion, and such of the old cottage property as yet 
 remains, and which may, therefore, be taken as among the 
 best, does not give us a very high opinion of the standard 
 of comfort in former days, however much more picturesque 
 the cottages might have been than the weary sameness of 
 the modern jerry-built streets. 
 
 Not all the efforts of church and chapel and temperance 
 advocates have completely eradicated the tendency to indulge 
 unduly in alcoholic drinks, but there can be no doubt that 
 the vice of intemperance is much less rife, and that there is 
 no longer that pride in that capacity for drunkenness that 
 was too characteristic of our grandfathers. Football and 
 cricket have supplanted dog and cock-fighting, and the 
 arbitrament by fists is no longer the popular method of 
 determining disputes. Fine free libraries . attest the interest 
 of the public in news and literature ; science and art teaching 
 are provided in each town, and music is cultivated to an 
 extent not surpassed by many districts in the country. 
 
 As regards the potting industry itself, the changes from 
 1829 to 1899 amount to little less than a revolution. 
 When this book was published Josiah Wedgwood had 
 been dead only thirty-four years, and many people were 
 alive who had known the great potter. According to 
 Shaw, the famous cream colour remained unrivalled at the 
 time he wrote, and it is that cream colour — improved but 
 not invented by Wedgwood — that is the foundation of 
 
xvi INTRODUCTION. 
 
 present-day white and cream-coloured earthenware. The 
 only improvements in ordinary earthenware from that time 
 to the present are in the varying proportions of blue and 
 china clay, flint and stone used by different potters for the 
 purpose of obtaining a whiter body. It is true that 
 nothing like our present best white earthenware was made 
 seventy years ago ; but it is also true that in cream-coloured 
 earthenware that of Wedgwood has never been surpassed. 
 Gradually the white earthenware body has come to be uni- 
 versally accepted as the best for table, toilet and general use, 
 and as a natural consequence the improvement of this body 
 has gone on gradually, but consistently, until the present 
 results have been obtained. There is certainly a wide 
 difference between the white body of cheaper manufacturers 
 and the best "semi-porcelain," of several well-known 
 potters, but the difference is onp of degree only. It is- 
 indeed difficult to contemplate any further improvement 
 on existing lines in the body and glaze of this latter. 
 
 In 1875 Messrs. Copeland and Sons introduced a superior 
 cream-coloured body of a rich ivory tint, which became 
 exceedingly popular under the name of" ivory," and still 
 remains the staple product of a number of small manu- 
 facturers whose specialty is toilet sets and jugs. But 
 beyond this, and the production of a glazed red ware, made 
 from the red clay of the district, and usually set ofi^ with 
 coloured slip bands, little or nothing that is absolutely 
 new in bodies or glazes has been produced. Mention 
 may be made of the development of coloured glazes, with 
 which many charming effects have been obtained in tiles 
 and ornamental articles, which were not attempted by the 
 earlier potters. 
 
INTRODUCTION. xvii 
 
 Credit is usually given to Josiah Spode for the invention 
 of bone china, but it is noticeable that Shaw, who had 
 ample means of knowing, and would not have omitted 
 mention of a fact so creditable to a family to whom he 
 was under considerable obligations, nowhere commits him- 
 self to this statement. What he says is that " The Bone 
 Body porcelain, which he brought to considerable per- 
 fection". It is rather remarkable that in the author's 
 Chemistry of Pottery which was published eight years 
 later, the credit of this introduction is given to William 
 Lettler of Brownhills, but without any details or particulars. 
 The introduction of this material into pottery has been of 
 the greatest importance to the Potteries, and it is unfor- 
 tunate that we have no more definite information on the 
 subject. While we only know with certainty of one 
 manufacturer who made bone china in 1829, it is now 
 the support of not fewer' than sixty manufacturers in 
 Longton and Fenton alone. 
 
 In other directions great and unlooked-for developments 
 have occurred. Chief among these are the manufacture of 
 tiles and sanitary utensils. It would be incorrect to say 
 that tiles were unknown in Shaw's day, but their use to 
 the extent that prevails at the present day would have 
 seemed impossible to the potters of 1829. Messrs. Mintons 
 were the pioneers of the encaustic tile, and their produc- 
 tions have yet a world-wide reputation ; but tiles of all 
 kinds are now in common use everywhere, and the Potterifes 
 no longer monopolises this branch of the trade. 
 
 The birth and development of sanitary science is a very 
 modem event, and the way in which earthenware manu- 
 facturers have risen to the occasion is very creditable. The 
 
 h 
 
xviii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 sanitary earthenware trade is now of great and increas- 
 ing proportions, and some of the articles manufactured by 
 Mr. T. Twyford, and other potters who have turned their 
 attention to this class of ware, are wonderful examples 
 of successful potting. The development of electricity has 
 called into being another branch of potting unknown to 
 our grandfathers, and the demand for insulators and other 
 electrical necessities now maintains a considerable number 
 of operatives in the Potteries. Much might be said of the 
 purely ornamental and artistic developments of modern 
 earthen and china ware, did not space forbid. The china 
 vases, painted and decorated by British and foreign artists, 
 of Mintons and Copelands, the majolica and many other 
 kinds of decorative earthenware, the parian statuary of 
 Copelands, the triumphs of technical and artistic skill 
 displayed in the best productions of Wedgwood, Brown- 
 Westhead, and more recently, Doultons — of these it is only 
 possible to say that nothing finer in their various styles 
 has ever been produced. 
 
 But the greatest change that has come over the potting 
 industry is that which has transformed the methods of most 
 manufacturing concerns — the introduction of machinery, 
 and the consequent subdivision of labour. Machinery 
 had been used a considerable time in grinding materials, 
 and later the filter press superseded the old system of drying 
 kilns on making the clay. Tiles also appealed for mechanical 
 instead of hand labour comparatively early, but it was not 
 until the last twenty years that the iron "jolly" has been 
 generally adopted for the making of plates, saucers, bowls 
 and other articles. The result has naturally been a con- 
 siderable increase in the power of production, accompanied 
 
INTRODUCTION. xix 
 
 by an inevitable lowering of the status of the workman, by 
 depriving him of a portion of his skill and reducing him to 
 more or less of a mechanical automaton. There is thus 
 much less variety and individuaUty in the pottery of the 
 present day than in that of the past, a deterioration not 
 fuUy compensated for by the undoubted advantages of 
 greater cheapness and consequent more general use by all 
 classes of the community. If we no longer manufacture the 
 beautifully potted white stoneware of the old salt glaze 
 potters, or the workmanlike finish of the early cream- 
 coloured pieces ; if the perfection of Wedgwood's cameos and 
 Mayer's engine-turned black is no longer ours to produce, 
 we can but deplore the loss to the wealthy and artistic, 
 while congratulating the more ordinary citizen on his 
 gaudy toilet ware or his cheap china tea-set. 
 
 In decoration great strides — possibly not invariably in 
 the right direction^ — have been made. Not only has the 
 "blue printing" of our forefathers developed into every 
 colour printing, but the old printing press has in many 
 instances been superseded by the roller press, which gives 
 more impressions in less time. It may be remarked that 
 except for very common pottery for eastern markets under- 
 glaze decoration other than printing has been practically 
 abandoned. On the other hand enamel colours have come 
 more and more into request for printing, painting and 
 groundlaying, and the application of lithography to cera- 
 mic decoration has further increased this demand. For 
 this invention potters are indebted to Germany, which 
 still supplies no inconsiderable proportion of the decora- 
 tion for English pottery. 
 
 The introduction of liquid gold is another of the 
 
XX INTRODUCTION. 
 
 questionable benefits conferred on the trade by Germany. 
 Though much inferior to the old-fashioned article, its 
 cheapness has compelled its almost general adoption for 
 all but the best grades of earthenware and china. 
 
 In nothing has the condition of English potters 
 altered more since the first publication of this work than 
 in the matter of foreign competition. Up to 1870 their 
 position was supreme. Since that time the competition 
 of French, Belgian, German and Bohemian potters has 
 become more and more severe in all parts of the world, our 
 own country not excepted. Potting has also made great 
 strides in the United States, which now manufactures 
 a considerable proportion of its requirements in crockery. 
 It took years for the Staffordshire manufacturer to realise 
 the reality and extent of the competition which had arisen, 
 and no little loss was incurred thereby ; but although his 
 former commanding position is gone — probably irretriev- 
 ably — Staffordshire pottery yet holds the premier position 
 in the world's markets for usefulness, durability and taste. 
 
 At the present time there are in the Staffordshire 
 Potteries some 300 manufactories making earthenware and 
 china of various kinds, the proportion being roughly — for it 
 is impossible to be exact, owing to some manufacturers 
 making both — four earthenware to one china. The num- 
 ber of operatives is officially stated as 46,568, and the value 
 of earthenware and china produced for all markets cannot 
 be less than ^"3,000,000. 
 
 Simeon Shaw, the author of this book, was bom, it 
 is believed, in Manchester, in 1784. He was a man of 
 considerable literary and scientific attainments, as is wit- 
 
INTRODUCTION. xxi 
 
 nessed by his publications. These are : Nature Displayed, 
 published in 1823; Wonders q/ the Heavens and Earth, 
 Hundred Wonders of the World ; a grammar of the Eng- 
 lish language, the Universal Perceptor, a Grammair of 
 Philosophy ; A Million of Facts, Analysis of 5000 Salts, 
 and the Chemistry of Pottery. In the Newcastle and 
 Pottery Directory of 1822-3 he is described as of the 
 " Commercial Academy, Piccadilly, Hanley ". This estab- 
 lishment does not seem to have flourished, for we find him 
 afterwards at other addresses, wheie his occupations were 
 considerably diversified. The fulsome laudation of almost 
 every living manufacturer mentioned by him is an indica- 
 tion of the necessities of his position, from which, however, 
 it would seem that his abilities, properly used, were suffi- 
 cient to raise him. Of the latter portion of his career 
 possibly the less said the better : we can only regret that 
 such a gifted and useful historian and scientist should have 
 sunk lower and lower, until death found him in the asylum 
 in 1859 at the age of seventy -five. 
 
 December, iSgg. 
 
 [The End of the Introduction.] 
 
 [This re-issue is an exact facsimile, in paging, type and general 
 arrangement, of the original work. — The Publisher.'] 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 XXlll 
 
 Preface v 
 
 Introduction (specially written for this re- 
 issue), ix 
 
 CHAP I. 
 CHAP II. 
 
 Preliminary Remarks, 
 
 page 1 
 
 The Potteries, comprising TuNSTALL, 17, Brown- 
 hills, 19, Greenfield and New Field, 20, Golden 
 Hill, 22, Latebrook, 23, Green Lane, 25, Burs- 
 LEM, 26, Longport and Dale Hall, 33, Hot Lane 
 and Cobridge, 36, Hanley and Shelton, 37, 
 Etruria, 49, Stoke, 50, PenkhuU, 65, Fenton, 
 68, Lane Delph, 70, Foley, 71, Lane End. 72. 
 
 CHAP III. On the Origin of the Art, and its Practice 
 among the early Nations. p. 78 
 
 CHAP IV. Manufacture of Pottery, prior to 1700. p. 97 
 
 CHAP V. The Introduction of Red Porcelain by Messrs. 
 Elers, of Bradwell, 1690. p. 117 
 
 CHAP VI. Progress of the Manufacture from 1700, to Mr. 
 Wedgwood's commencement in 1760. p. 122 
 
 CHAP VII. Introduction of Fluid Gliaze. — Extension of the 
 Manufacture of Cream Colour. — Mr. Wedg- 
 wood's Queen's Ware. — Jasper, and Appoint- 
 ment of Potter to Her Majesty. — Black Printing. 
 
 p. 165 
 
 CHAP VIII. Introduction of Porcelain.— Mr. W. Littler's 
 Porcelain. — Mr. Cookworthy's Discovery of 
 Kaolin and Petuntse, and Patent.- — Sold to 
 Mr. Champion — resold to the New Hall Com. 
 — Extension of Term. p. 194 
 
 CHAP IX. Blue Printed Pottery.— Mr. Turner, Mr. Spode, 
 (1) Mr. Baddeley, Mr. Wood, Mr. Wilson, Mr. 
 Spode, (2) Messrs. Turner, Mr. Minton. — Great 
 Change in Patterns of Blue Printed — p. 206 
 
 CHAP X. Introduction of Lustre Pottery. — Improve- 
 ments in Pottery and Porcelain subsequent to 
 1 800. p. 227 
 
HISTORY 
 
 ^tafforti!3i)ir0 potteries. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 
 
 ABOUT five miles north west, and five miles south 
 east of Newcastle-under-Lyme, are the two extremities 
 of that interesting and opulent district, named — THE 
 POTTERIES, — because almost exclusively appropriated 
 to Manufactories of Porcelain and Pottery, not yielding 
 in the elegance, beauty, and utility of the productions, 
 to those of China ; and in extent of operations exceeding 
 all others in Europe. 
 
 About a mile from the boundary of the county of 
 Stafford, on the Moorlands, is the northern part, at 
 Golden Hill ; and at varying breadths from three to 
 five miles, the district extends to its south-eastern part, 
 at Mear Lane Furnace, in length ten miles ; covering 
 above twenty thousand acres with Towns, Villages, and 
 Hamlets, and forming one of the most populous and 
 industrious districts of equal extent in the nation. There 
 
 A 
 
2 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 being about jlfty thoiisand persons in the parishes of 
 Stoke, Burslem, and Wolstanton, supported by the Manu- 
 facture, as operatives, colliers, and persons employed on 
 the canal to bring the raw materials, and carry away 
 the manufactured productions. 
 
 We may subdivide the District thus, (from the 
 southern extremity;) — Lane End, with Mear, Furnace, 
 Longton, and the Foley ; — Lane Delph with Fenton ; 
 — Stoke, with Penkhull and Boothen ; — Hanley and 
 Shelton, with Etruria, Vale Pleasant, Cobridge, and Sneyd 
 Green ; — Burslem, with Hot Lane, Hamill, Dale Hall, 
 Newport and Longport ; — and Brown Hills, with Tunstall, 
 Clay Hills, Greenfield, (formerly Smithfield,) Newfield, 
 Sandyford, Golden Hill, and Green Lane. When Erdes- 
 wick wrote his Antiquities of the County (1590,) these 
 places appear to have been more fiefs of larger Estates ; 
 but at this day (1829,) they are distinct townships and 
 liberties, important to the state on account of their 
 wealth and manufactures. 
 
 The , Enquiry has been frequently made — " Why did 
 the Early Potters first establish themselves in this district ; 
 and why has the manufacture in this neighbourhood 
 flourished more than in any other part of England, or 
 perhaps of the World.-"' — The largest Potteries known, 
 being Wedgwood's, Etruria ; Spode's, Stoke ; Wood's, 
 Burslem ; Davenport's, Longport ; Minton's, Stoke ; 
 Bourne's, Fenton ; Ridgways', Shelton ; Dimmock's, Han- 
 ley ; Hicks and Meigh's, Shelton ; Meigh's, Hanley ; with 
 many others, considerable in themselves, but not equal to 
 these in extent and importance. 
 
 We can offer only a conjectural Answer to the 
 enquiry. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 3 
 
 When the district was first selected as the Seat 
 of the Manufacture of Pottery, we cannot accurately 
 ascertain ; but the considerable depth beneath the pre- 
 sent surface, at which remains of Manufactories, and 
 Pottery, have been discovered during the last and the 
 present century, leads to the opinion that the Art was 
 practised here during the time the country was tributary 
 to the Roman power ; if not even prior to that era : and 
 authenticated specimens prove that it was in full operation 
 in different places, near three centuries ago. 
 
 Certainly during a long period, the manufacture was 
 rude and uninteresting ; neither did the productions of 
 the early periods present any earnest of the successive 
 and important improvements for which the last sixty or 
 seventy years are so distinguished. But it is probable, 
 that if we could ascertain when our other staple manu- 
 factures first began to be improved and extended, we 
 should find this Art beginning to obtain celebrity, and 
 that it has prospered in proportion to the facility of dis- 
 posing of it profitably. Perhaps also, the Sales of Porcelain 
 from China, may have stimulated the British Potters to 
 imitate that commodity. 
 
 We find various causes powerfully combining to give 
 permanence to the Manufacture here ; and are persuaded 
 that the same peculiarities of situation and advantages 
 cannot be found in an equal extent of ground in the 
 United Kingdom. 
 
 The situation, on the ridge of the low part of the 
 Moorlands, is so much diversified with hills and dales, 
 that however little might be its value for agricultural 
 purposes, or bleak and barren its aspect, no inconvenience 
 
4 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 is ever experienced by the inhabitants from the volumes 
 of smoke arising from the coal consumed in making 
 Bricks, Tiles, and Earthenware. This part of the ridge 
 has less cause than any other to be called the Moorlands ; 
 for, owing to the industry of its population, it has all 
 the appearances of cultivated tracts of country; tho 
 its surface is uneven, and generally rocky or gravelly clay. 
 Here also the potters enjoy four of "the chief natural 
 benefits which can be connected with human existence 
 — air extremely salubrious, water of tolerable purity, 
 the sun seldom obscured by fogs, and an entire freedom 
 from damp. 
 
 Other advantages for the Manufacture, which have 
 contributed to make this district a permanent seat, and 
 enabled it to triumph over every attempt at its removal, 
 are the Coals and Clay for the several purposes, being 
 readily obtained on moderate terms. Different Strata 
 of Coals of various kinds, and Marls or Clays of different 
 sorts and colours, some tenacious, some friable, all over 
 the district, at a depth easily accessible, present an 
 almost inexhaustible store of two sorts of materials, 
 indispensable in the manufacture of Pottery. The Coals 
 have a curvilineal range, much in the form of a horse 
 shoe ; regarded from the mines at Lane End to Ubberley 
 and Bucknall ; or from Shelton to Norton and Biddulph ; 
 or from Burslem to the Stonetrough mines ; whence 
 they suddenly return by Whitehill, Kidsgrove, Hare- 
 castle, to the Neighbourhood of Red Street. In the 
 former range, the dip is about one foot perpendicular to 
 every four feet in extent, westward ; but a few strata 
 stare, i. e. are almost perpendicular to the surface. The 
 other range dips south-east for nearly four miles ; and the 
 mines of Silverdale dip eastward, and crop out westward. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 5 
 
 The Strata vary in quality and quantity; there 
 having been discovered in this Coal Field, thirty-four 
 different mines, from one to ten feet in thickness ; and 
 several thin veins not at present extracted. The names 
 are varied in some places ; and the quality and quantity 
 vary also ; but generally they are known by these Names : 
 
 1 Red Shag Mine, 
 
 2 Brief Furlong ditto, 
 
 3 Little Mine, 
 
 4 Bass ditto, 
 
 5 Little Row ditto, 
 
 6 Peacock ditto, 
 
 7 Spend Croft ditto, 
 
 8 Great Row ditto, 
 g Cannel Row ditto, 
 
 10 Thirty Inch Caanel ditto, 
 
 11 Chalky Row ditto, 
 
 12 Row Hurst ditto, 
 
 13 Burn Wood ditto, 
 
 14 Little ditto, 
 
 15 Four Foot ditto, 
 
 16 Easling ditto, 
 
 17 Topmost of Two Little Mines, 
 
 18 Undermost of Two Little Mines, 
 ig Whitfield Mine, 
 
 20 Church ditto, 
 
 21 Eight Foot ditto, 
 
 22 Ten ditto ditto, 
 
 23 Bowling Alley ditto, 
 
 24 Sparrow Buts ditto, 
 
 25 Holly Lane ditto, 
 
 26 Iron Stone Coal ditto, 
 
 27 Flats ditto, 
 
 28 Frog Row ditto, 
 2g Cockshead ditto, 
 
 30 Lime Kiln ditto, 
 
 31 Ridgway Cannel ditto, 
 
 32 BuUhurst ditto, 
 
 33 Badiley Edge ditto, 
 
 34 Deep Badiley Edge ditto. 
 
 There are also several thin veins of coal lying between 
 the above mines, which are without names, and have never 
 been worked. 
 
 Some of these are better adapted than others for 
 making Pottery; and others are better for domestic 
 purposes. The great Row and Ten Foot coals are much 
 used, because of their small portion of bitumen. There 
 is a Cannel, or Pill, of a bituminous quality, a few inches 
 thick, over the coals, like the cream on milk ; and by 
 some persons the Cannel is considered the bitumen of these 
 coals. E. Wood, Esq., recently discovered a rich mine of 
 Cannel, three feet thick. The coals which have much 
 bitumen, are here called soldering, because they are a long- 
 time in consuming, and tho' they do not give great heat, 
 they rarely leave much ashes ; as those of Apedale and 
 neighbourhood. 
 
6 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Connected with the Coal Strata, are very rich and pro- 
 ductive veins of mar], particularly adapted for the saggers, 
 and fire bricks of the potters' kilns, because scarcely im- 
 pregnated with iron ; and hence very much in requisition 
 thro' the district. There are also many Faults in this Coal 
 field ; which in some places might be a great disadvantage ; 
 but in the Potteries, a most contrary result is obvious, in 
 the great dispersion of the Coals to every part of the district. 
 Had the Coals been all in one spot, the seat of the Potteries 
 would have been there only ; and had the surface of the 
 ground been a plain, or a valley, the smoke could not have 
 readily dissipated ; and this pleasant and healthful district 
 would have been the ' murkiest den ' possible to be imagined. 
 
 In the early times the Coals were cropping out at 
 diflFerent places ; and nigh these the early potters fixed 
 their sun pans and ovens, for convenience of coals and 
 clay. Little labour being required to procure them, 
 they were very cheap. In Dr. Plott's time (1686,) they 
 were about Is. 4d. the ton ; in 1795, 4s. 6d. ; and in 
 1829, 8s. 4d. The soil and clay only had to be removed, 
 at first ; and thus large and open pits were formed ; 
 like those now open in Lane Delph, and Woodiston in 
 Shelton. These being ' liable to delays from water, the 
 miners resorted to the advantage of a gutter from the 
 lowest Lands near, extended under all the coals above 
 its level ; which being drained by it, a supply of coals 
 was obtained until the upper p?irt of the mine was 
 exhausted. In 1719, Lord Macclesfield thus drained about 
 150 acres of coals, by the gutter near Burslem Church, 
 and plentifully supplied the neighbourhood more than 
 sixty years. The gutters also are useful to convey the 
 water from those mines whose depth exceeds its level. 
 At first horse gins were employed to draw up large 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 7 
 
 casks filled with water, and emptied in the gutter ; 
 but now powerful steam engines are used, to work two or 
 three large pumps, with lifts oi forty or fifty yards each. 
 
 In 1708, in a field near the Hamill, thro' which was 
 a foot path, 'the rains had so affected the path', as to 
 expose the hollow of a potter's kiln, at a considerable 
 distance from any other then known, and wholly beyond 
 any traces of tradition. A few years subsequently, on 
 removing a very old building that a new manufactory 
 might be erected, under the foundations were discovered 
 the remains of a potter's oven, with some very coarse 
 saggers, containing the kind of Pottery formerly made. 
 Other specimens have been discovered in levelling the 
 hilly parts of the highways in the district ; all exhibiting 
 considerable ingenuity, and great antiquity, and carrying 
 the judgment and imagination far back into a period of 
 time, not even conjectured by persons acquainted with 
 only the partial statements heretofore submitted, to the 
 public. 
 
 Were a person to place himself, in succession, on the 
 hills, at Green Lane, Wolstanton, Basford, Harts Hill, and 
 Fenton Park, and take a Bird's-eye view of the different 
 parts, he would be much gratified with the many indica- 
 tions of the utility of well-directed industry, and its results, 
 a vast increase of population ; numerous and extensive 
 manufactories, with beautiful mansions; maintenance for 
 the employed, and opulence for the employers. While 
 a close investigation of the places, will prove, that of the 
 comfortable habitations of the thousands of industrious 
 individual journeymen, a greater number reside in their 
 own houses, the savings of their labours, than can be found 
 in any other place of equal population in Great Britain. 
 
8 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Very recently great improvements have been made in 
 all the highways from Tunstall to Lane End; and now 
 good dwelling houses are being erected in different parts 
 of them ; so that only a few years may be expected to 
 elapse before the whole district will appear, to a passenger, 
 or traveller, a large manufacturing town, with distinct 
 names for its subdivisions. 
 
 The Philanthropist at all times with peculiar pleasure 
 contemplates the progressive development of the human 
 mind, where talent and diligence raise a community from 
 ignorance to knowledge, from barbarity to refinement in 
 civilization and the Arts ; — the gradations and means, by 
 which, under' the influence of natural and moral causes, 
 obstacles presented by a locality unpromising and unfavour- 
 able, have been disregarded or surmounted ; and with 
 success have been pursued, the improvement of manners 
 and conduct, the acquirement of mental and physical 
 science, and the attainment of that distinguished excellence, 
 which contribute to the advancement and benefit of society. 
 All the fraternity, actuated by the same spirit and resolu- 
 tion to promote the general interest by personal eminence 
 in some particular branch of the manufacture, associate 
 and form an indivisible connection for the important 
 purpose of extending the knowledge and operations of 
 peculiar manipulations and useful inventions ; which alike 
 dignify and more closely unite the individuals, cherish 
 personal merit, enhance the comforts of society, promote 
 general welfare, cement the links of the chain of mankind, 
 and raise the people in the scale of nations. 
 
 This interesting and flourishing district most forcibly 
 illustrates the results which may be expected from a 
 cordial union of man's intellectual and physical powers ; 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 9 
 
 the researches of the mineralogist with the ingenuity of 
 the artizan. Little more than a century ago, its existence 
 was scarcely noticed ; it wore then a ban-en aspect, and was 
 a, mere range of straggling and detached hamlets, with few 
 inhabitants, and little trade, (as we find in Dr. Plott's 
 History of the County ; ) its rich and almost inexhaustible 
 mineral treasures were unknown, and its agricultural advan- 
 tages were considered very paucile. But since then, by 
 uniting talents and pei-severance, the recesses of the earth 
 have been explored to enrich its owners, and extremely 
 rapid has been the advancement in population, manufactures, 
 and commercial prosperity. We have popijlous towns and 
 villages, the abode of social comfort to multitudes ; ' with 
 regular markets, public edifices, extensive and commodious 
 manufactories, elegant mansions,and comfortable habitations, 
 for a busy and enterprizing community ai jifiy thousand 
 persons. The value of the productions of the district 
 is greatly enhanced by the demand for them in making 
 Porcelain and Pottery ; and these latter are so much in re- 
 quest thro' the globe, as ultimately to cause their useful and 
 ornamented productions, in all their varieties, to be exhibited 
 in most markets of the Eastern and Western Cohtinents. 
 
 As it is impossible for any person to determine 
 which Earths not yet introduced, may form part of the 
 materials of excellent pottery hitherto unproduced; or 
 what brilliant Colours at present not thought of, may 
 hereafter be obtained from the mineral kingdom, by the 
 researches of mineralogists and the operations of chemists ; 
 it becomes every person, to cultivate the ability provi- 
 dence has conferred, and sedulously employ his genius 
 to promote his advancement in his profession. For, 
 even at this period, the manufacture is rising in celebrity 
 constantly; and we are most agreeably surprised at the 
 
10 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 exhibition of new specimens of cultivated taste and well- 
 directed ingenuity. 
 
 The Inhabitants of the Potteries, regarded as a body, 
 possess the spirit of true patriotism. Parties there are, 
 and sometimes they can scarcely ' agi'ee to differ ' ; but, 
 whatever differences may have occurred as to the manner 
 of promoting the public good, all have united in the deswe 
 and means whereby it might be accomplished. 
 
 The fortunes which have been realized from small 
 capitals, by individual talent and industry, are very 
 numerous, considerable, and in some instances, almost 
 princely ; and with honour and comfort are they en- 
 joyed. Most of the lands near the houses of the manu- 
 facturers, belong to the several estates ; and the other 
 in the vicinity of the towns now are cultivated either for 
 variety or convenience, to support horses employed for 
 numerous purposes, and milch cows to supply the wants of 
 the population. The tenure is mostly freehold ; altho' 
 there are some copyholds ; and other customary freeholds- 
 paying fines and rents certain. 
 
 Since 1780, the demand for Grain and Flour has been 
 increasing to a vast amount ; and new sources of supply 
 from distant parts, have been opened by the Canal ; so that 
 the inhabitants need not fear either monopoly or scarcity ; 
 tho' the price of these and all other articles of food, will 
 ever be higher in a district which produces so little, and 
 consumes such large quantities. 
 
 The great demand for milk and butter, has dimin- 
 ished the number of acres appropriated to tillage. 
 That part which is so employed, is usually let to the 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 11 
 
 journeyman potter, at a small sum per rood, to plant with 
 potatoes in his leisure hours. A crop of Wheat usually 
 follows ; then one of Oats succeeds. The Straw of both 
 is an article of great demand for packing pottery ; and 
 always obtains a good remuneration to the agriculturist. 
 
 The Manure is often the refuse of the farm yard,, 
 and likewise lime, and, at times, both these, mixed, with 
 the soil of the sides of the roads, gutter clods, ditchings, 
 and the drawings off the butts of pastures. On some lands,, 
 refuse salt is occasionally employed. The lime stone for 
 these and other purposes, is brought from Cauldon Low. 
 Great plenty of potatoes and other vegetables, are supplied 
 from the neighbourhood of Bowers, Betley, and Lawton ; 
 and smaller supplies come from the neighbouring villages. 
 
 In the woods within many miles circuit, great 
 quantities of hazel rods and coppice wood are cut at 
 the successive growth of about seven or eight years, 
 to supply the Crate Makers of the district with mate- 
 rials for Crates, in which Pottery is packed. A good price 
 is paid for the heads and rods, so as to render their care- 
 ful cultivation an object of interest to the Landowners. 
 
 The western extremity of the district, being hills, 
 which arrest the pi-ogress of the clouds from the Atlantic 
 Ocean, and combined with the high rarefaction of the 
 air by the immense combustion of coals in the Potteries, 
 we always find the clouds brought by the westerly winds 
 precipitating their waters. Yet not only is the district 
 now productive of much pasturage for the horses and 
 cattle; but the atmosphere is pure and healthful, and 
 seldom are the people affected by epidemic diseases. 
 However, we notice many instances of Bronchocele, or 
 
12 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 thick neck, a very unseemly enlargement of the glands 
 ■of the throat. 
 
 We may observe that it has happened with this dis- 
 trict, as with most other places where the increase of trade 
 from the industry of the manufacturers has been rapid, 
 that there remain many improvements to be effected to 
 promqte the convenience of the inhabitants. However, the 
 whole district is now alert, as we shall proceed to shew. 
 
 Until some time after the commencement of the present 
 century, workmen were rather scarce, because of continual 
 ■drains for the army and navy; and public attention was 
 wholly absorbed by the principal and primary source of 
 -wealth — the improvement of the various branches of the 
 manufacture, and in supplying the foreign demands. But, 
 after the peace, when labour was become cheap, the atten- 
 tion of all classes was directed to the improvement of the 
 public roads of this district, to render them good and direct; 
 a truly important object, and one indispensable to the 
 interests of commerce in a populous manufacturing district. 
 These facilitate the intercourse with commercial, intelligent 
 persons, and animate and refine manners, that in all 
 ranks of society precede that improvement in morals, 
 which it is desirable this district should enjoy. This 
 ■object, at one period (1784,) caused a complete insurrec- 
 tion ; the lower classes being fearful that by good roads 
 their trade would be carried out of the country ; and only 
 by great efforts on the part of the Masters, were the 
 results prevented from being most prejudicial. But much 
 labour, and great sums of money, have been expended on 
 the highways ; and care has been exercised to secure 
 regularity of building in streets ; and to supply them with 
 Lamps and Water. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES 13- 
 
 The Trustees of the several Markets avail them- 
 selves of every method to supply the Dealers with most 
 convenient stalls, and accommodate those persons who at- 
 tend as purchasers. And all the Markets are well supplied 
 with provisions and merchandise. 
 
 Many of the new Streets are distinguished by the 
 Name on the corners ; but few of them have the Doors 
 of the Houses numbered. This might be done on a. 
 very useful, simple, and convenient plan — all the even 
 Numbers might be on one side, and all the odd ones on 
 the other ; a person would then be certain on whether 
 side was situated the house he was seeking. The in- 
 troduction of Gas Lamps with powei-ful burners, in the _ 
 streets, and most of the highways, is a very convenient 
 accommodation to all parties, strangers and inhabitants.. 
 
 Good Water is supplied from Reservoirs at Lane 
 End, and Hanley ; but is more of a rarity in all the 
 Towns, than is desirable for the health and cleanliness. 
 of the population. A stranger is surprised to see water 
 carts in the streets, selling at a halfpenny a pailful, this 
 essential article of human enjoyment. 
 
 In 1815, the Nobility and Gentry of the neigh- 
 bourhood most promptly aided the exertions of the 
 Manufacturers in the Establishment of one of the 
 grandest methods of alleviating the Sufferings of the 
 afflicted classes of operatives. By their munificent, 
 donations, with one of ^£"500, from his Majesty (then 
 Prince Regent), and a legacy of .£1000, from the late 
 John Rogers, Esq., of the Watlands, this extensive and 
 populous district enjoys the advantages dispensed by the 
 NoETH Staffordshike Infiiimauy. 
 
14 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 It has a situation almost central, and one of the 
 most eligible in the vicinity, being on a rising plot of 
 Land, in the Liberty of Shelton, but so wholly free 
 from surrounding buildings, that it is readily seen from 
 many parts. The Edifice is now enlarged much from 
 its original construction. It is of Brick, very spacious and 
 commodious with numerous wards for the accommodation of 
 numerous In-patients ; besides all appropriate Apartments 
 for the various purposes and Officers of the Establishment. 
 
 During more than ten years the Benefits had been 
 dispensed to the neighbourhood ; and with the in- 
 creased population, an increased demand for the helps 
 conferred, was experienced, and the Trustees at length 
 resolved upon an enlargement, the better to meet the 
 wants of the applicants. The Intention was published, and 
 numerous donations were immediately received ; but the 
 chief Aid was wholly unexpected and unprecedented : — 
 
 A Gentleman, whose philanthropy is exceeded only 
 by his urbanity and modesty, suggested the trial of 
 a Bazaar, to augment the Funds. Some obstacles 
 were presented, but were surmounted. The trial was 
 made ; and to the honour of the Ladies be it mentioned, 
 the store of Articles of utility, elegance, and taste was 
 so abundant, that the sales realised more than Nine 
 Hundred Pounds additional to the funds for enlarging 
 the Edifice. Thus a lasting benefit results to posterity, 
 thro' the benevolent hints and exertions of Arthur 
 Minton, Esq. 
 
 A Medical Library, and Museum of Subjects of 
 Anatomy and Physiology, have been recently projected; 
 and great expectations were raised in reference to the 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES 15 
 
 advantages they will afford. The whole expense of the 
 Establishment, is defrayed by Annual Subscription of the 
 opulent, in addition to small weekly deductions from the 
 Earnings of the operative classes. 
 
 The Most Noble the Marquis of Stafford, is the Patron ; 
 and the President, Vice-Presidents, and committee, are 
 elected from the most worthy and estimable Persons of the 
 neighbourhood. 
 
 The same high Personage is the Patron also of the 
 Pottery Mechanics' Institutiox. A truly noble Donation 
 from him, was followed by extremely liberal Contributions, 
 fi'om Josiah Wedgwood, Esq., Richard Edensor Heath- 
 cote, Esq., M. P., Thomas Hawe Parker, Esq., E. J. 
 Littleton, Esq., M. P., Sir John Wrottesley, Bart., M. P., 
 and some other gentlemen ; and which were applied to 
 purchase a Library and apparatus, exclusively adapted 
 to Philosophical Researches. The Members contribute 
 small sums annually, and have the Books regularly 
 circulated amongst them. Classes for particular Studies 
 also are formed ; and those for Chemistry, Modelling, and 
 Drawing promise to be very useful. During the three 
 Winters since its establishment, Courses of Lectures have 
 been regularly delivered to the Members, free of expense ; 
 and to visitors on payment of a small sum. Many of the 
 intelligent manufacturers are honorary Members, and by 
 their example incite their workmen to excellence in their 
 particular branches. In our times, it is readily admitted 
 by all persons of true discernment, that to combine the 
 gratifying and advantageous pursuits of science and litera- 
 ture with the energies required by commercial engagements, 
 is highly beneficial ; because all corroding cares are alle- 
 viated or dissipated by them. 
 
16 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Without the partiality of friendship ascribing adsciti- 
 tious excellence ; or the rancour of envy depreciating their 
 real importance ; the full meed of praise will be assigned 
 by posterity unto all those Worthies, already demised, 
 whose indefatigable exercise of ingenuity and industry, in 
 introducing Jresh materials, implements, or ornaments, 
 have benefited all with whom they were connected, by 
 commencing and establishing the goodly fabric of a staple 
 manufacture on a solid and durable foundation ; and, 
 likewise, to their successors and survivors, who, by having 
 improved and advanced the Art to its present perfection, 
 have completed a celebrious superstructure, every way 
 worthy the talents of their eminent progenitors. 
 
 When it i§ considered, that nearly the whole of the 
 Materials used are native productions, and that five parts in 
 six of the manufactured articles are exported, few Branches 
 of manufacture have greater claim to the gratitude and 
 admiration of their countrymen, than these valuable estab- 
 lishments, and the persons who have founded, fostered, and 
 advanced them. The late Mr. Wedgwood, in his day was 
 a principal promoter of this advancement; and since hisi 
 time additional and great improvemients have been made 
 by the united genius of the present Potters, Spode, Wood, 
 Ridgways, Minton, Turner, &c. and it is a fair presumption 
 that specimens of their productions will be found, not only 
 in the cabinets of princes and opulent persons of taste, but 
 in the markets of every state where British commerce 
 extends. 
 
 We shall now proceed to describe the several Towns, 
 according to their present appearance ; and from a careful 
 survey of their improved condition. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 17 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE POTTERIES. 
 
 TUNSTALL, and its vicinity. 
 
 TUNSTALL has risen, during the present century, 
 from being a mere small street, of about twenty houses 
 in the high road, and shont forty more in the lanes leading 
 to Chatterley and Red Street, into a town of moderate 
 size, for the accommodation of whose inhabitants, a Church 
 is to be erected by Government, at the expense of several 
 thousand pounds. 
 
 The town is pleasantly situated on the declivity of 
 a considerable eminence, allowing most of it to be seen 
 (at the distance of two miles) from the new turnpike, 
 road from Newcastle to Lawton ; being from the former 
 place distant about four miles. It is on the high road 
 from Bosley to Newcastle, and from Lawton to Burslem> 
 It is the chief liberty of the Parish of Wolstanton ; has 
 many respectable tradespeople in it ; and its manufacturers, 
 rank high for talent and opulence. From it there are 
 some very pleasing prospects, over much of the District,. 
 and its vicinity. 
 
 Mr. John Mear, Mr. T. Goodfellow, and Mr. RalpL 
 Hall, have elegant Mansions connected with extensive 
 manufactories. Of Mr. Hall, it may be justly stated,, 
 that his modesty and unaffected piety, are exceeded only 
 by his philanthropy and assiduity in every good work for 
 public or private benefit. There are other manufactories,, 
 of considerable extent, belonging to S. and J. Rathbone, 
 J. Boden, Bourne, Nixon, & Co., Breeze, & Co., and Bur- 
 rows, & Co, 
 
 li 
 
18 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 At the manufactory now owned by Mr. Goodfellow, 
 Mr. Enoch Booth first introduced that most important im- 
 provement in the manufacture of pottery, — the fluid Glaze. 
 Here also his son-in-law and successor Anthony Keeling, 
 ■employed Enamellers, of the Porcelain, then commenced 
 making under Mr. Champion's Patent, in copartnership 
 with Samuel Hollins, J. and P. Warburton, and William 
 Clowes. But very soon afterwards this was transferred to 
 Shelton, under the firm of Hollins, Warburton & Co. 
 
 Smith Child, Esq., has recently established a very 
 commodious manufactory for Chemicals, at Clay Hills ; 
 near which are very extensive beds of excellent marl, em- 
 ployed in making Blue Tiles for Houses, Floor Quanies, 
 and different kinds of Bricks, of superior quality for ap- 
 pearance and durability. 
 
 Each of the three denominations of Methodists 
 have here a spacious Chapel, with which is connected a 
 Sunday School ; whose Libraries promote the moral im- 
 provement of the people. Here is also a very respectable 
 Literary Society, unassuming in character, but assiduous 
 in research. 
 
 In 1815, by public subscription was formed a spacious 
 Market Place, which is now well attended by dealers of 
 every kind ; also was erected an elegant Court House ; 
 with Lock-ups for Offenders. There is a large Wind- 
 mill, and also a Steam Mill, for grinding grain. And at 
 a short distance is Hostin Mill, for grinding Potters' 
 Materials; concerning which, in 1826, several thousand 
 pounds were expended in a Lawsuit, to determine in 
 whether parish it is situated, Burslem, or Wolstanton ; 
 and the decision fixed it in the former. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 19 
 
 Tunstall belonged to John Frost, Esq., in the reign of 
 Henry VIII. 
 
 The House at Hardingwood, a short distance from 
 Golden Hill, has a peculiar situation. Whenever its in- 
 habitants go to Church (that of Lawton,) they pass out of 
 the province of Canterbury into that of York ; out of the 
 county of Stafford into that of Chester ; out of the diocese 
 of Lichfield and Coventry, into that of Chester ; out of the 
 hundred of Pirehill, into that of Nantwich ; being succes- 
 sively in three constableries, Tunstall, Chell and Lawton ; 
 and in three parishes, Wolstanton, Audley, and Lawton. 
 
 Tradition mentions a Church having been at Tunstall 
 in former Ages ; but no traces of such a structure have 
 been discovered at any time. Certainly human bones have 
 been dug up in a field near the Wesleyan Chapel ; but the 
 bodies may have been buried here, because of the great 
 distance from the Church ; or, at one of the battles between 
 the Normans and Saxons. 
 
 Closely connected with Tunstall, and much like one of 
 its extremities, tho' in Burslem parish, we find on the Burs- 
 lem road, Highgate, and the Flash ; containing ahontjifty 
 dwelling houses, chiefly for the operative classes. Also, 
 
 Beowxhills. — Here is one manufactory belonging to 
 Samuel Marsh & Co. ; and another moderately extensive, 
 the property of John Wood, Esq., a gentleman of great 
 worth for evfeiy manly feeling, who resides in an adjacent 
 elegant Mansion; of a moderate yet convenient size, 
 placed in a well-arranged paddock and gardens, from 
 which there are beautiful prospects, and a delightful 
 command of the Turnpike roads to Longport and Wol- 
 
20 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 stanton, also to Burslem and Tunstall. At this place 
 occurred that most remarkable and fatal catastrophe, in 
 1797, of Dr. Oliver shooting the owner, father to the 
 present proprietor, a truly pious and good man, and an 
 affectionate head of his family. 
 
 On the road to Bosley, is Geeen Field (or Smith- 
 Field) containing several strata of excellent Coals and 
 Marls, and some beautiful prospects. The very elegant 
 and commodious Mansion, seen from the high road, has 
 a truly picturesque appearance, in a pleasant hanging wood, 
 fronted by a fine lawn. 
 
 The present name has been substituted for that which 
 kept in remembrance the unhappy founder, Theophilus 
 Smith ; who in a fit of jealousy attempted the life of 
 his kind friend, Mr. Wainwright, (who still survives, in 
 the United States,) and subsequently in gaol perished 
 by his own hand. This was late the property of Jesse 
 Breeze, Esq., whose daughters have it in possession ; but 
 neither the Colliery nor the Manufactory is at this time 
 (1829) in operation. 
 
 New Field is stated (by Pitt, p. 393, but no reference 
 is given to his authority,) as having been a part of the 
 extensive Town Fields of Tunstall, about 1613. Certain 
 it is, that a descendant of the William Badyley, who, in 10 
 Edw. IV. became seized of a messuage and land here, now 
 has it in possession. This gentleman is Smith Child, Esq., 
 grandson of Admiral Smith Child ; who, during the peace of 
 1763, erected here a large manufactory, and a very spacious 
 and elegant Mansion, having extensive prospects over much 
 of the Potteries. The very valuable mines of coal with 
 which this estate is enriched, were increased in value 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 21 
 
 during the jninority of its present possessor, by a sewer 
 from the low level of the Canal being run up under them 
 to drain them most effectively. In fact the whole of this 
 property was greatly improved by the very judicious 
 management of J. H. Clive, Esq., one of the earliest and 
 most successful introducers of ornamental engraving into 
 the Blue printing department of Pottery. 
 
 Smith Child, Admiral of the Blue, who of late years lived 
 on this estate, settled on him by his maternal uncle, Thomas 
 Baddeley, was of Salopian descent, though his immediate 
 ancestry were of Audley, in this county,— his greatgrand- 
 father. Smith Child, having succeeded to Boyle's Hall and 
 other property in the latter township, (of which the Admiral 
 was himself a native) on the demise of Margaret Smithe, 
 widow, about 1657. In the peace of 1763, he married his 
 kinswoman, Margaret Roylance, and resumed, near the'com- 
 mencements of the American war, his naval duties, which were 
 continued to its termination. While on shore, he ardently 
 participated in agricultural and other useful pursuits, and 
 received the honorary freedom of Newcastle-under-Lyme, and 
 of Liverpool. 
 
 " He died of gout in the Stomach, at New-field, on the 
 21st January, 1813, aged 83. He entered the service under 
 Earl Gower's auspices in 1747, as the nautical disciple of Lord 
 Anson, and served at the sieges of PondicheiTy and Louis- 
 bourg. He commanded the Europe in the two actions off the 
 Chesapeake, in 1781, with such credit as enabled him to 
 obtain preferment for most of her officers ; but, the following 
 year, his eldest son, (a youth who had evinced great intrepidity 
 on board the Fame upon the memorable Twelfth of April, and 
 was about to have joined the Fovdroyant, commanded by Sir 
 John Jervis, then at home,) perished in the unfortunate Ville 
 de Paris. In 1795 he took the command of the Commerce de 
 Marseilles of 120 guns, and attained his flag on Valentine's 
 day, 179.9- The Admiral was, during a great part of his life, in 
 the Commission of the Peace for Staffordshire, — a Deputy- 
 Lieutenant, &c. of the county,- — and was most eminently and 
 extensively beloved and revered." His remains are deposited 
 at Wolstanton, under a plain tomb. 
 
22 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The following are copies of two ancient ^nd curious 
 deeds connected with this place. 
 
 "TuNSTALL. — At the Court there holden on Tuesday in the 
 week of Penticost in the lOth Year of the Reign of King 
 Edd. the 4.th came William Badyley Son and Heir of 
 Margery Handeson and took Seisin of the Lord of Audley 
 of one Messuage and 20 Acres of customary Land in 
 Tunstall of which the said Margery died seized To hold 
 to the said William and his Heirs according to the 
 custom of the Manor : and he gives to the said Lord at 
 his entry 20<i- In testimony whereof John Harryson 
 Deputy Steward to this Copy hath affixed his Seal. 
 Given as above." 
 
 " Be yt knowne to all true me In chryste In the wey of 
 truthe yt I Phythyon of Tunstall dyd purchys a garden place 
 yt lythhe in Tunstal at Hary of Tunstal my broders ye woh 
 garden place I do set at my dysseasse to Margerye my wyffe 
 and to Margyt my doughttd ye wyffe of John Banchcrofte & 
 af td ye dysseace of my wyffe hytt to remeyne to Margytt my 
 doughttd & to hyr eyres the recorder of this Rychard of rydg- 
 ways & to thys I set to my scale Gyvyn ye last daye of Julye 
 in ye yere & reyne of Kynge Harry ye Syxt yfter ye conquest 
 of England xxx. & vij." 
 
 The Manufactory is now occupied by Joseph Heath & 
 Co. — The other manufactory, nigher Golden Hill, is 
 occupied by James Beech and Abraham Lownds. The 
 latter gentleman will long be remembered in this neigh- 
 bourhood as a friend of mankind, and one of the Founders 
 and chief supporters of the Large Tunstall Sunday School. 
 
 Golden Hill. This extremity of the district can 
 have claim to its high appellation, only in consequence 
 of its valuable mines of Coals, Cannel, Ironstone, and 
 Marl. In the sixteenth century, coarse Pottery, and 
 more recently the brown, chequered, and Porto Beilo 
 wares have been made here. A few years ago, there 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 23 
 
 was also a small establishment for the manufacture of 
 Cream Colour, and Porcelain ; but it is now discontinued ; 
 and very recently the buildings have been converted into 
 dwelling houses. Only the Coai-se Pottery is now manu- 
 factured, in new buildings. There are three taverns in 
 this small place. A few years since, a number of new 
 houses, also a Small Chapel and Sunday School, for the 
 Wesleyan Methodists, were added to this liberty. 
 
 On the West of this place is Latebeook, where is 
 a large Furnace for reducing the iron ore found in the 
 neighbourhood in considerable quantity. On the North, 
 are Kidsgrove and Whitehill Collieries, very extensive 
 and productive ; the property of Thomas Kinnersley, Esq., 
 of Clough Hall. 
 
 At a short distance westward, are the two subter- 
 raneous Tunnels, the principal on the line of the Trent 
 and Mersey Canal, under the Harecastle (Query — Air- 
 castle) Hill. The Old Tunnel, which commences near 
 Kidsgrove, and terminates near Clay Hills, was a work of 
 immense labour and expense, in consequence of unforeseen 
 difficulties. Its length is two thousand eight hundred and 
 eighty yards ; its height twelve feet, and its width nine feet, 
 at the depth of seventy to eighty yards beneath the surface 
 of the hill thro' which it is excavated, and lined and arched 
 with bricks. The fall of Water, from this highest pond, 
 to the northern extremity is three hundred and twenty-siac 
 feet, by thirty-Jive locks, and to the southern three hundred 
 and sixteen feet by forty locks. The new Tunnel is of 
 larger dimensions than the other; and a towing path, 
 with a strong guard rail is formed along one of its sides. 
 This stupendous undertaking was calculated to occupy the 
 labour of five years, during which several hundred men 
 
24 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 would be employed in the excavation of the earth, and the 
 construction of the Tunnel, independent of the numbers 
 employed in conveying materials, &c. Contracts were 
 made for bricks in every direction. The expense was 
 calculated at a guinea per inch — the distance being about 
 one mile and three quarters, or two tJumsamd eight hundred 
 and eighty yards, which alone make one hundred and three 
 thousand six hundred and eighty guineas ; and including 
 all the materials, at a quarter of a million sterling. Shafts 
 were sunk and steam engines erected for the raising of the 
 earth, &c., at different points of the elevation — the tunnel 
 averaging about seventy yards in depth from the surface of 
 the hill. The Grand Trunk Canal was only begun in July 
 17th, 1766, and finished in 1777; yet such is the richness 
 of the Company, and the business of the canal, that the 
 money is no object compared to the advantage to be 
 gained. On the plan of one tunnel, if a boat arrived but 
 a few minutes after another, which had entered the Tunnel, 
 it had to tarry six hours, for its turn, in either direction. 
 By the additional one the different directions has each 
 its separate tunnel of progress, by which the business of 
 the canal is incalculably promoted in expedition. — Such is 
 the ingenuity and adventurous disposition of man. Not 
 only will he effect his purposes on the surface of the 
 ground ; but will even dare to penetrate into its internal 
 recesses, to carry forward his designs where they can 
 possibly be completed. — 
 
 Urged by curiosity, the author presumed to visit this 
 monument of industrious perseverance. The strata cannot 
 easily be ascertained from the interior, because of the brick 
 work ; but fossils of various kinds have been found in the 
 substances excavated. After being wholly excluded from 
 the light of day, and introduced into these dreary regions. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 25 
 
 suddenly is presented to view, glimmering in the distance, 
 the lights of an extensive coal mine, where are busily 
 employed the murky-visaged colliers ; and small boats are 
 seen approaching the tunnel by means of a small subter- 
 raneous canal. Passing forward, at a considerable distance, 
 the first appearance of light adds a pleasing object to the 
 vision, cheering the adventurer, like as the pole-star cheers 
 the returning mariner who has unfortunately lost his 
 compass ; — the beams of light increase to the view, the 
 land in the distance is faintly presented ; and at length 
 the bark emerges from the cavity, the visitor looks with 
 eagerness for objects known or recognisable, and almost 
 conjectures he has passed thro' the chambers of Hades, 
 and entered upon the scenery of another world. 
 
 The northern extremity of Golden Hill, is Green 
 Lake, formerly only the direct road into the Potteries ; 
 and having its name from its fertile and pleasing appear- 
 ance, to the persons who employed gangs of horses. At 
 this farthest extremity of the district in this direction, is 
 a small and very old manufactory of coarse black ware. 
 The situation has considerable elevation, and consequently 
 a peculiarly pleasing, and particularly extensive and diversi- 
 fied Landscape. Looking southward and eastward, almost 
 the whole of this interesting and populous district is 
 presented to the eye of the beholder ; — the towns, villages, 
 mansions, churches, hills, dales and Canal, appear in 
 every possible angle, and gratify while they interest the 
 spectator. The contrary way presents much of the richly 
 cultivated water basin of the County of Chester; having 
 in the distance the towering hills of Lancashire in front ; 
 those of Wales on one side, and those of Derbyshire 
 on the other; while the interior of this microcosm is 
 richly interspersed with sheets of water, fine enclosures. 
 
26 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 woods, and elegant mansions of persons of rank and. 
 opulence. 
 
 BURSLEM, AND ITS VICINITY. 
 
 BURSLEM, the Mother of the Potteries, is now a 
 populous Market-town, and a distinct Parish ; having been 
 separated from Stoke by Act of Parliament. More than 
 three miles N. N. E. of Newcastle, it stands on a very 
 prominent hill. In Erdeswick's "Antiquities," it is named 
 Bulwardslene ; and in Shaw's " General History," Bar- 
 cardeslim ; both names doubtless having reference tO' 
 Bullbaiting. However, whether we admit the former name, 
 as originating from some Bull-keeper, (bull-ward,) and the 
 latter as from some dog-keeper, we shall easily find, on 
 trial, that the rapid utterance of the words as twa 
 syllables, according to the known principle in Language 
 of shortening all difficult words, will make the name be 
 Burdslem, or Burslem the same as nigh as possible. Other 
 local authorities of our»day, give Boar's Lane, from a wild 
 Boar which pestered the neighbourhood. 
 
 Whoever attentively surveys the structure and number 
 of the old Buildings of Bm-slem, will be convinced that 
 its antiquity is greater than any other place in the dis- 
 trict. In fact, this cannot be doubted on any tenable 
 ground. But it must be admitted not to have increased 
 so rapidly, and to as great extent, as have some of the 
 other towns. It is, however, a flourishing place. Many 
 wide and spacious new streets of excellent dwelling houses, 
 erected of bricks chiefly made on the spot, have nearly 
 doubled the size of the town within the present quarter of 
 a century. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. a7 
 
 In consequence of its situation on an elevated portion 
 of the Mooi'land Ridge, it probably never experienced 
 disadvantage, however much its inhabitants were formerly, 
 for a few hours at a time, incommoded by the vast volumes 
 of dense clouds of vapour proceeding from the ovens at 
 the time of employing Salt for the purpose of causing the 
 glazed inside and outside of the Pottery. They were always 
 dispersed in a few hours ; and never could become stagnant, 
 because of the constant current of air from the hills of 
 Derbyshire, or from the sea, over the Cheshire water basin. 
 
 This place is the most early and chief seat of the 
 Manufacture is this district ; fi"om here can be traced the 
 migrations of potters to the neighbouring hamlets and 
 towns ; and existing specimens warrant the belief that the 
 coarse brown, cloudy, and mottled pottery have been made 
 during many centuries, and, according to some opinions, 
 since the Romans inherited the territory. The population 
 was for a long period very scanty, and a straggling oven^, 
 and requisite buildings covered with thatch, and employing 
 few persons, might be found at the junction of each of the 
 roads, rendered common by frequent journeys of gangs of 
 horses. The fabrication of conmion vessels, porringers, 
 jugs, cups, &c. had continued in the very rude state in 
 which it was found by Dr. Plott, when he surveyed the 
 county in 1686. His description regards such a state ; yet 
 is very respectful concerning Burslem, as having the largest 
 Potteries then known to exist. 
 
 Nearly the whole of the Land on which the town now 
 stands, as well as that which surrounds it, has at various 
 times, in distant years, been deeply excavated for clay 
 and ironstone ; which at varying depths below almost the 
 whole of the district, lie in valuable beds of varied extent. 
 
^8 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 differing in qualities and colours ; from which coarse 
 materials, alone, or variously intermixed, were made the 
 ■clumsy articles transmitted to our day ; these were orna- 
 mented with clays, destitute of elegance in the design, 
 and the colours were not only badly ground, but were 
 applied with little taste and design; the glaze also was 
 lead ore, or pulverized ironstone rock, or calcined lead, 
 ■each deleterious to the constitution, applied to vessels 
 designed for culinary purposes. 
 
 Burslem was constituted a separate Rectory from the 
 Hectory of Stoke, by Act of Parliament, in 1805. The 
 Patron is William Adams, Esq., of Cobridge ; the Rector, 
 Rev. Edward Whieldon. The Old Church is dedicated 
 to St. John; but merely the square tower ^ remains of 
 the first edifice ; the present brick structure having been 
 erected early in the last century, prior to any idea of the 
 town becoming so populous as it now is ; else there would 
 have been greater attention to. provide accommodation. 
 The very low situation, and wholly unconnected with 
 any houses, shew that the other parts of the place were 
 unsuitable for such an edifice ; the ground being liable to 
 ■excavation, or else mere heaps of shards. Very recently a 
 fine Peal of new Bells has been fixed in the tower. 
 
 Near the Old Church is the National School; a 
 spacious edifice, three stories high ; supported wholly by 
 voluntary subscriptions, appropriated to educate children 
 of the labouring classes, both on Sundays and during the 
 week days. 
 
 ^ Towards additional erections on the old Tower to raise the 
 whole, the late John Rogers, Esq. of the Watlands, left £i.oo, 
 provided the same be effected within a specified period ; but this 
 not yet being done, it is to be feared that the Legacy has lapsed 
 to the residuary Legatee. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 29' 
 
 At the top of the town stands the Free School ; for 
 educating a certain number of Boys and Girls. — The rent 
 of a Farm and Land at Ipstones should supply the Funds ; 
 but at present only a small sum is received for the proper 
 purposes. The premises had suffered so much injury from 
 time and neglect, that a large sum was required to repair 
 them thoroughly ; and the Farm House and Buildings, 
 were also in a dilapidated condition ; so that, for at least 
 seven years, the rental of the Property will be required to^ 
 pay off the Debts incurred by necessary repairs. When 
 the whole estate again is available, we may fairly hope 
 that this School will produce persons truly eminent for 
 intelligence and industry. 
 
 In 1826, an Act of Parliament was obtained, constituting 
 Burslem a Town, governed by a Chief Bailiff, with proper 
 Officers, and a regular Police Establishment. The activity 
 of those gentlemen who have hitherto filled the principal 
 situation, has greatly promoted the general interests, by 
 securing order and decorum, during the Sabbath especially. 
 The Public Offices are in the Town Hall. 
 
 The Town Hall was first erected in 1760, upon a plot 
 of waste land called the May-pole bank ; and the whole 
 expense was defrayed by public subscription ; about thirty 
 of the masters contributing equal sums to those given by 
 the then Lords of the manor. Sir Nigel Gresley, Bart, and 
 Ralph Sneyd, Esq., X^IO. each. It is a brick edifice on an 
 ashlar basement ; and is alike creditable to the public taste 
 and spirit of the parties who founded it, and the purposes 
 for which it is designed. It became the rallying point of 
 the market people, and soon was surrounded by stalls, (for 
 the various purposes of retail dealers, and butchers,) which 
 remained fixed on the spot several years, until they were 
 
30 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 so injured by the weather, and the pilferage of boards, 
 that they became almost a nuisance, and consequently 
 were removed. 
 
 In the year 1824, the Town Hall underwent a com- 
 plete repair both internally and externally, from the 
 amount of money collected as Tolls in the market. The 
 lower portion was divided into Watchhouse, Lock-ups, and 
 a place for stalls, &c. ; and the upper part into Offices 
 for the Business of the Parish, and the Town; and also. a 
 spacious, well-furnished and beautiful Room, for Public 
 Meetings, the holding of Petty Sessions every fortnight, 
 and Public News Room for the respectable Inhabitants. 
 In no town can there exist more unanimity on public 
 affairs, than is evinced in Burslem. 
 
 The very extensive Manufactory of Enoch Wood and 
 Sons, (which covers the sites of five old factories) has such 
 a judicious arrangement, that it presents all the appearance 
 ■of a most extensive Laboratory, and the Machinery of an 
 Experimentalist. Here also is a Museum, altogether unique, 
 ■containing Specimens of the Progress of this Art, from very 
 early times, previous to any authentic historical records, 
 up to the present day ; some of which were found under 
 the foundations of these Manufactories, and of other manu- 
 factories dilapidated more than eighty years ago. Two 
 other manufactories in the town, also are occupied and 
 owned by these gentlemen. At the west front of the large 
 manufactory, this venerable Father of the Potteries and 
 truly eminent Antiquarian, has a spacious and elegant man- 
 sion, surrounded by convenient pleasure grounds, having 
 an extensive prospect over the summit Pond of the Trent 
 and Mersey Canal. Besides these, in the town there are 
 about twenty-six other manufactories of some extent, 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 31 
 
 and several small ones. The largest of these are occupied 
 and owned by Josh. Machin & Co., T. & B. Goodwin, T. 
 Heath, J. Cormie, John Hall & Sons, and John Riley 
 Marsh ; — and from these we find every kind of Porcelain 
 and Pottery regularly forwarded to all the marts of both 
 continents. 
 
 The Bichers Colliery, a little above the town, affords 
 the opportunity of contemplating the advantages to be 
 derived from a judicious combination of the Principles 
 which distinguish the Steam Engines erected by Savory, 
 Boulton and Watt, and Trevethick. In 1806, E. Wood, 
 Esq. having to erect a powerful Steam Engine at this 
 place, attempted to connect the Air pump and condenser, 
 as well as the patent high pi'essure principle ; and was so 
 successful, that this Engine by him constructed here, has 
 more than thrice the power of any previously made. Ad- 
 joining, he erected a most commodious circular Bath, 
 supplied with water, to any height of temperature, from 
 85° to 90°. The interior is beautifully painted in Land- 
 scapes, and marine views ; and the public are admitted for 
 a very small acknowledgment. 
 
 Near the northern extremity of the Market Place, is the 
 Big House, so called, because when erected, it was indis- 
 putably the largest and best in the town of Burslem, if not 
 in the whole District ; but we incline to the latter conjec- 
 ture. It is occupied by the younger Enoch Wood, Esq. 
 well known and esteemed as a most intelligent manufacturer, 
 and of the strictest integrity as a tradesman ; and equally 
 respected for his mental ability and the benevolence of his 
 disposition. Another worthy brother resides in a beautiful 
 mansion at Longport ; and a third, eminent for his public 
 and private virtues, is High or Chief Bailiff of Burslem. 
 
32 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The Wesleyan Chapel is very large, capable of accommo- 
 dating three thousand persons, and adjoining it is a Sunday 
 School, where one thousand six hundred children regularly 
 receive literary and religious instruction. There are Six 
 other Chapels for different religious parties ; but to their 
 credit be it spoken, most of them are beginning to forget 
 their peculiar dogmas, and to regard only the ' New- 
 Commandment,' in their conduct towards each other. 
 
 A short distance below, at the end of the Waterloo 
 Road, is a Residence, as unassuming in its appearance, as 
 is its deservedly respected proprietor, Joseph Machin, Esq., 
 one of the most early enamellers, and for some time a 
 manufacturer of Porcelain and Pottery. During a long 
 period he has been a member, and for many years Steward, 
 and principal supporter, of the Wesleyan Methodist Society 
 in Burslem. We do not recollect having heard a whisper 
 of any kind to his discredit; but the general voice is 
 in his praise. The influence of his piety, as well as the 
 sincerity of his religious profession, have been constantly 
 manifested in the blameless tenor of his transactions as 
 a tradesman, his candour and benevolence as a friend, 
 and his liberality towards every institution designed to 
 ameliorate the condition of mankind. One of his Sons, 
 who resides near, appears to emulate all the virtues of his 
 worthy parent. The other is of much promise as a first 
 rate artist. 
 
 At the lower part of the Furlong, or Newcastle road, 
 is Portland House, late the residence of John Riley, 
 Esq., deceased, and now of his disconsolate family. This 
 gentleman and his Brother, Richard R. Esq., by perse- 
 verance amassed a very considerable property ; but both 
 died in the vigour of manhood. The latter had just 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 3S 
 
 completed, but not entered upon, a very beautiful Man- 
 sion above the Hamill, called Bank House. Both were 
 highly esteemed for their integrity as tradesmen, and their 
 kindness as masters; and the town of Burslem will long 
 enjoy the benefit of their exertions with others for its 
 aggrandizement. 
 
 On the south side, near Mrs. Riley's, Mr. John Ward,. 
 Attorney, has erected a beautiful Villa. And the large 
 House on the opposite bank is the residence of Thomas 
 Heath, Esq. of whom it needs merely be stated, that he 
 ranks among the highest class of the district for every 
 characteristic estimable by mankind. 
 
 In the vale below Burslem, July 26, 1766, the first clod 
 was cut of the Trent and Mersey Canal, by the late Josiah 
 Wedgwood, Esq., then recently appointed Potter to the 
 Queen Consort of George III. In 1816, on the 50th 
 anniversary, all the respectable manufacturers of Burslem 
 assembled to celebrate the event, and to pay a respectful 
 compliment to that gentleman, a native of this town. On 
 this occasion, the chair was filled by E. Wood, Esq., who 
 had a personal acquaintance with the deceased ; to whose 
 merits he paid very ample acknowledgments, and greatly 
 added to the interest excited, by an exhibition of the 
 several gradations of the manufacture during at least one 
 hundred and Jlfty years. Indeed only those persons, who 
 have seen the specimens, can form adequate ideas of the 
 regular manner in which the numerous improvements have 
 succeeded each other, from the coarse porringer, and the 
 Butter-pot, unto the fine Porcelain, and Jasper. 
 
 LoNGPORT, & Dale Hall, have in the present century 
 rapidly increased in population; having one Square, and 
 
34 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 several streets of New Houses already erected, and others 
 laid out. To accommodate these the New Church is being 
 erected near these places. There is a neat Wesleyan 
 Chapel, and Sunday School, in Longport. This name 
 originated in its being the last wharf from Etruria south 
 of the tunnel, and the JLrst reached by the boats from the 
 northern side. Formerly a long range of stepping-stones 
 were placed across the swampy meadows, forming the Long 
 Bridge, but when the Canal had drawn more passengers on 
 the road, a raised or high-way was formed, still existing. 
 
 In the Dale Hall the New Church is in progress, 
 adapted for the increasing demands for public accommoda- 
 tion at religious worship. The style is gothic; and the 
 whole when completed will be a beautiful specimen of 
 architecture. It is dedicated to St. Paul, and the follow- 
 ing inscription is engraved on a Brass Plate deposited in 
 the Foundation Stone. 
 
 Hujus Ecclesiae Subparochiali, Sancto Paulo Dicatae 
 (partim publicis privatis, partim impensis extructae,) vir hon- 
 orabilis ac admodum Reverendus Henrycus Ryder, D. D. Epis- 
 copus Lichfieldiensis et Coventriensis, Lapidem angularem 
 deposuit Regnante feliciter Georgio Quarto, Mensis Junii 
 die XXIV. Anno salutis humane MDCCCXXVIII. Deo 
 Gloria : Patriae decus. 
 
 E. Wood, Pacis Curatore. 
 E. Whieldon, Rectore. 
 W. Adams, Patrono. 
 
 ^dituis. 
 
 L. H. Rhead, 
 J. Clewes, 
 T. Weatherby, 
 T. Hancock. ] 
 
 L. Vulliamy, Architecto. 
 
 FREE TRANSLATION. 
 
 The Foundation Stone of this Parochial Chapel, erected partly 
 by a National Grant, and partly by Private Contributions, was laid 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 35 
 
 by the Honourable and Right Reverend Henry Ryder, D. D. Lord 
 Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, in the auspidoiis reign of George 
 the Fourth, on the XXI F day of June, in the year of Redemption 
 MDCCCXXFHL The Glory be ascribed to God; the honour to 
 our Country. 
 
 The situation is certainly low ; and the population of 
 Dale Hall, and Longport, will chiefly receive the advan- 
 tages of the ministry in this place. Much anxiety was 
 evinced to have a Church erected on the Jenkins, the 
 most elevated spot in the town, and close adjoining to 
 the Market Place; but whether the intention will be 
 executed, cannot at present be with truth asserted. 
 
 At Longport is a very extensive and convenient 
 manufactory of Pottery, Porcelain, and Glass, belonging 
 to John Davenport, Esq., & Sons ; also another near 
 Newport, his Business Residence. J. Davenport, Esq., is 
 well known as one of the most enterprizing and success- 
 ful Manufacturers. Of his worth as a private person, 
 the numerous instances of his benevolence are the best 
 testimonials. 
 
 Messrs. Williamson, and Messrs. Phillips have exten- 
 sive manufactories of Pottery; and the article produced 
 at Dale Hall manufactory, belonging to Spencer Rogers, 
 Esq., of the Watlands, is not excelled by any other 
 production of the district. 
 
 The residence of Josh. Stubbs, Esq., has a very 
 extended prospect southward along the Vale on whose 
 northern banks the Potteries are established. The gentle- 
 man has long been esteemed for his excellencies of 
 character. 
 
36 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Overlooking Longport, and a considerable portion of the 
 District, is Porthill, the beautiful and almost sequestered 
 residence of Mr. R. Daniel, (of the firm H. & R. D. of 
 Stoke,) a gentleman equally esteemed for the virtues of 
 his heart, and the stores of his mind. 
 
 Beyond, at a short distance, is Watlands, a superb 
 mansion, and gardens, where Spencer Rogers, Esq., enjoys 
 the sweets of domiciliary quiet, after the fatigues of 
 commercial activity. This gentleman is well known as a 
 manufacturer of superior talent, and his worth, as a 
 member of the Community, is very highly prized. 
 
 In Hot Lane, besides other manufactories, is that 
 of Warburton, & Co. at which the first Cream Colour 
 Pottery was manufactured on the improvement of Mr. E. 
 Booth's fluid glaze. From a descendant of the person, — 
 Jacob Warburton, Esq., have been obtained some valu- 
 able remarks introduced in the proper places in this 
 History. 
 
 CoBEiDGE contains a number of houses, and is in both 
 Burslem and Stoke Parishes. The elegant mansion of 
 W. Adams, Esq., is in the former ; while the neat and 
 modest edifice belonging to J. Hales, Esq., is in the 
 latter. 
 
 There is a Free School, erected about seventy years 
 ago, and now occasionally beneficial to the poorer classes. 
 A neat Chapel here belongs to the Methodist New 
 Connection, with a Sunday School attached. Here is a 
 very large Roman Catholic Chapel, and also a convenient 
 School Room, for educating Youth by a method which 
 embraces the usejul of the systems of Bell and Lancaster, 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 37 
 
 yet differs from both. At the Grange, near this place, 
 formerly a very secluded spot, are the remains of an old 
 Catholic Chapel, a mere thatched shed ; probably the place 
 of resort to that body of Christians, at the time when 
 bigotry was rancorously pursuing its victims with merciless 
 retaliation for real or supposed injuries. 
 
 At Cobridge are the Manufactories of B,. Stevenson, 
 J. Sr R. Clews, N. Dillon, Mansfield & Hackney, S. 
 Godwin, S. Alcock, and some others not at present in 
 operation. The various kinds of Pottery and Porcelain, 
 are here manufactured in great perfection. 
 
 HANLEY & SHELTON; with their vicinity. 
 
 HANLEY & SHELTON are situated on the north- 
 east of Newcastle, at the distance of about two miles 
 and a half. They formerly were of little account in the 
 topography of Staffordshire ; for the only notice Erdeswick 
 takes of Shelton is this ; ' ' Scelfitone was in the Con- 
 queror's hands, 20th of his reign." — And the only con- 
 jectural notice of Hanley, is formed on the nearness of the 
 natne to that given, and the facts of being nigh to 
 Bucknall, and property in the place having long been 
 in the possession of the families mentioned: — "Bucknall 
 and Annesley are allotted to Ralph de Hooton, by deed, 
 Jan. 28, 11th Richard II. — Ansedeley vulgariter Annesley 
 and a part of Buckenhall — Annesley, a mile from the Dove 
 (but more probably Trent.) Sir John Verdon, Knt. Lord 
 of Ansley, Biddulph, and Bucknall. Annesley belonged to 
 the family of Tolc, (Talk) or Tock ; after them to the 
 Bougheys and Mainwarings, of Whitmore. — Edward Main- 
 
38 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 waring, Lord of Whitmore, has Nether Biddulph, Annes- 
 ley, and a part of Buckenhall." 
 
 The Testa de Nevill, which is an ancient record preserved 
 in the Exchequer, and compiled by John Nevill, a justice in 
 Ejrre, between the years 1 234 and 1238, contains the following 
 particulars of tenures within this manor by knight's service 
 and socage : 
 
 knight's fees. — " John de Cnocton holds the vill of 
 Cnocton (now KnuttonJ to fee-farm, paying yearly to the 
 New Castle £4. lis. 6d., also performing the guard of the 
 same castle for forty days, at the cost of our Lord the King. 
 
 " Also, William de Erdinton holds the vill of Fenton to 
 fee-farm, paying yearly to the said castle 7s. 4d., performing 
 also the aforesaid guard for the aforesaid term. 
 
 " Also, William de Hanleg' holds the vill of Hanleg' 
 (now Hanky) to fee-farm, paying yearly to the said Castle 6s. 
 and performing, &c. 
 
 " Also, Ralph de Bevill holds the vill of Langeton 
 (now Longton) to fee-farm, paying yearly 5s. to the said 
 Castle, &c. 
 
 "Also, William Murell holds one yard-land within the 
 said manor of New Castle, in the vill of Selton, (now Shelton) 
 by the serjeanty of keeping Haim (the inclosure or park) of 
 our Lord the King there, which is called the Haim of Clive 
 (tiow Cliff.) 
 
 " Also, Henry de Audicheley holds within the said 
 manor the vills of Tunstall, Chadderleg,' (now Chatlerley) 
 Bradewell, Turnedesfeld, (now Thursfield) and Normanecot, 
 (now Normacoi) by the serjeanty of serving on foot, with a 
 bow and arrows, within the said Castle for eight days in time 
 of war at his own cost." 
 
 SOCAGE TENANTS. — "The Knights Templars hold Kel, (now 
 Keel) a member of New Castle, of the gift of our Lord King 
 Henry, and pay nothing.'' 
 
 Hanley and Shelton were, by Act of Parliament, 
 united into one Market Town, in 1812, and they now 
 form the largest in the Potteries, and probably in the 
 county of StafFord. They are situate on the gentle 
 declivity of a large hill, with a south western aspect ; 
 and viewed from Wolstanton Church yard, present a 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 39 
 
 beautiful object for contemplation ; the Buildings and 
 Streets rising gradually above the valley. In 1825, and 
 1828, Acts of Parliament were obtained to establish a 
 regular Commission of respectable Inhabitants, for the 
 purposes of Lighting and Watching the Towns, and 
 directing an internal Police ; and great public benefit 
 has resulted from these Regulations. 
 
 Most of the Streets are )iew, having been formed, and 
 the houses erected in the present century ; and many 
 others being now in course of erection. They are both 
 wide, and regular in height, (only two stories,) and on 
 each side is a good causeway for foot passengers, paved 
 with hard bricks. And for public accommodation, the 
 spirit of improvement has been extended to the removal 
 of obstructions, and the rendering the public roads open 
 and direct. There are some spacious and elegant houses, 
 the residences of the more opulent Inhabitants, some of 
 which are subsequently particularized. 
 
 The situation of the Market-place is such, that only 
 by a circuitous route do the coaches from Burslem to Stoke 
 pass through it. An inconvenience only to be remedied 
 by opening the projected new line of Road between Burslem 
 and Lane End. The Market is doubtless the largest in 
 the district, and well supplied with every kind of produce, 
 (except grain, the sale of which is discouraged, because of 
 the Corn Market at Newcastle on Mondays,) and the 
 Tolls, which now produce more than ,£700 annually, are 
 appropriated for the improvement of the town. Saturday 
 is the principal, and Wednesday the second market day. 
 The Market-Place is extensive, and around it are many 
 capacious Shops for every description of merchandize. The 
 establishments of Messrs. Boulton and Robinson, and of 
 
40 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Mr. T. Cox, for Drapery, &c. are most capacious and 
 elegant ; the former, second to none in the county ; the 
 other equalled by very few. The Shop of Mr. Wilson, 
 for Chemicals, is truly respectable ; and its proprietor 
 deservedly ranks high in his profession. The Swan 
 Inn is a first rate Commercial Travellers' Hotel; and 
 with other similar establishments, receives ample pat- 
 ronage. At the upper part is a fine Doric Column, 
 of cast-iron, on a bold pedestal ; beneath which is the 
 main valve of the Water Works ; and from which an 
 ample supply of water for the use of the market, or 
 other public purposes, is readily obtained. At the 
 top of the column is a large Gas Lamp, of great uti- 
 lity in that situation. The Marlcet Hall is a neat 
 structure, but is merely a species of Shed for Vendors 
 of Poultry, Eggs, and Butter, on the Market Days, 
 and to cover the stalls during the time they are unem- 
 ployed. In one corner is the watch-house, and another 
 two very secure dungeons, or lock-ups. A room over 
 this edifice, would be not only very extensive, but of 
 great utility to the Inhabitants, who have not any 
 public Room of adequate dimensions for general Meet- 
 ings. 
 
 From the Market-Place, the Company of Proprietors 
 of the Navigation from the Trent to the Mersey, have 
 a Rail Road, on which, by waggons, they bring up all 
 packages into the to^yn, and i-eturn with Crates, and 
 Casks of Porcelain and Pottery, to be forwarded to the 
 places of consignment. This Rail Way terminates in the 
 Vale Pleasant, near Etruria, where are several offices, 
 a large Wharf, and Storehouses belonging to the Com- 
 pany, for the several purposes of materials for the 
 manufacturers. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 41 
 
 We have been informed that Hanley and Lane End 
 are indebted for their Churches to the liberality of a Gentle- 
 man, whom it would be criminal to overlook, tho' he was 
 scarcely connected with the manufactures of the district. 
 At the time when the method of ornamenting the Salt 
 glazed white stone ware by Blue Painting, was beginning 
 to attract attention, there resided, at Newcastle, a Gentle- 
 man, whose acquisitions of property appear to have stimu- 
 lated him to increased exertions how he might best promote 
 the interests of the inhabitants of this then rising district. 
 This was John Bourne, Esq., to whose munificence, Burslem 
 owes chiefly its Grammar School, Hanley its Church, and 
 Lane End its Church and Free School. At the time of 
 Christmas, 1760 or 61, being on a visit at the house of 
 Mr. Hollins of the Upper Green, Hanley, father of the 
 late Samuel Hollins, Esq., and Mrs. Chatterley, of Shelton ; 
 the conversation turned on the very severe weather, so 
 unsettled as to render hazardous the attendance at Stoke 
 Church for the Holy Communion of the Lord's Supper, at 
 that high Festival of the Church. Mr. Bourne was intent 
 on going, not apprehending any injury to his health there- 
 by; but the reflection, that many others might be greatly 
 inconvenienced by going, and grieved at being prevented 
 by the weather, caused him to declare, that if a suitable 
 plot of Land could be obtained, he would give d£'500. 
 towards the erection of a Church. (The same amount he 
 also gave towards Lane End Church.) Another Gentleman 
 present, Mr. Adams, immediately supported this libei-al 
 offer, by a present of Land for the site and cemetery ; and 
 we believe a descendant of this gentlemen, has given Land 
 at Burslem, for similar purposes of the New Church there. 
 The Rev. Mr. Middleton preached the first sermon in 
 Hanley Church, which proving much too small for the 
 increasing population, was taken down, and on its site 
 
42 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 stands the present Church, which was also opened by 
 Mr. Middleton. It cost ^5000 and was founded in 1788. 
 It is a firm and elegant Brick Building, with a square 
 tower one hundred feet high, containing an excellent peal 
 of eight bells, and the interior is so well constructed, 
 that every person in the congregation can see and be 
 seen by the Minister. The appointment is vested in 
 a committee, and is a perpetual Curacy under Stoke- 
 upon-Trent. The Parsonage House is neat and small, 
 at the junction of Hanley and Shelton, near the top of 
 Albion Street, and almost adjoining the National School. 
 The present Curate is Rev. Robt. Ellis Aitkens, who 
 possesses considerable qualifications for his important 
 office. 
 
 The National School is neat and commodious, devoid 
 of ornament, and only adapted for utility'; but the British 
 School, is a superb edifice, fitted up in the best manner 
 possible, at considerable expense ; and the upper Room is 
 not exceeded in elegance and convenience by any Room 
 for similar purposes in the county. 
 
 In the vale below Waterloo and Woodwall, are Water 
 Works, whence, from a copious spring, a very powerful 
 Steam Engine forces up the water into the reservoir on 
 the top of Windmill Hill, a most elevated spot ; where 
 the water filters, and is thence conveyed in cast-metal 
 pipes to supply not only Hanley and Shelton, but even 
 Cobridge, Burslem, and adjacent places, with a tolerable 
 quantity of good water. These were established at the 
 sole expense of a private person, John Smith, Esq., and 
 doubtless, will ultimately well compensate him for so 
 public-spirited an undertaking. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 43 
 
 Near the Water Works has been very recently erected 
 a large Paper Mill, on the most improved principles, 
 by Messrs. Foudrinier. The immense quantity of tissue 
 paper consumed in the manufactories, for printing and 
 wrapping up Porcelain and Pottery, may be a sufficient 
 wan-anty for such a speculation; and as the parties are 
 of great notoriety for their experience and practical ac- 
 quaintance with the most valuable processes and machinery,, 
 little doubt need be entertained that this establishment 
 will be successful. On this property formerly was got the 
 Peacock Coal, much softer than the Cannel; it most 
 vividly represents all the colours of the most glowing 
 feathers of a peacock's train, whence it borrows its 
 name. 
 
 On the east, below Windmill Hill, is Prospect Place,, 
 the elegant residence of Wm. Ridgway, Esq., whence is 
 dispensed with beneficence and urbanity, assistance and 
 consolation to the afflicted of the neighbourhood. The 
 prospect is very delightful and extensive ; and by the 
 energies of the patriotic proprietor, the whole of the 
 vicinity has been converted from a rude and • demoralized 
 part of Hanley, into a beautiful, cleanly, well ordered 
 hamlet. The advantages will result to society in general, 
 not only at present, but in periods after the present owner 
 is gone to enjoy his endless reward. 
 
 A little above the Church, is the modest mansion 
 of Joseph Mayer, Esq., well known as one of the best 
 Linguists of the European Tongues, in the district; and 
 deservedly esteemed very highly for his many public and 
 private virtues. Preserving the noiseless tenor of his way,, 
 without ostentation or profusion, his bounty is dispensed 
 among the deserving poor, and his aid readily afforded tO' 
 
44 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 every benevolent institution. Adjoining is the manufactory 
 of Elijah Mayer and Son ; (or in fact, of the son only, the 
 father having died many years ago, which has long main- 
 tained a very high station in the scale of manufacture, 
 for the excellence of the Queen's Ware and Brown Line 
 Ware there fabricated. But it is now notable for a species 
 ■of Porcelain manufactured only here ; and concerning whose 
 properties the author has not yet obtained particular in- 
 formation. Mr. Mayer, the elder, was the son of Mr. M., 
 of the High Carr, who was unfortunately overtaken by 
 the tide in crossing the sands near Ulverston, and perished 
 along with some others. Mr. M. was some time an extensive 
 merchant in Holland, and settled- in Hanley a short tinie 
 after his marriage. He was respected by all who knew 
 him ; and the benefits of his liberality yet flow to persons 
 in the neighbourhood. 
 
 The Old Hall manufactory, (long the scene of the 
 chief manufacture of Crouch ware, and White Stone ware 
 Salt glaze, in Hanley, under diflferent persons, the latter 
 especially, of Mr. Whitehead, who erected the New Hall, 
 in Shelton,) is now the upper part of the extensive manu- 
 factory of Job Meigh and Son. Here are Flint Mills, 
 and all the appendages necessary for a large establishment ; 
 and here may be seen the worthy relict of the late, apd 
 mother of the present proprietor, in an advanced age, 
 rendering every help in her power, for promoting the 
 regular processes and benefit of the concern.' Her 
 matronly beneficence is enjoyed by numbers, not only 
 of her dependants, but of others rendered objects of 
 compassion by misery or affliction. C. Meigh, Esq., is 
 esteemed for his firmness and decision of character, the 
 Arts have not a more liberal patron, for his means ; nor 
 the poor and defenceless a more firm' protector. His 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 45 
 
 modesty and candour are of general notice ; and his friend- 
 ship has never been icnown to be affected by the vicissitudes 
 of fortune ; nor has his kindness been withheld when the 
 suffering could be alleviated. 
 
 At the top of Albion Street is Bank House, a very 
 handsome residence, occupied by its proprietor, Job Meigh, 
 Esq., who is for his philanthropy and liberality justly 
 regarded as one of the worthies of the district, to whom 
 the Inhabitants generally submit any important subjects 
 of reference, in confidence of having strict impartial decision 
 awarded to them. Also is the gentleman to whom, in 
 1823, His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex presented 
 the Gold Medal of the Society of Arts, for Mr. Meigh's 
 giving to the public a Glaze for Common Pottery, entirely 
 free from the deleterious qualities of the usual lead glaze. 
 On the opposite side of the road is a very good house, with 
 a handsome Portico, belonging to Mr. Wm. Parker ; a 
 merchant connected with the Continental Markets; and 
 considered among the respectable Inhabitants, not engaged 
 in the manufactures of the district. 
 
 The Bethesda Chapel, belonging to the Connection of 
 Methodists which separated from that body in 1797, must 
 be noticed, not only because it is equal in elegance and 
 dimensions to any place of Worship for Dissenters in the 
 Kingdom ; but for the liberality of its Trustees, honour- 
 able to their Christian profession, in readily permitting 
 it to be used by other Christian Sects, whenever there 
 are important occasions for soliciting extensive aids of 
 public benevolence. Connected with this Chapel, is a 
 large Building for educating near One Thousand Children 
 on the Sabbath day, by gratuitous Teachers; and sup- 
 ported by the liberality of the congregation, and some 
 
46 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 other donations. It must slso be stated, that in the town 
 are eight other chapels, with which are Sunday Schools, 
 for the various professors of Christianity. In Vine Street, 
 •Shelton, Messrs. Bentley and Wear, eminent engravers, 
 have a fine Gallery of Paintings, including some of con- 
 siderable value, the productions of early Artists ; but 
 useful to the district as a Depot of the works of resident 
 artists. To this exhibition persons are admitted on very 
 moderate terms. Near here is a proof how much a great 
 part of Shelton is • undermined by the collieries, which 
 have been many years in operation; and seem likely to 
 continue. The Coal Mines under all the Copyhold Lands 
 within this Manor belong to the Duchy of Lancaster, 
 and now yield a considerable revenue, being worked, 
 •extensively for the consumption of the Potteries, by the 
 Lessee of the Crown, Lord Viscount Granville. Very 
 recently have many of the houses in Joiner's Square, 
 or Eastwood, sustained great injiu-y by the colliery there ; 
 some fell, others were taken down, and have been 
 rebuilt ; and a part of the Land, which formerly was 
 excellent pasture Land, is now a mere tract of holes and 
 ■ hillocks. 
 
 We have mentioned Hanley and Shelton as one 
 town ; but it must be understood, that they are sepa- 
 rate and distinct liberties, or villes, for purposes con- 
 nected with the highways, &c., and only the inhabitants 
 ■of each place transact that part of public business. 
 Etruria also is one part of the liberty of Shelton ; as 
 is likewise that part of Cobridge which belongs to the 
 parish of Stoke-upon-Trent. In 1800, the two liber- 
 ties had in them ihirty-Jour Manufactories, varying in 
 size, for the different kinds of Pottery and Porcelain; 
 but on the sites of some of these, dwelling houses are 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 47 
 
 now erected ; and there remain twerity-six, {thirteen in 
 each liberty,) of which about twenty continue to receive 
 that share of pubhc patronage they endeavour to deserve. 
 The principal of these are known as E. Mayer & Son, 
 J. Meigh & Son, Dimmock & Co., Toft & May, J. 
 Keehng, W. Hackwood, T. Taylor, & J. Glass in Hanley ; 
 and in Shelton, I. & W. Ridgway, Hicks, Meigh, & 
 Johnson, Henry Daniel & Sons, J. Yates, Hollins, 
 Warburton, Daniel, & Co. Messrs. Sherratt, Founders 
 and Engineers, Salford, Manchester, have near the Canal 
 a Branch Establishment, for the convenience of the 
 Potteries. 
 
 In Shelton, is the elegant mansion of R. Hicks, Esq., a 
 gentleman who connects with sterling piety a most un- 
 bounded benevolence of disposition. Here the destitute 
 find relief, the distressed find consolation, and the miser- 
 able, sympathy and protection. The Manufactory adjoining 
 produces excellent Porcelain and Pottery, of the various 
 kinds ; and is creditable to the parties Hicks, Meigh, & 
 Johnson. It stands on the site of that where Mr. R. 
 Baddeley first made the Blue printed ware ; and which 
 subjected him and his brother to the highest censure 
 for extravagance, in having a manufactory covered with 
 tiles, instead of thatch ; and for being the first who erected 
 four hovels behind, instead of only two. 
 
 The Manufactories of Messrs. J. & W Ridgway, are 
 situated, one at the bottom of Albion Street, the other 
 at Cauldon Place, Shelton. The former occupies the site 
 of that where Mr. Werner Edwards, made Pottery and 
 Coloui-s for the first Enamellers, but is greatly extended. 
 That at Cauldon Place is very extensive ; and most 
 judiciously arranged to diminish expense in the several 
 
48 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 processes. Situated on the banks of the Cauldon Canal, 
 opportunity is enjoyed for receiving coals and all materials, 
 and for forwarding all packages, by the canal conveyances. 
 The Proprietors enjoy justly merited celebrity for their 
 unabating energies to promote the general improve- 
 ment and welfare of the Parish. Possessed of considerable 
 talent, and enjoying a full share of public confidence, they 
 have always been among the most zealous and ardent 
 alleviators of the sufferings of the distressed ; and careful 
 guardians of the public or parochial funds. Wishful to 
 ameliorate the condition of mankind at large, they are 
 ever found second to none in liberality and perseverance. 
 And we may add, they are a blessing to the neighbour- 
 hood, and posterity will long hold their memory in grateful 
 admiration. 
 
 At the top of Shelton, in a state of repair to- be 
 regretted by persons fond of the antiquities and literary 
 character of the country, stands Shelton Old Hall, a 
 venerable half-timbered mansion, built in the form of 
 a long cross f; the birth-place of the poet Elijah Fen- 
 ton, and now the property of Sir Thomas Boughey, a 
 descendant of the family of Fenton. Near this spot, is 
 to be commenced, in the present year, the erection of 
 a new and extremely Large Church, by Funds sup- 
 plied by a grant under a recent Act of Parliament for 
 supplying different populous districts with accommodation 
 for religious worship according to the rites of the National 
 Church. Cauldon Place, the residence of J. Ridgway, 
 Esq., is a regular, capacious and elegant structure; 
 enjoying a very pleasing prospect, and suiTounded by 
 plantations judiciously arranged to preserve every thing 
 essential, and veil whatever would disturb the interesting 
 landscape. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 49 
 
 Near, is Shelton Hall, a spacious edifice, the residence 
 of W. Bishop, Esq., one of the directors of the British 
 Gas Company ; who have, in the lower part of the town, 
 only a short distance from here, most extensive and 
 commodious Gas Works, for making the quantity required 
 to supply the public lamps, many of the Shops, and some 
 of the Manufactories, in Burslem, Hanley, Shelton, Stoke, 
 Fenton, and Lane End. As the charge for this accom- 
 modation is very moderate, for some time the proceeds 
 did not pay interest for the capital expended ; but now, 
 the more the advantages of pure and good gas become 
 known, the demand proportionably increases, and there is 
 great probability of the speculation proving alike ad- 
 vantageous to the public and its proprietors. 
 
 Near the Gas Works, is a very large Laboratory for 
 the making Copperas ; the property of G. Birch, Esq., of 
 Cannock, and Mr. J. Jones, of Newcastle. Large beds of 
 martial p)frites are formed, and supplied regularly from the 
 Collieries in the vicinity ; whence runs the liquor required 
 by Six Large Boilers. The article here produced, has long 
 been regarded as of excellent quality, by the Dry Salters, 
 Printers, and Dyers of Lancashire ; to whom it is regularly 
 forwarded by canal. 
 
 Etbueia is a long street of about 120 houses ; for 
 whose advantage are erected, at the northern extremity 
 a capacious School Room, on the British and Foreign 
 School Plan ; in the centre is another School Room, 
 used also as a Preaching Room, for Methodists of the 
 New Connection ; and at the lower end is a neat Chapel, 
 for the Wesleyan Methodists. — The Manufactory is not 
 only capacious, but well adapted for all requisite purposes 
 of the manufacture. It possesses an extensive front wharf, 
 
50 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 besides two branch Canals for secure conveyance of the 
 Materials to the interior. And a very powerful Steam 
 Engine is employed to perform numerous important 
 services calculated to diminish manual labour. Etruria 
 Hall, the edifice on the Northern Bank eminence, was 
 «rected by the celebrated founder of Etruria. It has a 
 truly elegant appearance, viewed from the opposite emir 
 nence at Basford Bank. The interior is very capacious, 
 and the numerous apartments are well adapted for con- 
 venience and utility; but all bespeak the neatness and 
 absence of ostentation, so constantly observed by its emi- 
 nent proprietor. The outbuildings are on a large scale ; 
 the gardens very extensive : but the whole is now un- 
 occupied, (tho' recently employed as a Boarding School, for 
 which purpose it is most excellently adapted ;) as its worthy 
 owner, the second Josiah Wedgwood, now resides at Mare 
 Hall, a superb and almost princely mansion, for elegance 
 and capaciousness, distant from Etruria about seven miles- 
 
 STOKE, PENKHULL, and the Vicinity. 
 
 Stoke-upon-Trent was long the Parish Town of the 
 district ; but now is regarded solely by itself ; and has its 
 Market, and Town Hall, a neat structure, well adapted 
 for public purposes ; and under it are lock-ups, and a place 
 to hold the public Fire Engine. 
 
 Erdeswick says, " Stoke being one of the best parson- 
 ages in the country, it is a marvel (so many religious houses 
 being near it,) how it escaped in all ages the covetousness 
 of them. — It resting still according to the first institution 
 of parsonages, not appropriated." 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 51 
 
 The Parish of Stoke contains Hanley, Shelton, Penk- 
 hull, Fenton Vivian, Fenton Culvert, Longton, and Lane 
 End, Towns in the Potteries ; with the liberties of Clayton, 
 Seabridge, Basford, Botteslow, Bucknall, Eaves, and Bag- 
 nail, appropriated chiefly to agriculture. 
 
 By Act of Parliament, in 1805, Newcastle and Burslem, 
 and Bucknall with Bagnall, were formed into separate 
 Rectories distinct from the Rectory of Stoke, but receiving 
 from it, a stipulated annual sum. 
 
 The Old Church, dedicated to St. Peter, a venerable 
 and spacious stone edifice, of the later Saxon Style of 
 architecture, and the mother Church of eight surrounding 
 churches, in a circuit of several miles, is doomed to be 
 taken down ; and its materials, for many centuries (pro- 
 bably eight) devoted to the worship of the Triune 
 God, may be appropriated to worthless purposes. On 
 the ground is a stout grave stone with this inscrip- 
 tion, Sibil Clarke, aged 112, 1684., Henry Clarke,, 
 aged 112. 
 
 In the Church are some monuments to the memory 
 
 of the Fentons, of Newcastle, maternal ancestors of Sir T. 
 
 F. Boughey, Bart., and the following epitaph commemorates 
 
 the virtues of the late Josiah Wedgwood, Esq. : 
 
 " Sacred to the Memory of 
 Josiah Wedgwood, f. r. s. & s. a. 
 Of Etruria, in this county, 
 
 Born in August 1730, 
 Died January the 3d 1795 : 
 
 ■" Who converted a rude and inconsiderable manufacture 
 into an elegant art and an important part of national 
 commerce. By these services to his country he acquired 
 an ample fortune, which he blamelessly and reasonably 
 
52 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 enjoyed, and generously dispensed for the reward of 
 merit and the relief of misfortune. His mind was inven- 
 tive and original, yet perfectly sober and well regulated. 
 His character was decisive and commanding, without 
 rashness or arrogance. His probity was inflexible, his 
 kindness unwearied, his maniiers simple and dignified, and 
 the cheerfulness of his temper was the natural reward of 
 the activity of his pure and useful life. He was most loved 
 by them who knew him best ; and he has left indelible 
 impressions of affection and veneration on the minds 
 of his family, who have erected this monument to his 
 memory." 
 
 The following account of former sittings in Stoke Old 
 Church, will preserve an evidence of the primitive distribu- 
 tion of seats in regard to rank, age, and worth, as well as 
 the former separation of the men from the women in places 
 of public worship. 
 
 April 3d, Anno Domini 1634). 
 
 " By virtue of an order made by Robert, (by the 
 Divine Providence of God,) Lord Bishop of Coventry and 
 Lichfield, John Mainwaring, rector of the Parish Church ■ 
 of Stoke-upon-Trent, in the county of Stafford, William 
 Allen, and William Hill, Churchwardens ; their and others 
 their assistants, with the consent of all or most of the 
 parishioners, have placed the ancient householders of the 
 said parish in the seats in the said church as ensueth. 
 
 Lichfield July 12th, 1664 — 
 " If this be the right copy of the order of my 
 worthy predecessor the Lord Bishop Wright, I confirm 
 it, appointing, that the elder parishioners, according 
 to their deserving, be seated and preferred before the 
 younger. 
 
 "John Lichfield and Covjsntiiy. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 53 
 
 "The names of the parishioners of Stock-wpon-Trent, 
 appointed to place the parishioners in their seats, that 
 have [so done] by common consent, and [whose arrange- 
 ment was] allowed by my Lord Bishop of Coventry and 
 Lichfield, Anno Domini 1668. 
 
 "Imprimis. — Robert Clayton, Thomas Tittensor the 
 younger, Thomas Barratt, Thomas Murhall, John Bucknall 
 of the Gate, John Bucknall of Bentiley, Robert Hunt, 
 John Brown, John Hill, Thomas Ames, Henry Brookes, 
 and Richard Meire, who have placed the parishioners as 
 followeth : 
 
 " The South Side — Men's Seats. 
 
 "1. Churchwardens for the time being. 
 
 2. Thomas Hunt, Gent., John Brown, Gent., Thomas Fen- 
 ton, John Lovatt, and Thomas Lea. 
 
 3. William Bagnall, John Machin, Richard Lovatt, Sir 
 Richard Leveson's tenement, and Robert Bagnall. 
 
 4. William Hill, Thomas Hill, and Mr. Bentiley. 
 .'5. Mr. Terrick, Richard Broad, and Mr. Keeling. 
 
 6. John Malpass, John Boulton's tenement, and William 
 Simpson. 
 
 7. Richard Nichols, Thomas Turner,- and Roger Dale. 
 
 8. John Brown, John Brown, John Dale, & John Prickett. 
 
 9. John Doody, John Bowyer, and Nicholas Lovatt. 
 
 10. Handle Woodcock, Thomas Fenton, and Roger Machin. 
 
 11. William Knight, John Proctor, and Benson's Heir. 
 
 12. Henry Stevenson, Nicholas Lovatt, and John Wright. 
 
 13. Thomas Tittensor, Richard Beech, and Randle Bagnall. 
 
 14. Roger Tittensor, Randle Woodcock, & Thomas Machin. 
 
 1 5. Roger Wood, Mary Shaw, and George Hales. 
 
 1 6. John Pattison, Wright's house, John Machin de Lane. 
 
 17. John Stevenson, Francis Lycett, Hanley's de Hanley. 
 ] 8. Richard Boulton, John Barratt, and Dawson's house. 
 19. John Biddulph, William Hall, and John Crockett. 
 
 " North Side — Men's Seats. 
 
 " 1. Thomas Smith, Gent., and Thomas Bucknall, Gent. 
 2. William Allen, Ridghouse, John Hill, and Roger 
 Machin, senior. 
 
54 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 3. Thomas Serjeant, Gent., Mr. Bradshaw, John Murhall, 
 and John Wood. 
 
 4. At the Wall, Roger Machin, jun., Thomas Rawlins, 
 John Adams, Ottiwell Jolley, and John Machin. 
 
 5. George Hanson, John Machin, and Thomas Bucknall. 
 
 6. Richard Cartwright, William Beech, and Thomas Pare. 
 
 7. Thomas Tittensor, Richard Thorleys, and Brassington's. 
 
 8. Richard Meire, Robert Cross, and John Leigh. 
 
 9- Thomas Machin, John Boulton, and Robert Whilton. 
 
 10. William Allen, for tenement, William Allen de Hulme, 
 and John Beech. 
 
 11. Sir William Bowyer, for Craddock's, Watson's, and 
 Anthony Keeling's. 
 
 12. Bentiley's de Laund, Richard Walklott, and John 
 Poulson. 
 
 13. John Wedgwood, Richard Trevin, and John Smith. 
 
 14. John Wood de Ash and tenement, John Bowyer, and 
 John Plant. 
 
 15. John Austin, Lam-ence Naylor, and William Cowap. 
 
 1 6. John Stevenson, Gilbert's house, and John Boulton. 
 
 17. Thomas Walklott, John Leese, Jeffry Steel. 
 
 1 8. Lewis o'Land, Hugh Mare, and Francis Pool. 
 
 19- Jeffry Meire, Richard Cartwright, and William Beech. 
 20. John Adams, William Murhall, and Thomas Ames. 
 
 "North Side — Women's Seats. 
 
 "1. Roger Bradshaw, and John Allen, Roger Bradshaw 
 hath the Form end. 
 
 2. Thomas Murhall, Wood de Ash, Austens de Ash, and 
 Allen's de Hulme. 
 
 3. John Machin de Bucknall, Boulton's house de Bucknall, 
 William Adams de Bagnall, Hanson's house, John Beech de 
 Bentiley. 
 
 4. Richard Poulson, Laurence Sherratt, Randle Booths, 
 John Hill of Shelton, Randle Bagnall ot Eaves. 
 
 5. Robert Whilton, John Hitchcock, John Bucknall, of 
 the Gate, Thomas Lovatt, of the Hole-house, Richard Walk- 
 lott, of Berry Hill. 
 
 6. Thomas Ames, Thomas Hanley of Hanley, the whole 
 form. 
 
 7. Hitchin of Lane, George Fenton, Robert Hill, and 
 Francis Craddock. 
 
 8. Richard Meire, German's house, Edmund Vice, Richard 
 Hewett, and Thomas Pare. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 55 
 
 9. Richard Mear, Thomas Turmore, the house of Wright 
 and Hanley, Richard Walklott, for Hanley-heys ; Thomas Tit- 
 tensor, for the Over-house, Thomas Wood claimeth the same. 
 
 10. Parker's house, Boulton's house, John Bradshaw, and 
 Thomas Bagnall. 
 
 11. Thomas Fenton of Boothen, Thomas Ames, John 
 Hanley's of the PenkhuU. 
 
 12. Thomas Barrott, John Rowley, of Shelton, Hugh 
 Wood, and Stephen Fenton. 
 
 13. Spooner's House, Richard Tunstall, and John Hankinson. 
 
 14. Roger Harrison, William Harrison, JefFry Meire, and 
 Roger Cowap. 
 
 "South Side — Women's Seals. 
 
 " 1 . Thomas Bucknall, and Richard Serjeant, George 
 Fenton claimeth the same. 
 
 '■Z. Thomas Ames, John Turmore, Brassington of Moor-hall. 
 
 3. Henry Brooks, Bartholomew Bowyer, Richard Lovatt, 
 and Widow Bentiley. 
 
 4. Robert Clayton, Thomas Dawson, John Lovatt, the 
 house that is holden of Garnitt and Benson a seat. Home's 
 land a seat, John Trinley claimeth the same. 
 
 5. Robert Hunt, Roger Bagnall for Longton house, Whis- 
 ton's house, Roger Bagnall of Clayton, for Longton house, 
 the 4th seat ; Richard Aston claimeth for German's land. 
 
 6. John Kendall, William Machin, and Thomas Lovatt. 
 
 7. Thomas Machin, John Proctor, Henry Lovatt, of Eaves, 
 John Kendall, Thomas Tittensor claims the same for Fenton's 
 house. 
 
 8. John Brown, T. Broad to Hill, and John Brown for 
 his tenement. 
 
 9. Widow Hordem, Thomas Tittensor for the lower house, 
 Hugh Machin. 
 
 10. Widow Bagnall, Mr. Egerton, Peter Knight, and John 
 Woodcock the fourth seat. 
 
 11. John Hammersley, Richard Kendrick, William Barratt, 
 Thomas Machin claims a seat for Bate's house. 
 
 1 2. John Dale, John Hitchin, James Hudson, Ralph Buck- 
 nall, and John Pulsbury. 
 
 13. Hugh Thorley, Roger Fox, Jphn Simpson of Clayton, 
 Widow Febkin, and John Simpkins. 
 
 14. Widow Stevenson, John Bourn, and Roger Dixon. 
 Richard Aston is unplaced and Robert Pyler. Also the 
 young maids are to kneel in the short forms. 
 
56 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 " Eccleshall Castle, 26th April, A.D. 1634. 
 
 " Being fully informed by such as I have caused and 
 required to survey convenient and commodious sittings 
 and placing of the parishioners, of the parish of Stoke- 
 upon-Trent, in the county of Stafford, and finding no just 
 opposition against the same, by any of the parishioners 
 aforesaid, I, Robert, (by Divine Providence) Lord Bishop 
 of Lichfield and Coventry, do well approve the Order, by 
 parcelling and seating of the said parishioners aforesaid, 
 and by these presents allow, ratify, and confirm the same 
 whatsoever the Rector, Churchwardens, and parishioners 
 have done therein, until just cause shall be shewed to the 
 contrary. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, 
 and caused my seal episcopal to be hereunto placed at 
 the time and place abovesaid. 
 
 " Robert Lichfield and Coventry." 
 
 " Thomas Goodfellow, Clayton, ") Churchwardens for the 
 "Joseph Bourne, Fitrd Bays, j Year of our Lord 1772. 
 
 Some obscurity in the above document appears at 
 the beginning, by the position of the subsequent confir- 
 mations in 1664 and 1668, whether the list applies to 
 the period of 1634, and afterwards 1668; or wholly to 
 the latter : and some sentences are not clearly expressed, 
 which we have taken the liberty of filling up between 
 brackets according to our judgment. Whatever obscurity 
 might exist, originally, or by copying, the article is suffi- 
 cient, explicit for the purposes already stated, and which 
 induced its insertion. By some it may be considered not 
 uninteresting in furnishing a list of the names of the 
 ancient householders in the parish of Stoke ; and in afford- 
 ing a partial means of j udging of the comparative state of 
 the parish in regard to the population in the seventeenth 
 and nineteenth centuries. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 57 
 
 Mr. Mainwaring, whose name appears, as Rector, in the 
 beginning of the above instrument, is remarkable not only 
 as an instance of longevity, but for the duration of his 
 incumbency. The following has been handed to us as 
 being an extract from the Parish Register, though it is 
 evidently imperfect : 
 
 " May 1 692. Johannes Mainwaring, s. t. p. Rector Ecclesie 
 de Stoke sup. Trent : sepult." 
 
 "Johannes Mainwaring cum extitissit Rector Ecclesie 
 Stoke p. spatium Quinquaginta et non'm annor' expiravit die 
 €t annon s'pra diet." 
 
 If Mr. Mainwaring was 59 years rector of Stoke, his age, 
 at the time of his death, could not be less than 83 years. 
 He was succeeded by the Rev. John Repton, who was like- 
 wise perpetual curate of Norton-in-the-Moors. — Pitt. 
 
 In the year 1815, a very handsome and commodious 
 National School, for the education of 500 children of the 
 poor in the Principles of the Established Church, was 
 erected at this place, at an expense of nearly £1000. which 
 sum was raised principally by voluntary contributions. 
 It is situated at the east end of and adjoining the church- 
 yard. 
 
 The Church now erected at Stoke, is of the Modern or 
 Ornamented Gothic style of Architecture. The Architects 
 and Builders, Messrs. Trubshaw and Johnson, of Haywood, 
 in this County, commenced the erection in March, 1826, 
 and it was completed in August, 1829. The Corner Stones 
 in the East, South, and North Angles at the Chancel End, 
 were laid by the Very Rev. Dean of Lichfield, John 
 Tomlinson, Esq., and the late Josiah Spode, Esq., on 
 the 28th of June, 1826 ; and in each is an Earthen- 
 ware Tablet, containing the following inscription, in Bas 
 Relief: 
 
58 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Hanc Ecclesiam Parochialem paucis ollm Stokensem 
 Agellum colentibus satis amplam, jampridem octo filiarum, 
 quoqud spectas, prole venerabilem, sed ipsam demum nimis 
 angustam, ut quae Novam Hominum multitudinem qui 
 artem Ceramicam exercebant, non caperet, duplo amplian- 
 dam et Situ Antique, qud plus dcto Saeculis per Christum 
 Nomen Jehovse adoratum est, pauliim Relicto quominiis 
 sepultis inj uria fiat, Totam i solo Reficiendam curaverunt ; 
 — Partim Pecuniis ditioribus ultro Datis, insignibus inter 
 has duabus Largitionibus, Una Trium Millium Librarum 
 quas ad Dilectum Opus Dedit Joannes Chappel Wood- 
 house Rector, altera Quingentarum Librm quas Josias 
 Spode Montis, Partim Tributis pro Rata Vicatim, Partim 
 quod Auditu Dignum est, Donatione per subcesivas Mer- 
 cenariorum Operas Figulorum voluntarie collata. 
 
 Extremi in Angulis Lapides Dejiciebantur Vigesimo 
 Octavo die Junii Anno Nostri Domini Christi 
 MDCCCXXVI. 
 
 Joannes Chappel Woodhouse \ H t • 
 
 Decanus in Cathedra Lichfieldensi J 
 
 Joannes Tomlinson, Clivi Villce, in hoc \ 
 
 -n 1- f Patronus. 
 
 Parochia J 
 
 Josias Spode, Jun., Fentoni Magni, \ 
 
 (now of the Mount) \ JEditui. 
 
 Joannes Kirkham, PenkhuUi. 
 
 FREE TRANSLATION. 
 
 This Parish Church, at first well adapted to the few 
 scattered Husbandmen, who, in early times, composed the 
 Inhabitants of Stoke-vpon-Trent, having given birth to 
 Eight other sacred Edifices, but at length become inadequate 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 59 
 
 to contain, ivithin her Walb, the New Population, ivhich the 
 Local Manufa£ture, The Potters' Art, had gathered around 
 her ; was rebuilt from the Foundations, on an extended scale, 
 as near to the Spot, where for more than Eight Centuries, 
 Worship to God, in Christ^s Name, had been paid, as a 
 regard to the Ashes of' the Dead would alloxv, by means of 
 Resources, supplied ; — partly, by the Voluntary Offerings of 
 the Opulent, and among these, most conspicuous a Gift of' 
 =£"3000 f-om John Chappel Woodhouse, Rector, and of 
 £5(i0 from Josiah Spode, of the Mount ; (since deceased) 
 partly, by a Parochial Rate ; — and lastly yet most worthy 
 of' record, by Contributions ar'isingfrom the supernwmerary 
 Labours of the Working Classes spontaneously bestowed. 
 
 The Corner Stones of the Foundations were laid the 
 9Bth of June, in the Year of Our Lord Christ, 1826. 
 
 The Length of the Interior of the Church, from East 
 to West, is 130 feet, the width, 61 feet ; the height to the 
 ceihng, 45 feet ; the height to the Tower, from the Ground 
 Line, 112 feet. — The Gallery contains 444 Sittings, and 
 Benches for 300 Scholars ; — The Body of the Church con- 
 tains 508 Sittings, and 420 Free Sittings ; so that there is 
 ample accommodation for 1672 persons. 
 
 The Expense of the Edifice, and additional Ground for 
 inhumation. Organ, Bells, &c., is about £\4iOOO ; of which 
 Sum, as mentioned in the Tablet, .£3000 was given by the 
 Very Bev. the Dean ; besides =£700 for a Painted Window 
 in the Chancel, and ^500 by the late Josiah Spode, Esq., 
 — To this might be added the Sum paid by the Parish to 
 poor men employed in conveying materials, &c., to raise 
 the New and the Old Burial Ground several feet higher 
 than its previous level. 
 
•«0 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The Rectory House, usually called Stoke Hall, is now 
 in a course of alteration, by Messrs. Trubshaw and Johnson, 
 to render it a very elegant and commodious residence for 
 the Minister of the Parish, and an ornament, instead of the 
 curate's truly shabby house. We unintentionally omitted, 
 in its proper place, the elegant Rectory House recently 
 built at Burslem ; but hope this will supply the notice. 
 
 In Stoke proper, are only Jive houses, including the 
 Hall ; and of course only a few inhabitants strictly reside 
 in Stoke. But the name is applied to the Town West of 
 the Church. Stoke is in the liberty of Penkhull, on the 
 high road from Lane End to Newcastle. Most of the 
 houses in it, are of comparatively recent erection ; and the 
 •opening of the New Road to the Black Lion, aflForded 
 •opportunity for many dwelling houses to be erected on the 
 line ; while within the last three years, another range has 
 been raised in the new road to Shelton. We have not 
 been able to obtain information concerning any of the very 
 •early Potters in Stoke. At the Honey-wall between Stoke 
 and Penkhull, are a number of houses, pleasantly situated 
 on an elevated tract of land, possessing a fine view of the 
 eastern side of the district. 
 
 The Trent and Mersey Canal passes near the Church 
 Yard, along which are a range of Wharfs and Warehouses, 
 for Canal Camers; and the Canal Company have here 
 one of their principal Offices, and extensive Sheds, &c. 
 From Stoke to Lane End they have a Rail Road, on 
 which their Waggons regularly convey materials and 
 packages to the neighbourhood of Fenton, Lane Delph, 
 and Lane End ; and return with any Crates, &c. The 
 Canal passes over the Trent at this place, the aqueduct 
 heing of three brick arches; and so very level with the 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 61 
 
 adjoining land, as rarely to be noticed by persons passing 
 along that way. 
 
 A navigable Canal from the south end of Newcastle 
 town to the Grand Trunk Canal at Stoke-upon-Ti-ent, a 
 distance of four miles, was made, in pursuance of an Act, 
 which passed in 1795, wholly by subscription, and affords 
 great accommodation to the town, although it has not 
 hitherto paid much dividend to the proprietors. 
 
 The Manufactories here are Eleven in number ; belong- 
 ing to these Gentlemen : — Mr. Spode, Mr. Minton, Messrs. 
 H. & R. Daniel, Mr. Adams, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Mayer, and 
 Messrs. Ward and Forrister. But, in extent for the 
 number, and in capital employed, they greatly exceed the 
 like number in any part of the district. Three are void ;. 
 but they are the smallest in the place. 
 
 Along the new road are the Manufactories of T.. 
 Minton, Esq. The largest is exclusively appropriated 
 to the manufacture of various Pottery ; of most excellent, 
 quality, for Blue Printing ; and has obtained decided 
 preference in many of the home markets. The other 
 manufactory has been appropriated to the Porcelain 
 departments ; and connected with it are a Steam Engine 
 and Mill to grind the materials, and colours. The 
 whole concern is of a regular plan for usefulness, 
 and reduction of labour ; and the various articles are 
 entitled to the pre-eminence they have gained. The 
 residence of T. Minton, Esq., is a modest edifice in 
 a retiring situation on the road thro' the town ; and 
 here in the circle of a numerous and intelligent family, 
 he enjoys the well-earned reward of his ingenuity and 
 perseverance. He has been intimately connected with 
 
62 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 many of the improvements in the manufacture, during the 
 present century; possessed of extensive information on 
 the chemical properties of the earths, and great practical 
 knowledge of the requisite processes, he has been successful 
 in producing a kind of Porcelain and Pottery, which 
 continue to increase in the estimation of the public. Mr- 
 Minton as a private member of the community, ranks 
 very high for urbanity and philanthropy. The residence 
 of H. Minton, Esq., is near Hartshill ; a very beautiful 
 and compact cottage residence, enjoying a fine and diversi- 
 fied southern prospect. 
 
 Messrs. Daniel's manufactory is wholly confined to 
 Porcelain of the finest kind, (their. Pottery being made 
 at the Shelton manufactory,) and their methods of orna- 
 menting, are second to none in the district. The pro- 
 prietors are highly respected for their numerous excellencies 
 of character, personal, and as public men. 
 
 In one part of the manufactory occupied by Mr. 
 Adams, was erected the first Steam Engine employed to 
 grind Flints. Concerning this engine, we have obtained 
 the following particulars from the person mentioned: — 
 Mr. G. Cope, of Milton, states, that about 1782, he 
 erected a small Foundry on the bank of the Canal at 
 Milton; and in 1786 constructed a small atmospheric 
 steam engine, with a cylinder twelve inches in diameter, 
 open at the top, merely to work the bellows for his 
 cupola or furnace; he next added a four-feet flint pan, 
 in which he often ground Composition (Growan Stone;) 
 but soon found he wanted more power; and therefore 
 for the flint pan, he substituted one for glaze, which 
 he ground for Messrs. Hales & Adams, of Cobridge, and 
 when the power was not applied this way, he used it to 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 63 
 
 turn a lathe, in which he faced the large iron rollers, 
 by him substituted for others of lignum vitas, in the 
 Printing Presses he made for Mr. Ralph Baddely of 
 Shelton ; twelve inches diameter, by twenty-four inches 
 in length. These were the first iron rollers in presses 
 used by Blue Printers. — Mr. Cope sold this small 
 engine to Mr. Harding, of Hook Gate, about 1792; 
 at that time busily employed in making rollers and 
 spindles for the Lancashire cotton spinners ; and who 
 employed to remove it from Milton to Hook Gate, a person 
 from Colebrook-dale, named Green. This person ascer- 
 tained for what purposes, and how usefully that engine 
 had been employed at Milton in grinding materials and 
 Glazes ; and scarcely had he completed his engagement 
 with Mr. Harding, when he formed another with the 
 late Mr. T. Wolfe, an extensive manufacturer of the 
 common kinds of pottery, at Stoke, to erect a very 
 powerful engine on the same principle, to grind potter's 
 materials ; which, on being completed fully answered 
 all the expectations of both parties, and excited others of 
 the manufacturers to grind their own materials. 
 
 Nigh to the Church Yard, is the Manufactory of 
 Messrs. Z. Boyle & Son, for Porcelain and Pottery of very 
 excellent quality. Their Residence is a large and hand- 
 some edifice on the opposite side of the high road, placed 
 in a small paddock ; but most injudiciously situated in the 
 midst of manufactories, whose smoke necessarily proves a 
 continual source of annoyance. 
 
 At the top of Stoke, called Cliff Bank, is the manu- 
 factory, (now occupied by Mr. Thomas Mayer, a very 
 intelligent potter,) where Mr. Daniel Bird first ascer- 
 tained the exact proportion of Flint required by the 
 
64 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 several kinds of clay, to prevent the pottery cracking in 
 the oven; and for which he was first called the Flint 
 Potter. His remains lie under a dilapidated tomb at the 
 steeple-end of the old church ; and the inscription men- 
 tions that he was by accident killed at Twickenham, near 
 London. 
 
 At a little distance above, on the road to Newcastle, is 
 Cliff Ville, an elegant mansion belonging to John Tomlin- 
 son, Esq., the Patron of the Rectory of Stoke ; a gentleman 
 of considerable eminence in his profession, as a lawyer ; and 
 whose name will be found among the Benefactors to every 
 valuable institution in the district. From this place, the 
 prospect northward and eastward is one of the most 
 picturesque and interesting, possible to be imagined. 
 
 In the centre of Stoke, covering an area of several acres, 
 and adapted for the most commodious progression of the 
 numerous processes, is the Manufactory of Josiah Spode, 
 Esq., (the third of the name,) in extent not surpassed in 
 Europe, and possessing the advantages of canal carriage 
 to its very interior. Here the power of a large Steam 
 Engine, on the most improved principle of Boulton and 
 Watt, is applied to grind the materials, and greatly reduce 
 the manual labour of the slip makers. The manufacture 
 includes every variety of the finest kinds of Porcelain and 
 Pottery, with all the ornaments and embellishments calcu- 
 lated to gratify the desires of the luxurious, and the taste 
 of the connoisseur. The important material Feldspar, was 
 first introduced into Porcelain, at this manufactory, by the 
 father of the present proprietor, and the Porcelain was, 
 in consequence allowed to be the finest in grain, and 
 most durable in texture, of any in the district. The 
 Blue Printed has long enjoyed well merited preference. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 65 
 
 for the excellence of the Pottery, the great variety of 
 elegant patterns, and the beauty of the shapes of the 
 different articles. The late worthy proprietor, (of whom 
 a brief account is given in a subsequent part,) was reckless 
 of pains and expense to render all his productions deserving 
 of general patronage, and he was so successful, that in 
 comparatively few years, he amassed an immense fortune, 
 the reward of his endeavours to benefit the community at 
 large. 
 
 Penkhull is now the restricted name of the high-land 
 above Stoke, southwestward ; and here are a number of 
 very convenient houses for the working classes, of recent 
 erection. The parish workhouse is on this elevated spot ;. 
 and will be inspected with pleasure by the philanthropist 
 for the cleanliness and comfort here afforded, to the aged 
 and the infirm, the weak-minded and the destitute. In 
 fact, all the attentions of humanity are supplied to them. 
 
 We do not find direct or indirect mention of Penkhull 
 in Erdeswick, or Plott ; yet at Penkhull, in 1600, were 
 three manufactories for Coarse Brown Pottery ; one of 
 which belonged to Mr. Thomas Doody ; whose descendants 
 now reside in Tunstall. All these are now no longer seen ; 
 ranges of dwelling houses occupying the spot, where the 
 poor earth potter was busily employed in fabricating vessels 
 for the neighbouring borough and villages. Here died, 
 in Nov. 1828, Mary Broad, at a truly patriarchal age; 
 the first female ever employed in this district as a Trcms- 
 ferrer of the impressions from copper plates to Pottery. — 
 A few very old houses remain in Penkhull ; in one of 
 which formerly they held the Copyhold Court for the 
 Manor; and this still meets in the Liberty of Penkhull. 
 This suggests the opinion, that the present name Manor of 
 
66 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Newcastle, was allowed at first out of courtesy to the newly 
 created Borough, which was taken out of PenkhuU Liberty 
 and Stoke Parish. 
 
 Conformably to an ancient custom of the Manor of 
 Newcastle-under-Lyme, within the Duchy of Lancaster, 
 it is essential that the original wills of copyhold tenants, 
 dying seised of copyholds, should be produced and proved 
 in the Manor court, within a limited time after the 
 decease of the testator, or testatrix, in default of which the 
 estate is liable to forfeiture. 
 
 Below PenkhuU, to the south west, is situated the 
 Lodge, where resides Thomas Fenton, Esq., (a descendant 
 of the family of Fenton, of Shelton,) who to extensive 
 professional acquirements as a Lawyer, and a fund of 
 Literary and Scientific knowledge, joins great information 
 concerning the Localities of the Potteries. To the kind- 
 ness of this gentleman the author is much indebted, for 
 some truly valuable information. 
 
 In one part of PenkhuU, is the Mount ; one of the best 
 mansions in the district, a spacious and elegant square 
 edifice, with suitable attached offices, surrounded by 
 extensive gardens and pleasure grounds, and enjoying a 
 prospect almost unbounded, over the vicinity and the 
 adjacent counties. Its proprietor is Josiah Spode, Esq., 
 the third of the name, and the inheritor of all the virtues 
 of his predecessors. In the several relations of civil and 
 domestic society, his character ranks very high amongst 
 the most worthy of the gentlemen with which this part of 
 the country is favoured. Tho' possessed of vast property, 
 his modesty and affability remain unaffected by the eleva- 
 tion of his condition. With a large fund of good sense. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 67 
 
 liberality of disposition, and considerable knowledge of the 
 world, his acquaintance with the claims of the lower 
 classes upon his sympathy and benevolence, prevents any 
 ostentatious parade from abashing the friendless suitor, 
 and causing him to feel his degraded condition ; while the 
 wretched and houseless child of want, instead of being left 
 to pine in hopeless misery, frequently finds here a bene- 
 factor and protector. Long may the district be benefited 
 by his benevolence, and the parish of Stoke experience the 
 advantages of his services. 
 
 Near to Stoke, over the Trent, on the south side of 
 the high road, is the dilapidated mansion of the late 
 Thomas Wheildon, Esq., at no very distant period, one of 
 the most beautiful and interesting of the neighbourhood. 
 The spot, once the scene of hospitality and domestic 
 felicity, is now covered with briers and noisome weeds, and 
 exposed to the rude blast of every pelting storm. The 
 outbuildings are now partly destroyed, or transformed into 
 small houses for the peasantry. At Fenton-Low are some 
 ■cottages formed out of the old manufactory, and at this 
 day the property of his heirs. 
 
 On the north side opposite the Trent, is the mansion 
 of W. Adams, Esq., of a very early and respectable family 
 at Bagnall, long connected with the manufacture of the 
 district. This gentleman joins with considerable experi- 
 ence, extensive information relative to all departments of 
 the Art; and his productions in Pottery and Porcelain 
 are in deserved estimation. 
 
 The Manor House, Fenton, is an elegant and capacious 
 mansion, placed on the summit of a very extensive lawn, 
 and enjoying a delightful and extended prospect to the 
 
68 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 south and west. The gardens and pleasure grounds are 
 large, and an'anged with great taste and elegance. There 
 is a beautiful entrance Lodge at the western exbreniity 
 of the estate, which latter is extremely valuable for its 
 extent and agricultural produce, and the rich mines of 
 coals, Potter's Marl, and Brick Clay, of excellent quality, 
 spread all beneath its surface. The proprietor is Philip 
 Barnes Broade, Esq., a young gentleman, whose promising- 
 talents have already secured for him, at the age of twenty- 
 five, the appointment and re-appointment to the highest 
 authority in the parish, (that of Churchwarden,) with that 
 other gentleman of sterling worth, Josiah Spode, Esq., 
 re-appointed the fifth time. 
 
 Fenton has indeed been greatly enlarged in popula- 
 tion during the present century ; and since 1820 many 
 new houses have been erected. Here on the south 
 side is a neat Chapel, for the Wesley an Methodists. 
 Near is a large Iron Foundry belonging to Messrs. 
 Hancock ; — and on the north side are Mr. Felix Pratt's 
 House and Manufactory, on the site where Mr. T. 
 Heath made dipped Pottery ; and who is mentioned 
 with proper respect for his virtues, in a subsequent 
 part. . The present proprietor is notable for affability 
 and promptitude in alleviating the miseries of the 
 distressed. 
 
 On the south side, nearer Lane End, are the two 
 mansions of Ralph Bourne, and William Baker, Esqs. 
 The former is neat; but being only a kind of business- 
 residence is without exterior decorations, the proprietor's 
 home being at Hilderstone Hall, a few miles south- 
 east of Fenton. Mr. Baker's residence is spacious 
 and commodious, surrounded with gardens and pleasure 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 69 
 
 grounds, and enjoying a tolerably extensive prospect. 
 The public spirit and private virtues of these gentle- 
 men, have been long known in the district; and are 
 duly appreciated by all persons of discernment and worth. 
 Ready for every good word and work, their benevolence 
 has been exercised to discover objects of commiseration ; 
 and their liberality has been dispensed with most laudable 
 extension and promptitude. Almost adjoining are the 
 two extensive Manufactories, and Mill, of Messrs. Bourne, 
 Baker and Bourne ; whose productions are in estima- 
 tion in both the home and foreign markets. One of 
 these is on the site of that formerly the property of 
 Mr. T. Bacchus ; but being mostly new buildings, the 
 curious find some difficulty in ascertaining which, if any, 
 of the present establishment, must be regarded as having 
 resulted from Mr. Astbury's introduction of Flint and 
 Biddeford Clay, at Lane Delph.— ^-It has often been 
 a subject of regret to us, to find that very little if 
 any notice have been taken of persons who had served 
 their generation in an important manner, and of facts, 
 which are known to have occurred by the results yet 
 remaining. 
 
 In Fenton Lane are several truly elegant Cottage 
 B,esidences, for persons who have retired from the hurry 
 of business, to enjoy in quiet the honourable reward 
 of their assiduity and genius. At the Toll gate is 
 Heron Cottage, a superb tho' small edifice, the property 
 of Charles Mason, Esq. At Great Fenton are the 
 spacious mansions of Thomas Allen and Henry Cartwright, 
 Esqrs. — and the unoccupied mansion house, belonging 
 to John Smith, Esq., the owner of very considerable 
 property in Stoke Parish, but now resident at Elm- 
 hurst, near Lichfield. At a short distance is Longton 
 
70 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Hall, the seat of Richard Edensor Heathcote, Esq., 
 M. P. for Coventry. As great alterations are being 
 effected here, it cannot with propriety be particularized 
 at present. 
 
 I'iie number of old houses in Lane Delph, shew it 
 to have been long one seat of the manufacture. There 
 are now a large number of new houses, of a very convenient 
 size and plan for the working classes. And within the 
 last year, the enterprizing spirit of a private person, Charles 
 Mason, Esq., has established a regular Market, with Stalls 
 and Shambles, to accommodate this part; which doubt- 
 less will be duly appreciated by all those for whose con- 
 venience the speculation was undertaken. At the bottom 
 of Ark Lane, nigh Mr. Pratt's, is a Chapel for the 
 Calvinists ; and in the New Road is one, commodious and 
 handsome, (with a good school room connected, for the 
 gratuitous instruction of children on the Sabbath ; ) 
 owned by the Methodists of the New Connection, formed 
 in 1797. In Lane Delph also are entitled to notice, 
 the House and Manufactory, of Thomas Carey, Esq., also 
 of S. Ginders, Esq., and of J. Pratt, Esq. The manu- 
 factory of Messrs. G. & C. Mason, for Patent Iron-stone 
 China, is commodious. Here is a Steam Engine of 
 some peculiarity in its construction, by Holford, of Hanley ; 
 but we never could get from him, an explicit statement 
 of the nature of the improvement, certainly with a 
 cylinder only the size of a six-horse power engine, this has 
 always done the work of others rated as equal to sixteen 
 horses. The front Warehouse is four stories high, is fire 
 proof, and has the most beautiful facade of any in the 
 district. The manufactory where Messrs. Barker pm"sued 
 their avocation, is now converted into cottages and a 
 tavern called the Dog and Partridge. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 71 
 
 On the East is Fenton Park, where is a ColHery of 
 great magnitude and value ; in one part of which is a 
 Steam Engine of about sixty horses power, on the best 
 principle, and adapted to work^?/r lifts of Pu/mps to raise 
 water Jrom the mines. Almost close to this, is Broadfield 
 Colliery, also extremely valuable for the extent and depth 
 of strata of its several mines. The spectator may enjoy 
 from the eminence, at Fenton Park, a prospect, at once 
 so rich and greatly diversified, as not to be equalled in 
 this district, and scarcely possible to be excelled in any 
 part of the kingdom. Words will not adequately describe 
 its beauties ; they must be contemplated, for the mind to 
 have correct ideas of them. In succession the vision is 
 gratified with viewing Caverswall, Lane End, Blurton, 
 Trentham, Swinnerton and Keel Parks, Clayton, Butterton, 
 Great Fenton and Little, Stoke, Penkhull, Newcastle, 
 Silverdale, Knutton, Apedale, Chesterton^ Red Street, Talk, 
 Harecastle Hill, Bradwell, Wolstanton, Basford, Shelton, 
 Hanley, Burslem, Newport, Longport, Etruria, Tunstall, 
 Chell, New-Chapel, Mole Cob, Biddulph, Norton, Brown 
 Hedge, Stanley, Bagnall, Bucknall, and Ubberley, a circuit 
 rich in its natural productions ; and the wealth of its 
 proprietors; thickly populated, and supplying means of 
 support and comfort to the industrious classes settled 
 in it. 
 
 The Foley has only a few Houses, and three Manu- 
 factories in it. The Manufactory of Messrs. Elkins, 
 Knight, & Bridgwood, is a new and very complete 
 establishment; having in addition to the customary 
 buildings a powerful Steam Engine and Flint Mill. The 
 productions of this establishment are very superior in 
 their quality, and have obtained celebrity in the markets. 
 The proprietors are gentlemen of the most respectable 
 
72 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 character as tradesmen and members of civil society. 
 Opposite are the House and Manufactory of C. Bourne, 
 Esq., the former the best on this side, for excellence of 
 ■construction, and elegance of appearance. Connected 
 with it are spacious Gardens ; and contiguous is the manu- 
 factory. At the southern extremity are the House and 
 Pactory of the late Mr. Myatt ; one of the first persons 
 who received the Wesleyan Methodist Preachers ; and in 
 whose parlour the late Rev. J. Wesley stood, while from 
 the window he preached to a vast congregation, when last 
 he passed thro' Staffordshire only a few months prior to 
 his decease. 
 
 Golden Hill House is the residence of Jacob Marsh, 
 Esq., long esteemed highly for his numerous private virtues 
 as a friend and parent ; and for his integrity as a trades- 
 man and master. — Descended from a family long engaged 
 in the manufacture of the different kinds of Pottery, and 
 of the first flint and salt glaze ware, he alone remains to 
 perpetuate the name in his family, and convey to posterity 
 a memento of one of those branches to whom the district 
 owes its elevation. His very compact and well arranged 
 Manufactory is at the entrance into Lane End. 
 
 LANE END and the Vicinity. 
 
 Lane End, the market town at the southern limit 
 of the district, is four miles south-east of Newcastle. 
 Por many years it was notable for the great irregularity 
 in the position of its buildings ; of every size and sort, 
 from the respectable residence of the manufacturer, to 
 the mud and sagger-hovel of the pauper, scattered over 
 a wide extent of territory. But in comparatively recent 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 73 
 
 times, under the almost magic influence of a prosperous 
 manufacture, improvement has commenced, the buildings 
 are regular in size and position, and the place has risen 
 into a respectable station in the scale of Staffordshire 
 Towns. Much of the town and neighbourhood is (like 
 Shelton) undermined by the Collieries, which are yet in 
 a considerable degree of prosperous operation. And about 
 three years ago, W. H. Sparrow, Esq., of Wolverhampton, 
 commenced working a Furnace for reducing the iron-stone, 
 found in vast quantities in the Placketfs Brook Colliery ; 
 and which promises ample remuneration for the principal 
 expended by the spirited proprietor. — The traveller from 
 Uttoxeter to Newcastle scarcely has a glimpse of any but 
 its old buildings, along the High Street, and on towards 
 the Foley ; hence we have heard it much censured as a 
 poor, dirty, and irregular village, but, the fact is quite 
 otherwise ; there are as many, if not more new houses, of 
 very recent erection, and as goodly a proportion of respect- 
 able tradesmen's residences in Lane End, as in any of the 
 other Towns in the Potteries. 
 
 The Church is a recent edifice, having been erected in 
 1795, in place ot a former one principally built and 
 endowed at the charge of the late John Bourne, Esq., in 
 1764 ; as already mentioned with Hanley Old Church. It 
 is a Chapel of Ease to Stoke, and was enlarged in 1828, by 
 private donations. The emoluments arise from some glebe 
 land, surplice fees. Queen Anne's Bounty, and a very 
 excellent parsonage house and garden, to the amount of 
 near £9^0. There is a New Church in contemplation, to 
 be erected in the upper part of the town, by a grant from 
 Commissioners under an Act of Parliament for erecting 
 New Churches. 
 
 At the west end is the English Free School, founded in 
 
74 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 1766, chiefly thro' the munificence of Mr. Bourne. On 
 the east side is the National School, which will contain 500 
 children, and was founded through the active exertions of 
 Ralph Bourne, Esq., the site of the land was given by the 
 Most Noble the Marquis of Stafford. When the customary 
 forms had been observed, Mr. Bourne shortly addressed the 
 Committee, stating his lively interest in such institutions, 
 and his conviction of their utility, and expressed also readi- 
 ness to contribute <£'50 more towards an extension of the 
 School for 1200 children; which sum was transferred towards 
 the enlargement of the Church in 1828, for the accommo- 
 dating the poor, the Society in London having voted £8^0, 
 and the Dean of Lichfield given ^£"50. The following inscrip- 
 tion was engraved on the plate deposited in the stone : 
 
 By 
 
 Ralph Bourne, Esq., 
 
 of 
 
 Hilderstone Hall, in the 
 
 County of Stafford, 
 
 The Corner Stone of 
 
 THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, 
 
 dedicated 
 
 to the sacred purpose of Instructing the Poor, 
 
 Was deposited 
 
 on Monday, June 10, A.D. 1822. 
 
 The Papists have at Green Dock a small Chapel, and a 
 school room attached, with a neat house for the Priest. 
 There are Six Chapels for Dissenters, of moderate size ; and 
 with Sunday Schools for children, instructed by gratuitous 
 teachers. 
 
 There are two Market-Places ; the one at the four 
 Lane Ends, near the Church, is the place for the regular 
 Saturday's Market ; which is well supplied with all 
 kinds of marketable produce, meat, and manufactures. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 75 
 
 Here are permanent Shambles, and Stalls, adapted for 
 the several purposes of Butchers and Tradesmen ; and 
 every encouragement and accommodation is given to those 
 who sell, — the produce of the Tolls received from the 
 Stalls, being appropriated to the benefit of the town at 
 large. Adjoining is Mr. G. Forrester's Manufactory, 
 which appears to have been the first in which a regular 
 plan for the arrangement of the separate places for the 
 distinct processes was adopted. It is not large, but very 
 convenient. 
 
 At the other upper Union Market-Place, used only for 
 the Fairs, which always are the day after those at New- 
 castle, there is the Union Hotel, and a spacious Market 
 Hall, usually appropriated to any public meetings of the 
 inhabitants. In the Union Market-Place, is Mr. H. 
 Simpkin's Manufactory, for a superior kind of Porcelain. 
 He is well known for his many public and private virtues, 
 and his house, near Steel's Nook, is a beautiful tho' small 
 edifice, with gardens of delightful arrangement for Flowers 
 and Fruit. The other Manufactories belong to Messrs. 
 Mayer & Newbold, J. Locket & Sons, J. Hulme & Sons, 
 Bailey & Co. Bridgwood, Goodwin & Orton, L. Cyples, 
 Martin & Cope, A. Shaw, J. Shaw, T. & J. Carey, and 
 some others. That of J. Hulme & Sons is well arranged 
 for every purpose ; and has a Flint Mill close adjoining. 
 The Waterloo factory is regular and capacious ; well 
 situated for Coals and Marl. Those of Messrs. T. & J. 
 Carey, are well adapted for a considerable portion of 
 Business; and have a powerful Steam Engine and Mill 
 connected with them. In the High Street is the manu- 
 factory of Mr. W. Turner; doubtless one of the most 
 experienced Manufacturers which have lived in the district. 
 Indeed we know not of any other who will bear placing 
 
16 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 along with E. Wood, & T. Minton, Esqs. — In a subsequent 
 part of this work we have again to notice this gentleman. 
 
 On entering Lane End from Uttoxeter, the first House 
 worthy of notice is that of Samuel Jackson Hughes, Esq., 
 a neat and spacious residence, in outward appearance a 
 correct representation of the unassuming character of its 
 ■owner; who, while possessed of considerable wealth, 
 regards every man as his fellow, and in his relative 
 situation as one of the rulers of the town, is ready in 
 every instance to promote the general good, even when 
 himself has been called to make individual sacrifice. The 
 parish at large, as well as this part of it, will long enjoy 
 benefit from his zeal and patriotism. 
 
 At Lightwood, the southern extremity, resides William 
 Bailey, Esq., one of the first who made lustre Pottery, by 
 which, with the branch of Enamelling, himself and partner 
 (W. Batkin, Esq.) have been successful in acquiring very 
 competent fortunes. He is justly esteemed for his piety ; 
 and in this neighbourhood his philanthropy has been 
 evinced extensively during more than a quarter of a 
 •century. — And in Steel's Nook is the neat and elegant 
 residence of W. Batkin, Esq., above mentioned. In 
 -every Institution for promoting the welfare of Mankind, 
 and especially for ameliorating the condition of the poor, 
 his name ranks among the Benefactors; "thus is his 
 liberality known to all men ; " and he is an excellent 
 specimen of the followers of the " meek and lowly Jesus." 
 At Green Dock is the residence of John Robinson, Esq., 
 who to the highest character of a tradesman and manu- 
 facturer, is allowed to connect a most assiduous energy 
 to benefit the whole Paiish. Having several times 
 filled the office of principal Overseer for this part, the 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 77 
 
 zeal and ability he has always manifested, in protecting the 
 helpless, and redressing grievances, has secured the applause 
 of the neighbourhood ; while the sincere piety and urbanity 
 of his private life, render him at once a kind and valu- 
 able benefactor and friend. On the road to Stoke is the 
 spacious residence of C. Harvey, Esq., now a Banker; 
 formerly a most extensive manufacturer. The House was 
 erected by the late Wm. Garner, son of Robert Garner, of 
 the Row Houses manufactory. Mr. Harvey is well known,, 
 and equally respected for his private social virtues, and 
 his public spirit. Mr. J. Carey's House is rather elegant,, 
 and has its appearance improved by being placed on an 
 island in a large reservoir, that supplies condensing 
 water for the Steam Engine at the Mill, where are 
 ground flour, and the various materials and colours for 
 the manufactories ; and when the engine is working, a. 
 single jet fountain throws up warm water several feet 
 high. There are a beautiful small bridge, gates, large 
 cannons, &c. but the whole is exposed to the smoke of 
 the manufactories. The proprietor is highly esteemed 
 for many excellencies of character as a master and 
 friend. 
 
 The mention of the virtues of persons in this work,, 
 should not cause the opinion to be entertained, that 
 they only are of excellent character in the several places ;. 
 neither should it be regarded as invidious. Doubtless^ 
 as many worthies may be found in the Potteries as in 
 other Towns of the same extent. But we can only 
 truly state what we personally are acquainted with, and 
 we have endeavoured to faithfully discharge our duty tO' 
 the public. 
 
78 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 ON THE ORIGIN OF THE ART, AND ITS PRACTICE AMONG 
 THE EARLY NATIONS. 
 
 BEFORE commencing the Details of the Rise and Pro- 
 gress of the Art of manufacturing Porcelain and Earthen- 
 ware in this district, now distinguished by the appellation 
 ■of the Staffordshire Potteries ; we consider it proper, if 
 not indispensable, to mention briefly such historical col- 
 lateral facts, as tend to elucidate, in the absence of un- 
 questioned data, the Origin of the Invention, its extensive 
 spread among the most early families, and its preservation to 
 the present day by some of those ancient nations, who are 
 •considered remaining branches of the earliest kingdoms. 
 
 Invention has always been regarded as the oflspring of 
 necessity. Its force and progress in manufactures, are in • 
 •our days precisely the same as in the earliest times, — from 
 Articles absolutely necessary, to those which are useful, 
 convenient, elegant, and luxurious. And research has 
 ascertained, that in its originating the most valuable and 
 important Arts, the results have been either altogether 
 unexpected, or the primary rude attempts to give palpa- 
 bility ' to the Model in the master's mind.' 
 
 The manners of mankind in the early ages, certainly 
 were the most simple possible ; their occupations were 
 conducive to social comfort and convenience ; and for the 
 promoting of these, culinary utensils, alike requisite and 
 •suitable, would be objects of desire to the ingenious, 
 long previous to the construction of the most simple 
 Cottage. As the intellectual powers derive energy from 
 exercise, we cannot help indulging the conjecture, that . 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 79 
 
 the Kindling of Fires, the Baking of Bread, the Formation 
 of Butter and Cheese, the working of Metals, and the 
 Burning of Clay into Bricks, were practices coeval with the 
 want of these Articles by the human family. And, while, 
 considered abstractedly, they illustrate the progress of Man 
 in the development of his faculties, mental and physical, 
 to gratify his wishes, and to multiply and enchance his 
 comforts, they also demonstrate that mankind never 
 were in the imagined condition appropriately designated 
 Savagism. 
 
 There cannot be a doubt, that, in the earliest period 
 of human society, Man would soon feel the necessity of 
 possessing Vessels capable of receiving and containing any 
 liquids he might desire to use for food, drink, or occasional 
 refreshment ; and also of preserving the superfluous quan- 
 tity. Indeed, unless we admit that they possessed vessels 
 of different kinds, by which they could convey the liquor to 
 the mouth, we cannot readily account for the prevalent 
 intemperance of the ancients. 
 
 Mention is very early made of employing the Skins of 
 animals caught in the chase, for Bottles and Vessels ; for 
 which pui"poses, the important qualities of pliancy and 
 infrangibility well capacitate them. Of their utility and 
 convenience, the difference between our customs and those 
 of the ancients prevents our being adequate judges; even 
 allowing that they might at first appear unseemly to the 
 eyes of Europeans. 
 
 The use of different utensils would be suggested by the 
 wish to convey readily to the mouth the substance intended 
 to be taken for refreshment. Hence the early employment 
 of shells of fishes, and the stout rind, husk, or shell of 
 
80 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 certain vegetable productions ; a practice continued to this 
 day in some of the countries where historians regard man 
 as having been at first created ; and in the same manner as 
 is the Calabash used now by the Negroes of the West 
 Indies. Conjecture is that Articles of this kind first sug- 
 gested the excavation of pieces of wood, and even of stone, 
 into requisite vessels. 
 
 In the infancy of Society, the pliancy and adhesive 
 properties of Clay would be noticed, and suggest its 
 application to various purposes. In Job, the most ancient 
 author known, (B.C. 2247,) there is mention of the Impres- 
 sion of a Seal upon Clay, (xxxviii, 14) At that period it 
 was a custom, (preserved to the present time, in those 
 countries,) for persons Who deposited any substances in a 
 store room, to place on the lock, or hinge, which kept close 
 the cover or door, a lump of soft clay, on which there was 
 impressed the owner's peculiar mark, as the moderns now 
 use a Seal. See Nordern, part 1, p. 72 ; Pocock, vol. 1, 26. 
 Matt, xxvii, 66. 
 
 After houses began to be erected. Bricks were very 
 easily formed of Clay ; and during a long series of ages, 
 they were the chief materials used in the construction of 
 Buildings. (Dr. Shaw's Travels, p. 172.) It was only 
 about the time of David that marble was first introduced 
 for the purpose ; and learned persons indulge the opinion, 
 that the Ivory Palaces erected by Solomon and others, 
 (B.C. 897,) were in fact structures of White Marble, 
 (I Kings, xxii, 39, Amos, iii, 15.) History proves that 
 the employment of this beautiful substance for the 
 temples, in Greece, was about seven centuries prior to 
 the Christian era, or cotemporary with the Babylonian 
 Capitivity. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 81 
 
 Altho' there are very ancient records of the employ- 
 ment of vessels which we call Pottery and Porcelain, we 
 are without any certain proofs by which to determine the 
 era of the invention. Neither can we with propriety 
 assert that the formation of these vessels from Clay was 
 the invention of a moment ; but the Art itself, however 
 rude at its commencement, must have been well known 
 at a period so extremely early that no traces could come 
 directly down to us ; and a long while previous to even 
 the contemplation of a manufactm-e so elegant and 
 complicated as our Porcelain. 
 
 We have somewhere met with a conjecture, and 
 certainly not a very absurd one, that, from some Impression 
 in Clay originated the Art of Pottery. The first earthly 
 receptacle for liquids may have been, the clay affixed to a 
 lock, and dried by solar heat until it was sufficiently hard 
 to retain the condensed dews of the night, or the drops, 
 from falling showers ; or Bricks impressed while ductile 
 with the Jbotmarh of some animal, which might be dis- 
 covered filled with water, from the causes just mentioned ;. 
 or that might remain after being burned, and be quickly 
 found useful to contain whatever was put into the orifice 
 From hints more rude have equally important Arts 
 originated and been perpetuated. 
 
 The facility with which ductile Clay can be formed into 
 Bricks, and the hardness which it possesses after it has 
 been burned, would soon suggest to those who used it, the 
 application of it in forming various utensils for domestic 
 purposes. The figure and size would accord with the 
 purposes for which they were designed, and correspond to 
 the maker's fancy ; but the desire of ease would incite to 
 the abstraction of all superabundant materials from the 
 
«2 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 outside. The importance of the invention, and the 
 simplicity of the principles, would excite in different 
 persons the desire of understanding it; and cause them 
 very speedily to attain some degree of excellence in the 
 practice. — "I think (says Mr. Jacob Warburton,) vessels 
 of Earthenware for the purpose of holding wine, oil, and 
 other liquids, were more ancient than vessels of wood — 
 they would be made with very great facility." 
 
 The early families were not the vulgar and ignorant 
 Society — the mwtvm et turpe pecus, conjectured by some 
 persons who aspire to the high and dignified appellation 
 of Philosophers ; but, were all certainly in the full use 
 and possession of their intellectual faculties and physical 
 powers ; being only a few generations removed from the 
 type of the family, that perfect man, first created and 
 endowed as the Vicegerent of Deity. 
 
 The most ancient historians mention the Art as having 
 existed from time immemorial ; and some traces of it have 
 been discovered in most of those nations which were early 
 formed ; and remain with such of those now existing, as 
 retain the civilization of the first ages. Hence we are 
 warranted in concluding that it was practised among all the 
 early families, and retained by them when they were dis- 
 persed ' abroad upon the face of all the earth.' (Gen. xi, 8.) 
 
 The kingdom of Egypt is believed to have been founded 
 Two tlumsand two hundred years before the advent of the 
 Messiah. This people, in their union of fable and fact, 
 mention their knowledge and pei-fection in this Art, and also 
 in the manufacture of glass, (Loysel, Art de la Veriere,p. 1.) 
 at a very early period of their history. Their Instructor 
 in these, and the various Mechanical Arts, for which they 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 83 
 
 subsequently became famous, they state to have been 
 Theuih or Thoth, ( Phoenician Taut, Greek Hermes, and 
 Latin Mercury ,• See Philo-Byblius, Sanconiatho ; Livy, lib. 
 xxvi, Herod, lib. v. c 7. and Annius of Viterbrium.) most 
 assuredly one of Noah's sons or grandsons ; Goth thiot att, 
 signifying the father of interpretation, and of his people ; ) 
 Mercury being the scribe or amanuensis of Saturn or Noah, 
 the father of all learning ; the inventor of all arts, who 
 gave them improved forms of speech, and introduced Letters 
 for double communication. 
 
 It would be useless to enquire whether the Egyptians 
 did or did not require considerable quantities of Pottery 
 vessels ; but Belzoni's researches indisputably prove that in 
 very early times it was usual to manufacture them. The 
 practice would be extended by the increasing demand for 
 various domestic utensils ; and in after ages, in the Upper 
 Egypt, sufficient quantities were manufactured to supply 
 all the Lower district with vessels for home consumption 
 and exportation. (Dr. Clarke's Harmer's Observ. i. 90.) 
 The vessels were so covered with a varnish, or size, as 
 to be impervious to water ; they were then connected 
 similarly to a float; and afterwards passed down the 
 Nile to Memphis, where the merchants received them. 
 They were subsequently filled with water, and finally 
 transported into the Deserts. (Beloe's Herodotus, lib. 
 iii. § 6.) 
 
 This people believed the doctrine of the transmigration 
 of souls, and therefore Vessels containing spicery were 
 used in their rites of sepulture. And it is very probable, 
 that the vessels extracted from ancient barrows in om* own 
 country, had been deposited for purposes someway similar. 
 (Borlase's Cornish Antiquities, 236. Henry's History of 
 
84 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Great Britain, ii. 140.) With the mummies have been 
 often found figures, of one shape and size, covered with a 
 blue glaze, much resembling the celebrated Blue Porcelain 
 of the Chinese. If any authority may. be attached to the 
 assertion of Praxiteles, figures of similar materials and 
 formation, first suggested the execution of bronze and 
 marble statues. 
 
 There is great probability that the practice of the 
 Art had been extended to different portions of that 
 people, prior to the ingression of the Family of Jacob ; 
 (B. C. 1706, Gen. xlvii, 11.) for a many ages after- 
 wards, when the Israelites quitted Egypt, Moses carried 
 away with him correct knowledge of this Art, as well as 
 of many other of the mechanical Inventions. (Levit. 
 vi, 28, Num. v, 17.) And there is no reason to suppose, 
 that, among all that great multitude of industrious 
 people, he alone understood and was able to direct their 
 manipulations. 
 
 The earliest Historical Records of the Chinese, mention 
 the existence of the Art, and its practice in both Pottery 
 and Porcelain, in considerable perfection. In this Empire, 
 and also that of Japan, during the five centuries im- 
 mediately preceding the Christian era, were manufactured 
 Earthenware of very superior quality, and the elegant and 
 delicate porcelain, (which Britons call China, from that 
 nation,) tse-Jci, formed from the argillaceous earth, by the 
 Chinese called kaolin, in quality much like our China Clay, 
 combined with the silicious stone called petuntse, same as 
 our Cornish growan stone. 
 
 See Macquer's Diet, v. Porcelain. Bomare states that 
 these eminently partake of the nature of our China Clay. 
 Vauquelin's Analysis gives 
 
 Kaolin Silex 74, Alumina 16". 5, Lime 2, Water 7.5. 
 
 Petuntse 74, 1 4. 5, 5. 5, . 6. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 85 
 
 This people are peculiarly remarkable for the care with 
 which they have avoided all foreign intercourse ; and 
 thereby precluded every opportunity for strangers to make 
 observations and collect information concerning their manu- 
 factures. Father D'Entrecolles had to employ considerable 
 cunning to obtain Specimens of the earths used. Some 
 writers have asserted that the modern productions of this- 
 country are inferior to the ancient ; but from inspection 
 and comparison of the different very ancient and modern 
 specimens, we are persuaded that little if any alteration 
 whatever takes place in either the quality, materials, or 
 process. The most accredited statements of recent 
 Travellers, mention that at King-to-Ching, in the province 
 of Kian-si, the various Articles for constantly employing 
 five hundred furnaces, are prepared by eight hundred 
 thousand workpeople. 
 
 The excellence and elegance with the perfection of the 
 productions in Pottery by these nations, are calculated to 
 induce the opinion, that in the practice of this Art, sooner 
 than in any other, the early families of Mankind acquired 
 great skill and dexterity. 
 
 During a long succession of ages, the Persians have 
 been well acquainted with and practised the various pro- 
 cesses of manufacturing Earthenware and Porcelain of truly 
 excellent quality. The Porcelain is formed of an argil- 
 laceous earth, which, by firing, becomes altogether like a 
 pure enamel; this is combined with small pebbles, and 
 Glass. The examination of fractured pieces gives a grain 
 as fine in its particles, a transparency as clear, the enamel 
 within and without as soft and pure, and the coating or 
 varnish as exquisitely beautiful, as any of the productions 
 of either China or Japan. Its tenacity is such that it will 
 
86 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 serve for pulverizing articles, and as it is not easily affected 
 by alteration of temperature, it therefore is formed into 
 utensils in which food can be boiled. There is mention of 
 a vessel having been manufactured at Yezd, which weighed 
 only the eighth part of an Enghsh Ounce, yet would con- 
 tain six quarts of water. (Sir J. Chardin's Travels ) The 
 'victorious army of Pompey brought many porcelain vessels 
 from Pontus to Rome. And Harmer, (vol. i. p. 75,) men- 
 tions that the King of Persia having been offered some 
 Chinese Porcelain, by the Agent of the D. E. India Com- 
 pany, as at present, regarded it as so greatly inferior to the 
 productions of his subjects, that he treated the offer with 
 ridicule. 
 
 Some writers suppose the ware to be named Porcelain, 
 from the Portuguese name of a Cup, porcellana ; that people 
 having first brought this production from China to Europe. 
 Others regard it as a contraction of the French pour cent 
 annees, from the supposition that their materials were 
 maturing 100 years prior to being used. But we prefer 
 Whittaker's etymon, (vol. i. p. 55, 8vo. Account of Hanni- 
 bal's Course over the Alps,) that the name Porcelain comes 
 from the herb Purslain, which has a purple-coloured flower, 
 like to the ancient china, which was always of that colour. — 
 The English name, China, is evidently from the country 
 whence it was brought. 
 
 With the Potters of Staffordshire there is a restricted 
 employment of these words. — Pottery or Earthenware, and 
 Porcelain or China. All are general terms for a kind of 
 manufacture consisting of certain mineral productions, on 
 one and the same principle properly combined and amal- 
 gamated, and ultimately subjected to most intense firing, 
 or baking. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 87 
 
 Porcelain, for its semi-vitrification, requires the Silex 
 and Alumina to be tolerably pure ; and also for that 
 glassy transparency and semipellucid lustre which constitute 
 its chief characteristic. A large proportion of Silex is 
 used ; but the Alumina gives the consistence, which renders 
 the mass ductile while soft ; capable of being turned, on 
 the lathe, to any shape, and of retaining its form when 
 being fired or baked in the oven. The fusible materials 
 require to be so adjusted, that only the most ardent heat 
 can reduce them into the requisite state of vitrescence. 
 Pottery seldom has the components in equal purity ; they 
 are also more fusible, and fewer in number; neither are 
 they susceptible of the high polish and ornament which 
 distinguishes Porcelain. 
 
 The Phoenicians doubtless were the most distinguished 
 commercial people of antiquity. Near the centre of the 
 south-east coast of the Mediterranean, were situated their 
 most important marts, Tjrre and Sidon. The former is 
 allowed to have been founded by Agenor, the grandson of 
 Nimrod ; and from Sidon being so constantly mentioned in 
 connection with it, there is cause to believe that both ports 
 were contemporaneous. From these were exported to the 
 neighbouring states, considerable quantities of glass and 
 earthenware. 
 
 We must regard this people as really intelligent, 
 when we reflect, that the computations requisite in their 
 commercial transactions, rendered necessary an acquaint- 
 ance with Mathematics ; their attention to physical 
 geography, and astronomy, caused them to be courageous 
 mariners and enterprizing merchants, producing both 
 wealth and information; and, their taste and genius 
 in forming not only vessels, but figures of remarkable 
 
88 ■ RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 things and persons, while causing the study of sculpture, 
 unhappily superinduced a fondness for Idolatry, that 
 ultimately occasioned their total destruction. Wherever 
 any of the tribes of this people made voyages or journeys 
 for commercial purposes, they not only carried the manu- 
 factures themselves, but also information of the processes 
 and manipulations employed. And, wherever they carried 
 glass and earthenware, there will be found some remains of 
 the subsequent practice of the Art. 
 
 From this source we regard the Greeks to have ob- 
 tained their knowledge of this manufacture. And only on 
 this supposition, can be accounted for, the ignorance of 
 some of their writers concerning the nature of these pro- 
 ductions ; as Bellacensis and Fallopius ; who called them 
 Stones and Semi minerals. 
 
 Herodotus intimates the scarcity of vessels of Pottery 
 among the Greeks, yet in his desire to augment the cele- 
 brity of his nation, he appears wishful to have it believed 
 that his countrymen actually manufactured all the Earthen- 
 ware demanded by the wants of the Egyptians and their 
 neighbours. To those who reflect that Greece was of 
 modern foundation, compared with Egypt and Phoenicia, 
 we need merely mention (to shew the error of the historian,) 
 that to a native of Sidon, Cadmus, Greece owes Letters, and 
 perhaps some of the Arts ; and such was the general ignor- 
 ance of that people, that only could their Philosophers 
 obtain the required information in the proper kinds of 
 Knowledge, by devoting a considerable portion of time to 
 study in Egypt, Palestine, &c. 
 
 A colony of Phoenicians settled at the foot of mount 
 Vesuvius, in Italy, 1000 B. C. assuming the appellation 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 89 
 
 of Etruscans; where they further improved their taste 
 and workmanship under Demaratus, of Corinth, in 660. 
 Here, in a large manufactory, and subsequently in smaller 
 ones, in other parts of the country, they practised the Art 
 with much successful assiduity, that the elegance and per- 
 fection of their productions, the taste displayed in the form 
 and ornamental department, and the perfection acquired 
 in the various processes, have scarcely yet been equalled ; 
 and obtained for the Potters every possible encouragement, 
 at Rome, and the chief cities of that mighty empire. 
 
 W. A. Cadell, Esq., (Journey in Carniola, Italy, 
 &c.) says among much useful and very interesting infor- 
 mation on other of the Arts. — "Pliny observes that 
 Etrm-ia was the first country of Italy in which the art of 
 pottery was practised, and that this art was afterwards 
 carried to a state of the greatest perfection there ; and 
 particularly, that Axezzo was much celebrated for this 
 kind of manufacture. The ancient Romans made much 
 use of earthenware vessels, called Amphorae, in which they 
 kept their wine, although wooden casks were employed 
 for the transportation of it from place to place, as appears 
 by the representation of waggons loaded with wine 
 on the column of Antoninus in Rome. In the city of 
 Madrid, at present, wine is kept in earthen vessels, and not 
 in casks. It is uncertain whether the antique earthenware 
 vases, decorated with paintings on mythological sub- 
 jects, were made in Etruria or not ; but it is certain that 
 most of them have been found in the kingdom of 
 Naples, and in Sicily. After the revival of the arts in 
 Europe, several ingenious artists in different countries 
 improved the manufacture ; Castel Franco for instance at 
 Faenza in Italy, in the beginning of the sixteenth 
 century, manufactured the Majolica, (the Italian word for 
 
90 RISE AND PR0GRP:SS OF THE 
 
 earthenware,) decorated with designs after Raphael and 
 Julio Romano, specimens of which are preserved in many 
 collections. In France, Bernard de Palissy, versed in the 
 chemical knowledge of that age, made great improvements 
 in the art of fabricating fayance. Btitscher an apothecary 
 at Dresden, produced two or three different kinds of 
 earthenware, one of which was of a brownish red colour, 
 semivitrified, and so hard as to receive a polish on the 
 lapidary's wheel, by means of which the pieces acquired a 
 lustre equal to that of glazed pottery; cups and other 
 vessels of this kind are to be seen in the Japan palace at 
 Dresden. In the year 1709, the same Botscher first com- 
 posed the white porcelain, in imitation of the Chinese, 
 which is now manufactured at the King of Saxony's works at 
 Meissen. Other manufactories of the same kind have 
 since been established at Sevres, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, 
 Naples, Florence, Vicenza, in Staffordshire, and at Wor- 
 cester, &c. The decomposed white granite of Limoges, 
 an ingredient which forms the Basis of the French porce- 
 lain, as well as the decomposed white granite of Cornwall, 
 are both found to be similar to the Kaolin of the Chinese ; 
 with this material, and a fusible stone found in Cornwall, 
 and in other places in Europe, resembling the Chinese 
 Petuntse, a porcelain is formed, possessing exactly the same 
 qualities as that fabricated in China. In Staffordshire the 
 English stone ware is manufactured of white pipe clay, 
 much lighter and better glazed than either the Italian 
 majolica, or the French fayance; and in consequence of 
 this superiority it has been introduced into most parts of 
 Europe. Amongst those who have distinguished them- 
 selves in the manufactory of earthenware, is Luca della 
 Robia, a Florentine Goldsmith and Statuary, bom in 
 1388. He made heads and human figures in relief, and 
 architectural ornaments of glazed earthenware, terra cotta 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. , 91 
 
 invetriata. These figures were employed in the decoration 
 of buildings, and many of them, the works of Luca della 
 Robia, are seen in the Churches of Florence to this day. 
 They are in a good style of sculpture, the colours ot the 
 glazing are white, blue, green, brown, and yellow. The art 
 of making these figures of glazed earthenware, was taught 
 by Luca to his brothers Attariario and Agostino, and was 
 afterwards practised by Andrea his nephew ; but the 
 family became extinct in Florence about the year 1560, 
 and the art was lost. Other artists in unglazed terra cotta 
 were, Andrea da Sansovino, master of the celebrated 
 Sculptor and Architect lacopo Sansovino, and Antonio 
 Begarelli of Modena, whose works were highly praised by 
 Buonaroti, as Vasari relates in his life. Stone ware, after 
 the Staffordshire manner, and porcelain, of a pretty good 
 quality, are made at Doccia near Florence, at the manu- 
 factory of the Marquis Ginori. The porcelain earth is not 
 got in the country, but is imported from Vicenza. This, 
 establishment has now existed upwards of fifty years. 
 Large vessels of red earthenware are made at Florence, and 
 in other parts of Tuscany, for the purpose of holding oil 
 and other things, some of which are four feet high. They 
 are not made on the potter's wheel, but are formed of rolls- 
 of clay, built up one over the other, round a conical form 
 of wood. TTie large oil jars are contracted at the mouth, 
 and are made in two pieces which are joined whilst the clay 
 is wet. Large earthen jars of this kind are also made in 
 Spain as well as in Rome, and used instead of wooden 
 casks." 
 
 The suggestion, that the Etruscans first acquired 
 the Art from the Chinese we cannot favour, for that, 
 people took great care to prevent any foreigners benefiting 
 by their ingenuity ; and, that there have not been offered. 
 
■9S RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 any proofs of a communication existing between these dis- 
 tant people ; which Scaliger is of opinion, never existed till 
 after the fall of the Roman Empire. 
 
 Some writers have supposed the vessels brought to Rome 
 at Pompey's triumph, and called vasa, murrhma, murrina, 
 murrea, (Pliny's Natural History, lib. xxxvii. 2.) were 
 species of precious stones, found in Parthia, of a whitish 
 colour, and variously veined and variegated, so that in 
 appearance they much resembled Porcelain. We are not 
 informed how so many vessels of the same kind and material 
 were found in one place. And both Scaliger and Cardan, 
 who rarely are of the same opinion, agree that the Parthians 
 ■early practised the manufacture of Pottery and Porcelain ; 
 and that these vessels are really of the latter description. 
 There certainly is an error in supposing Porcelain to have 
 been fabricated from pulverized sea shells mixed with eggs, 
 and buried eighty or a hundred years. This may have been 
 a size for the vessels ; or the pulpy appearance of the clay 
 may have been mistaken for beaten eggs ; and the shells 
 would improve the pottery by the small portion of lime 
 added to the ingredients. The practice of long keeping it 
 under ground to mellow, is occasionally adopted at the 
 present time. 
 
 Mr. Joseph Blackwell, of Cobridge, when recently 
 at Caltagnone, found a person who manufactures toys 
 of earthenware, made of brown clay, painted in oil 
 colours, upon the bisquet which far surpass any thing 
 of the kind he ever saw in this district ; and he pur- 
 chased two as specimens. — At Calazolo he saw Baron 
 Judica's Museum, collected at an enormous expense of 
 time and money, fifteen years, and great part of his 
 fortune ; having by excavations under much of the city 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. gn 
 
 of Acre, discovered a great variety of vessels of Pottery, in 
 the highest state of preservation, which can be proved tO' 
 have been fabricated from the 9th century B. C. to the 7th 
 
 A. D. The early Sicilians were celebrated for skill in pot- 
 ting. The beauty of these vases are well known in Italy ; 
 and sometimes a very exorbitant price is obtained. For 
 one, the King of Naples lately gave 10,000 piastres, (=£"2200.) 
 The Collection at Naples is superb. For about ^50. J. B. 
 could have picked up a collection, which would have been 
 invaluable in the Potteries. 
 
 From modern researches on the Trans-Atlantic con- 
 tinent, there is sufficient information acquired to warrant 
 the conclusion, that the Art has a long time been practised 
 to considerable extent, by the natives of the countries up 
 the Black River, and also up the Amazon, Ohio, and 
 Mississippi ; and from the remains of manufactories which 
 have been discovered, there is reason to believe that great 
 traffic in these productions must have been carried forward 
 with the neighbouring countries. Two vases are extremely 
 curious by well manifesting the first efforts of human 
 ingenuity in practising a new invention. (Governor Pow- 
 nall's Narrative. Archseologia, vol. V. p. 318.) Some 
 specimens very recently discovered in Ross county, are 
 regarded as equal in quality and manufacture to any in 
 Italy. 
 
 The fact is indisputable, that the Phoenician mer- 
 chants traded to Britain, for Tin, found only in the 
 county of Cornwall, at a period at least two hundred and 
 eighty-jive years before the birth of Moses ; and from this, 
 country were obtained all the supplies of tin for other 
 nations. (Numb, xxxi, 22, B. C. 1456. I Kings, x, 22, 
 
 B. C. 1000, Ezek. xvii, B. C. 600.) (Boye's Pantheon, p. 
 
94 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 140. ref. 9. 6 edit.) In the way of Barter, did these 
 merchants supply our ancestors with the various Ai'ticles in 
 request, whether the productions of other nations with 
 whom they had dealings, or the manufacture and produce 
 of their own country. Among these, it appears proper to 
 include Vessels of Pottery ; because some yet remain, which 
 are regarded as objects of peculiar interest, from their 
 undisputed antiquity, tho' rude in construction, and irregu- 
 lar in ornament; and which are admitted to have been 
 brought into England, many centuries prior to the Roman 
 Invasion. Commercial interchanges render the nations of 
 the earth reciprocally dependent on each other, in conse- 
 quence of the transporting their produce and manufactures ; 
 — the sources of employment to millions of mankind, 
 who thence are enabled to provide supplies for the tem- 
 poral necessities and personal comforts of themselves and 
 families. 
 
 The convenience of utensils of Pottery, and the ease 
 and trifling expense with which they were fabricated, may 
 be supposed to incite the Britons very early to attempt the 
 manufacture of similar articles. When they first commenced 
 the Art, cannot be accurately determined ; but the remains 
 of old potteries, which have been discovered in several of 
 the counties of England, at different times, warrant the 
 conjecture of the period being long anterior to any authentic 
 historical records. 
 
 In taking down the (Nunnery Chapel) Church of 
 Parewell, in this County, in 1747, to rebuild it, at an 
 elevation of six feet, and several feet asunder in the south 
 ■wall, were found three ranges of vessels of very coarse 
 Pottery, covered with thin plaster; the mouths towards 
 the inside of the edifice, and several feet distant ; the 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 95 
 
 size of the smaller was 6 in. high, 3 in. over the mouth, 
 and 16^ in. in circumference; the others were 11|^ in. high, 
 4| at the mouth, and 24 in. circumference, (Harmer's 
 Erdeswick, p. 179.) 
 
 In the Philosophical Transactions, vol. xix. p. 319, is an 
 interesting account of an Old Pottery, at Newton, very 
 near Leeds, Yorkshire. Prior to the Christian era, vessels 
 containing spices and other articles were deposited with the 
 corpses of eminent persons ; and urns, vases, and bowls have 
 been extracted from barrows in different places in the 
 kingdom. 
 
 An interesting Fact may here be mentioned. — At the 
 mouth of the Thames behind Margate Sands, and in that 
 part called the Queen's Channel, in consequence of fisher- 
 men's nets occasionally drawing up, off" a shoal, coarse and 
 rudely formed vessels of earthenware, on which was neatly 
 impressed the name Attilianus ; the public curiosity was 
 awakened, .and it was found, that about 200 years before 
 Caesar invaded Britain, a small island was situated in that 
 particular spot where now is the shoal, and on this was a 
 small pottery, supposed to have been owned by the person 
 whose name is so singularly preserved to posterity. 
 
 There is mention of Britain by Cellarius, Geography, p. 
 16 ; Juhus Caesar, 186, 204 ; Aristotle, De Mundo. cap. iii. 
 p. 614. — Pliny mentions that Tin had been obtained from 
 Britain, B. C. 1847 ; and if we may place any confidence 
 in the opinion and research of Warburton, (Div. Leg. of 
 Moses,) and the author of Egyptian Antiquities reviewed, 
 our too-frequently disparaged nation was known among 
 "the Isles of the Gentiles." (Gen. x. i, 4.) B. C. 
 2200. 
 
96 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Altho' Britain produces a great variety of Clays, as well 
 as all the other materials required in the fabrication of the 
 best Porcelain and Pottery, yet as we did not possess any 
 specimens of exquisite workmanship in these branches, there 
 are no proofs that our ancestors were ever emulous to arrive 
 at eminence in the manufacture. On this account, some 
 persons have regarded the urns and vases as of Roman 
 Origin ; but we still incline to think, we may with equal 
 propriety regard them as native productions. We cannot 
 account for the prevalent desire to attribute all excel- 
 lence to the information relating from intercourse with 
 the Romans; and among the priesthood of the darker 
 ages, this seems to have operated greatly, in disregard of 
 the indisputable fact, that the Britons were a civilized 
 people, before the Romans, or even their city had exist- 
 
 We cannot suppose that the early Britons had com- 
 mercial connections similar to those of our day ; nor equal 
 fondness for manufacturing pursuits ; nor that studied 
 regard for convenience in domestic aiTangements ; nor that 
 there had been perception of elegance connected with com- 
 fort, prevalent in the majority of families not of the lowest 
 classes of society, for the last century so constantly progres- 
 sive. We need not therefore wonder that they did not 
 arrive at greater perfection in the art ; for want of stimulus ; 
 for exquisite pieces of workmanship in sculpture were pro- 
 duced by the English Artists, proving the existence of 
 adequate genius and skill ; yet leaving the working in clay, 
 probably as beneath their attention, or not any way in 
 demand. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 9T 
 
 CHAP. IV. 
 
 THE MANUFACTURE OF POTTERY, PRIOR TO 1700. 
 
 TO GREAT BRITAIN, a principal manufacturing 
 and commercial Nation, the Art of making Pottery and 
 Porcelain, is truly important ; whether viewed as conducing 
 to augment the national wealth, by increasing the value 
 of the mineral productions many hundred fold, providing 
 for national Exports to the amount of more than 
 a Million sterling annually ; or as affording unto a large 
 population of mechanics and artizans, a compensation for 
 labour and skill, enabling them with their families to live 
 in comfort, and thereby in some degree increasing the 
 sum of general happiness. 
 
 At several places on the European continent, during 
 more than 300 years, have been made the Common Stone- 
 ware, glazed with muriate of soda, and white enamel, whose, 
 glaze is a real glass opacous by white oxide of tin. And 
 we ought not to exclude our countrymen from all merit 
 in this department ; for numerous tiles still exist, formed 
 in the latter part of the 15th century, which evince that 
 the processes were well known, and that their manufacture 
 was connected with that of Pottery. 
 
 There exist documents which imply, that during many 
 centuries, considerable quantities of common culinary 
 articles were manufactured, of red, brown, and mottled 
 Pottery; easily made from a mixture of different Clays 
 found in most parts of the district; and a fine sort is 
 found in Hanley, and Shelton, which for a long while 
 served the various purposes of the Newcastle tobacco-pipe 
 makers. 
 
 The manufactories, in early times, were situated at the 
 
98 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 junction of public roads, for the two-fold purpose of pub- 
 licity and room ; and the fact is demonstrable, that wher- 
 ever one of these Sun Kiln Potteries was situated, a spacious 
 and commodious opening of the road remains ; witness in 
 Hanley, and Shelton, Burslem, and Lane End. How long 
 anterior to 1600, these Sun Kiln Potteries existed, cannot 
 now be ascertained ; but there were two at Bagnall, Golden 
 Hill, Tunstall, Brownhills, Holden Lane, Sneyd Green, 
 Botteslow, PenkhuU, Fenton, and Longton Lane, besides 
 others in the (pz-esent) towns. A few of these yet remain 
 in operation, (making the large red brick-like milk pans, 
 flower pots, and other coarse vessels ;) one is near the Meir 
 Lane Furnace ; another near to the Hanley Market-Hall ; 
 a third rather modernized at Golden Hill ; a very old one 
 at New Oxford, near Chell, and in other places also. 
 
 " The Sun Kiln is formed usually square, l6 to 20 feet in 
 €xtent each way, and about 18 inches deep; having at one 
 corner, a smaller place, deeper, and lined with slabs or flags. 
 The Clay, after being brought out of the mine is spread abroad 
 on the adjoining ground, and frequently turned over by the 
 spade during two or three seasons, that it may be well exposed 
 to the action of the atmosphere, {caXieA weathering.) — Into the 
 smaller vat a quantity of clay is thrown, and by a proper tool 
 plunged in the water by agitation, till all the heavier particles 
 and small stones sink to the bottom ; the fluid mass is next 
 poured into a sieve, thro' which it runs into the largest vat, 
 or Sun Kiln, until the whole surface is covered to the depth 
 of three or four inches, which is left to be evaporated by solar 
 action. When this is partially accomplished, another layer, 
 and a third, and fourth are added, until the mass is from 12 to 
 18 inches deep ; and the whole is then cut out, and placed in 
 a damp cellar for use. — In China the Clay is left exposed many 
 years, and the materials may be completely disintegrated and 
 decomposed ; and after it is prepared, the custom is to let it 
 remain many years before it is employed in the manufacture. 
 Indeed, sometimes the clay used, was first prepared by the 
 grandfather; and frequently by the father. — The properties 
 of the various Clays observed by the early Potters, and the 
 purposes for which they were employed, supply us with the 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 99 
 
 Roman Names — Tasconium the kind used for Crucibles ; Lencar- 
 gillion, a white kind for Furnaces ; Argil, the brown clay for 
 comnaon Pottery, and Terra Sigillaris, the finest grained kind, 
 for sealing, as already described. Tho' the names are Roman, 
 we are not to regard that people as our first Potters ; because 
 of the numerous proofs to the contrary. 
 
 " Porcelain Clay, is generally redish white, also greyish 
 and yellowish white, without lustre, or transparency. It 
 occurs either friable or compact, stains the fingers ; adheres 
 to the tongue ; is soft, but meagre to the feel ; and is easily 
 broken. Specificgravity about 2.3. It falls to pieces in water, 
 and by kneading becomes partially ductile. The Cornish 
 porcelain clay consists of 60 per cent, alumina, and 40 silex, 
 originates from the decomposition of felspar, and has the par- 
 ticles of quartz, mica, and talc, separated by eleutriation. 
 The Chinese kaolin also contains mica, and is probably of the 
 same origin as the Cornish. The same remark may be applied 
 to the French, &c. It is, however, by no means certain, that 
 all porcelain clay is derived from felspar, as it varies consider- 
 ably in its composition and fusibility ; all the kinds indeed are 
 infusible at any temperature less than a white heat ; but some, 
 especially the Japanese, are refractory in the most powerful 
 furnaces. Magnesian, or Steaiiiic Clay, is almost cream colour ; 
 its texture is minutely foliated ; it has a slight greasy lustre, 
 takes a polish from the nail. It stains the fingers, is very 
 friable, and to the touch smooth and unctuous. When 
 laid on the tongue it dissolves into a smooth pulp, without 
 any gritty particles. It is very plastic, and has a strong 
 argillaceous odour. It occurs in nodules, in a hard cellular 
 hornstone, called soap rock, that forms large mountainous 
 masses near Conway, in North Wales, and originates from the 
 decomposition of indurated steatite. Clay from Slate, is ash- 
 grey, passing into ochre-yellow : its texture is foliated ; it has 
 a smooth unctuous feel, and its silicious particles are so small 
 as to occasion scarcely any grittiness between the teeth. It 
 occurs in thin beds lining the bottoms of the peat-mosses, of 
 a white ash colour, deprived of iron and carbon by the acid of 
 the peat. Also in thicker beds at the foot of the mountains, 
 but of a darker colour, and less plastic. Clay from Shale, — 
 varies from greyish blue to bluish black : its texture is foliated ; 
 it has a smooth unctuous feel, takes a polish from the nail, 
 is excessively tenacious and ductile, with but a slight degree 
 of grittiness. It occurs abundantly in all collieries. A sandy 
 
100 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 clajfj greyer, and more refractory, is procured from the decom- 
 position of the indurated clay that forms the floor of the coal, 
 and is provincially called clunch. The Stourbridge clay, from 
 which crucibles, glass-house pots, &c., are made, is of this kind. 
 Marly Clay, is bluish, or brownish red : either compact or 
 foliated ; it has a soft unctuous feel, takes a polish by friction 
 with the nail, is very plastic, more or less gritty, though less so 
 than the common alluvial clay. It burns to a brick of a buff 
 or deep cream colour, and at a high heat is readily fused. It 
 effervesces strongly with acids, and contains from J to ^ of 
 carbonate of lime. It is largely employed as a manure, and 
 when the calcareous part does not exceed 10 or 1^ per cent., is 
 esteemed as a material for bricks. Alluvial Clay, contains a 
 large proportion of quartz sand, and rounded pebbles of vari- 
 ous kinds, showing it to have been carried from its native 
 situation, and mingled in its progress with a variety of extra- 
 neous bodies. Three kinds may be distinguished ; vis. Pipe 
 clay, potter's clay, and chalky clay. Pipe clay is of a greyish 
 or yellowish white colour, an earthy fracture, and a smooth 
 greasy feel ; it adheres to the tongue ; is very plastic and 
 tenacious ; when burnt is of a milk-white colour ; is with dif- 
 ficulty fusible, though much more so than porcelain clay, from 
 which it is further distinguished by superior plasticity, and 
 containing sand. It is manufactured into tobacco-pipes, and 
 is the basis of the white or queen's-ware pottery. — Potter's 
 clay is red, blue, or green ; with a fine earthy fracture, and a 
 soft, often greasy feel ; it adheres to the tongue, and is very 
 plastic ; burns to a hard, porous, red brick ; and in a higher 
 heat runs into a dark-coloured slag. When tempered with 
 water, and mixed with sand, it is manufactured into bricks : 
 the varieties most free from pebbles, are made into tiles and 
 coarse red pottery." — Aiken. 
 
 Solely thro' entire forgetfulness, or total disregard, 
 of the number of sites of Potteries which have been ex- 
 posed at different times in various parts of the district, 
 can the opinion be entertained, that the whole employ- 
 ment of the people was making Butter Pots, only once 
 used, and then discarded, or diverted to other purposes; 
 and being comparatively of little value, were not likely 
 to be either very fine in the material, or excellent in 
 the manufacture. Neither are the facts of their being 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 101 
 
 formed of the coarsest clay, and in the rudest manner, 
 proofs that the Butter Pot claims priority of date ; because 
 vessels for immediate use would always be invented before 
 others for mere convenience. Whoever will be at the 
 trouble to read the accounts formerly given of this district, 
 will find that at Burslem was a manufactory, called the 
 Butter Pottery, because Butter Pots were made there. And 
 Dr. Plott mentions that the greatest Pottery is at Burslem, 
 for making their several sorts of Pots. — We therefore con- 
 clude, that Butter Pots were only one branch of the manu- 
 facture. There is some incongruity in stating first, that 
 Jiw persons were employed ; — the quantity of goods manu- 
 factured was so inconsiderable ; — that Butter Pots chiefly 
 were made ; — and that the great sale of the goods was to 
 crate men ; — as Dr. Plott asserts. 
 
 Curiosity properly so called, does not remain satisfied 
 with mere survey of the surfaces of objects ; it strives to pry 
 into their conformation, and comprehend their properties ; 
 and rarely does the trouble fail of being amply compensated. 
 In examining Specimens, to illusti'ate the progress of the 
 Art in this district, we find all the materials are the produce 
 of the vicinity ; the Clays are those on the surface, and near 
 the strata of Coal, and the fine sand is from the hilly parts 
 of Baddeley Hedge and Mole Cob. At different successive 
 times the Potters, at pleasure, have varied these, and intro- 
 duced others; from the coarsest brick clay, only much 
 improved by weathering, blunging, sifting, and drying upon 
 the Sun Kiln, made into vessels, that were without any glaze ; 
 to the finer clays formed into other vessels, with a smooth 
 surface, on the inside of which pulverized lead ore was 
 dusted from a linen bag, and the ardent heat of the oven 
 partially vitrified it. 
 
 Pliny mentions that Anacharsis the Scythian formed the 
 Potter's Wheel, and taught Greece the Art of Pottery. This 
 
102 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 may be true, yet not prove that he invented the machine. 
 There is httle doubt, that he would learn this Art, in his pro- 
 gress to acquire information by travelling. There is also men- 
 tion of Potters many ages prior to the time of Anacharsis ; 
 and the Potter's Wheel was used in Egypt anterior to Greece 
 being colonized. See I Chron. IV. 22, 23. — 
 
 There is some probability that the Potter's Wheel men- 
 tioned in Sacred Scripture was much similar to that early 
 employed in this district, and now used at the coarse ware 
 potteries for throwing the large jowls, &c., of common clay, 
 which are circular and have a plain surface. This very 
 simple machine remained unimproved, until about 1750, 
 when a person named Alsager, one of the most ingenious 
 mechanics of the neighbourhood, desirous of rendering the 
 workman able to operate with greater precision and neat- 
 ness, added those parts which remain to distinguish the 
 present from the ancient wheel. No research has ascertained 
 the time, or the person, to whom must be assigned the 
 truly important improvement of Turning on the Lathe. 
 There has been mention, that it was suggested by the 
 method of turning Ornaments from Spar in Derbyshire ; 
 and another suggestion is, that Messrs. Elers, (hereafter 
 mentioned,) introduced it about 1692 ; but as there re- 
 main specimens, formed by being turned on the lathe, 
 long anterior to their time, it is deemed proper to leave the 
 subject as we found it. 
 
 There are some fractured specimens with partially 
 glazed or vitrified surfaces, which from the places 
 whence they were obtained under the foundations of 
 old potteries, destroyed almost a century ago — evi- 
 dently were made in some period long prior to any of 
 those whose era is clearly ascertained. Other specimens 
 fabricated about 1600, are large vessels for liquids, Joids, 
 Drink-steim, with a hole in the lowest and narrow end, 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 103 
 
 for a spigot or tap; Bottles, Jars, and Common Butter 
 Pots, of very coarse and inelegant workmanship, and highly 
 vitrified on the surface to prevent their being porous. 
 
 By what means the manufacturers produced this partial 
 glazing or vitrification, we have not been able to learn 
 satisfactorily ; but the fact is indisputable. It also causes 
 an opinion that a kind of Saggar was occasionally em- 
 ployed, to protect the finer ware. One idea here presents 
 itself. The antiquity of the name Sagger, (from the Heb. 
 sagar to burn ; and to this day applied as segar, to a 
 rolled leaf of tobacco for burning while its fumes are 
 inhaled,) proves a very early employment of this utensil, 
 tho' for what specific purpose we are not now informed. 
 Yet as the name denotes their use, it is extremely probable 
 that use has long existed, altho' the proportions of the 
 component materials requisite to bear the high tempera- 
 tures of our bisquet ovens, have been ascertained in 
 comparatively recent days. 
 
 Few if any branches of Manufacture equal that of 
 the Potter in affording opportunities for the exercise 
 of ingenuity and research. Great are the advantages 
 of making experiments, to persons of observant habits ; 
 and most of them conduce to general benefit, altho' not 
 wholly pertinent to the primary purposes of enquiry ; 
 hence we may reasonably suppose that very great im- 
 provements would have resulted, had the early manufac- 
 turers possessed a share of that knowledge of Chemistry 
 of late so much sought after and cultivated. 
 
 A Porringer, made in I606, exemplifies the ability of the 
 thrower, and stouker. It is formed of the fine brown clay, with 
 two loop handles neatly bended ; the sides are ornamented 
 with spots of whitish clay, impressed with a rude cross -f-, 
 formed by the end of a stick. A Jug which will hold three 
 
104 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 pints, is formed of the clay from the coal mines, which improves 
 in colour by being fired; but is of inferior workmanship to 
 the preceding. The crosses on this are of coarse brown clay. 
 The bottoms of both shew that they were placed on something 
 while in the oven ; and their glaze is from lead ore powder, 
 sprinkled or from a linen bag dusted on the vessels while in 
 clay. There is no proof that they were fired in saggers. A 
 Water Jug, of six quarts, is formed of the Brown Clay, in 
 the shape of Lambeth Brown ware ; glazed with lead ore in 
 some particular manner ; and from its singular appearance re- 
 garded as anterior to the Reformation. On various parts, very 
 thin lengths of clay, are affixed at the taste of the workman ; 
 ■on each side is a cross of clay of a different colour ; and in the 
 front, over a cross (t) in a circle, is a human face, with a long 
 beard, of either a monk or a druid. 
 
 These exhibit the early attempts at ornaments ; and 
 are regarded as suggesting the method which still exists, of 
 -applying leaves, sprigs, flowers, medallions, &c., in relief, and 
 formed of a different coloured clay. The Stouker (a vulgar- 
 ism from stick, to place or fasten,) was the workman who 
 affixed handles, spouts, and other appendages, for utility 
 or ornament ; and the Potter who could then (and even till 
 within the last 50 years) throw, stouk, lead, and Jinish, was 
 a good workman ; very few indeed being expert at more 
 than two or three branches. The different vessels for 
 domestic use, are variously ornamented, with several 
 loop handles stouked to the side^. The Drink Cups, 
 shaped like tall ale glasses, have two handles on the 
 prop; and all are glazed with lead ore. The Butter 
 Pots of this date are devoid of every kind of ornament, 
 and only some are partially glazed on the inside. 
 
 One Jug exhibits the mixture of Lead ore with the clay ; 
 the handles are better formed and fixed ; but the whole has a 
 palpable roughness, altho' it has evidently been subjected to 
 a very high degree of heat. The bright appearance of the 
 surface might suggest that salt had been some way introduced 
 while in the oven ; but the idea vanishes, when we reflect 
 that the consequent decomposition of the argillaceous particles 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 10,5 
 
 would have rendered the surface more smooth than it is. Two 
 Butter Pots, of 1640, made of the common clay, without any 
 glaze, have Cartwright, in rude letters, on a relief 2 inches 
 in diameter. This was a warranty that the Pots were of a 
 proper depth and weight ; for at this time, some were made to 
 Answer nefarious purposes, and deceive the dealers. 
 
 The common people of the district at the present day, 
 call Irish Tub Butter, Pot Butter. The porous pots would 
 imbibe the moisture of the butter, and lessen its weight ; 
 and those which were too heavy would similarly defraud the 
 purchaser. So that about 1670, Government officially in-' 
 terfered to compel all manufacturers of Butter Pots, at 
 Burslem, (most unauthorizedly called the Butter Pot Manu- 
 Jhctory, in a Map of the county published in 1757 ; tho' 
 neither Speed, Camden, nor Erdeswick so name ;) to make 
 them hard in quality, and in quantity to contain not less 
 than fourteen pounds avoirdupois, under a serious penalty 
 for non-observance. This person, Cartwright, cannot have 
 deserved the epithet of " a poor Butter Pot maker," by Plott 
 applied to some of those he visited ; for there is the proof 
 to the contrary still existing, in his handsome donation of 
 twenty pounds yearly to the poor of Burslem, for ever, 
 from the year 1658. ^ Tho' we must not suppose all others 
 equally affluent, we cannot help believing, from this be- 
 quest, at such a period, that Burslem contained other 
 potters who were not poor men. 
 
 " The butter they (the factors) buy by the Pot, of a long 
 cylindrical form, made at Burslem of a certain size, so as not 
 to weigh above six pounds at most, and to contain at least four- 
 teen pounds of butter, according to an Act of Parliament made 
 about fourteen or sixteen years ago, for regulating the abuses 
 of this trade in the make of the pots, and false packing of the 
 butter ; which before sometimes was laid good for a little depth 
 At the top, and bad at the bottom ; and sometimes set in rolls 
 ■only touching at the top, and standing hollow below at a great 
 distance from the sides of the pot : to prevent these little 
 country Moorelandish cheats (than whom no people whatever 
 
106 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 are esteemed more subtile) the factors keep a surveyor all the 
 summer here, who if he have good ground to suspect any of 
 the pots, tryes them with an instrument of iron made like a 
 cheese taster, only much larger and longer, called an auger or 
 butter boare, with which he makes proof (thrusting it in ob- 
 liquely) to the bottom of the pot ; so that they weigh none 
 (which would be an endless business) or very seldom ; nor do 
 they bore it neither, where they know their customer to be a 
 constant fair dealer." — Plott, p. 108, 109. 
 
 On Tuesday in Whitsun week, 1824, the late Mr. John 
 Riley, accompanied the author to inspect a curious and 
 beautiful specimen of Brown ware, made at the Green Head, 
 Burslem, and in the family of Mr. Richard Keys, almost a 
 century : — The vessel is a Quart Drink Mug, of a cylindrical 
 shape, rather wider but not flanged at the top, with a thin 
 edge. [The body is common clay, with a silicious mixture, 
 (tho' almost a century prior to the introduction of flint,) 
 obvious especially in the handles.] This is by the four 
 handles separated into four compartments, and four 
 persons might use it, yet each drink from his own place. 
 
 The four handles are double looped, and remarkably 
 well stouked on ; the outer surface has a deep groove, in 
 which is laid a twisted band of the red and whitish clays, the 
 bend of each has a button of whiter clay, & of this is also a hat 
 shaped ornament on the top of each upper loop, near the brim ; 
 and under is a small hole for the rarefied air to escape, to pre- 
 vent each being split while in the oven. Between the handles, 
 are ornaments, formed by either white clay slip, left to dry, 
 and afterwards impressed with a carved stick or tool ; or else 
 stuck on with a stick, and trimmed to its present form. These 
 are in embossed squares, G R above a dog, 1642 above a deer, 
 M H above a rosette, and a well made fleur-de-lis over a, 
 seal of a face ; and many drops of a white clay slip on the 
 other parts. The Initials warrant the conjecture that the ves- 
 sel was designed for being presented by one to the other party. 
 The glaze is chiefly of lead, and much like that used for com- 
 mon Cream Colour ; only the excess of quantity gives to the 
 white clay a yellowish tint, much like the inside of gloss sag- 
 gers. Mr. Riley remarked, that such pottery as this, cannot 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 107 
 
 be fired in an open oven ; and as the bottom exhibits marks, 
 of bits of broken pots, on which it was placed in the oven, we 
 must indulge the opinion that it was fired in a sagger. 
 
 At no very distant period, it was the custom for the whole 
 of a company to drink out of the same vessel ; and this speci- 
 men forcibly recalled the usage. William of Malmesbury says 
 " Formerly the vessels were regularly divided ; for, to prevent 
 quarrels. King Edgar commanded the drinking vessels to be 
 made with knobs on the inside at certain distances from each 
 other ; and decreed, that no person, under a certain penalty, 
 should either himself drink, or compel another to drink, at one 
 draught, more than from one of these knobs to another. "^ — 
 Book II. p. 31. 
 
 The specimens just described may have been placed 
 within larger vessels for firing, and it is possible that the 
 high degree of heat needful to fire the latter, may have so 
 affected as to vitrify the silicious particles along with the 
 lead. It is now well known that lead and silex will form 
 glass ; the lead increasing the fusibility of the silicious 
 materials, and improving their brightness. The introduc- 
 tion of one article after another, is usual in all manufac- 
 tures ; custom soon renders confident the workman who at 
 first was timid ; and experience quickly makes him familar 
 with the proportion of the kinds of clay, and other materials 
 required by the different sorts of Pottery. 
 
 The employment of different clays for the ornaments, 
 soon suggested their mixture, in this manner : on a piece 
 of clay laid on his bench, the workman very forcibly 
 slapped down another piece, differing in colour, and at 
 times a third piece ; the mass was frequently cut thro' 
 with a thin wire (usually brass) and slapped together, until 
 the whole had a beautiful scrolled appearance. And 
 several fractured specimens shew that these mixed clays, 
 often had addition of ochre, manganese, and fine sand, to 
 vary the colour. Some of the specimens of Dishes, Drink- 
 ing Mugs, Candlesticks, &c., formed of these mixed clays. 
 
108 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 have greet beauty of tint from the mixture, and are 
 rather curious in workmanship, the edges being ornamented 
 much similarly to the old pattern of marble paper. A well 
 shaped half-pint, with a handle evincing much ingenuity 
 and taste, as well as a common shaped Drinking Cup, prove, 
 the ability of the workman. The body is elegantly and 
 delicately streaked by the mixture of the different clays ; 
 but a rough surface shews that neither had been turned 
 in the lathe, to smooth the outer, nor had there been any 
 attempt to polish the inner surface. The articles made 
 "were not as level as those now manufactured, especially 
 the Flat Ware ; warranting the opinion that saggers were 
 not generally employed. Two circular 20-inch dishes, 
 made in 1650, have Thomas Sans, Thomas Toft, in rude 
 letters of different clay. They evince much improvement 
 in the quality and ornaments of the ware. The body is 
 •of the common brown and whitish clay ; the ledge has a 
 neat border of reticulated shreds of clay, the lower whitish, 
 the upper brown ; the central parts have other coloured 
 ■figures ; the intervals are coloured by manganese ; and the 
 upper surface only of the whole is glazed with lead ore. 
 
 About 1680, the method of Glazing with Salt, was 
 suggested by an accident ; and we give the names of 
 the parties as delivered down . by tradition. In this as 
 in many other improvements in Pottery, a close investi- 
 gation of one subject bias frequently reflected fresh light 
 upon another; something altogether unexpected has 
 been presented to notice; and not unfrequently from 
 an incident comparatively trivial has resulted a dis- 
 covery of paramount importance. At Stanley Farm, 
 (a short mile from the small Pottery of Mr. Palmer, 
 at Bagnall, five miles east of Burslem,) the sei-vant of 
 Mr. Joseph Yates, was boiling, in an earthen vessel, 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 109' 
 
 a strong lixivium of common salt, to be used some way in 
 curing pork ; but during her temporary absence, the liquor 
 effervesced, and some ran over the sides of the vessel, quickly 
 causing them to become red hot ; the muriatic acid de- 
 composed the surface, and when cold, the sides were par- 
 tially glazed. Mr. Palmer availed himself of the hint 
 thus obtained, and commenced making a fresh sort — the 
 common Brown Ware of our day ; and was soon followed 
 by the manufacturers in Holden Lane, Green Head, and 
 Brown Hills ; the proximity of their situation to the Salt- 
 Wyches, affording great facility for procuring the quantity 
 of Salt required for their purposes. 
 
 At this period, 1670, pulverized lead ore became very 
 commonly used for glazing the vessels ; and to prevent 
 the ornamental parts being injured by the fire, and the 
 glaze being discoloured by the sulphurous vapour from 
 the coals, the employment of Saggers became general ; 
 but they were not prepared of determinate proportions 
 of marl. This was a discovery of much later date. — Tiles 
 glazed in this manner, having the initials of persons' names„ 
 and dates from 1670 to 1700, may be seen in the fronts of 
 old houses, in the district. 
 
 About 1685, Mr. Thomas Miles, of Shelton, mixed 
 with the whitish clay found in Shelton, some of the fine 
 sand from Baddeley Hedge, and produced a rude kind of 
 White Stone Ware; and another person of the same 
 name, of Miles's Bank, Hanley, produced the Brown 
 Stone Ware of that day, by mixing the same kind of 
 sand with the Can Marl obtained from the coal pits. 
 Other manufacturers soon followed, and various kinds of 
 Pottery resulted. Some of the specimens are glazed with 
 lead ore, and others with salt ; some have only the inside. 
 
no RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 ■others have both sides glazed; and all of them manifest 
 considerable improvement in quality, shapes, and orna- 
 mental workmanship. 
 
 A Jar has a medallion of William and Mary, red and 
 white roses, some trees, and a yeoman of the guard on each 
 side. A four quart jug has in relief a Bacchanalian scene, a 
 bull bait, a fox hunt, and some trees. The middle part of a 
 punch bowl has four fishes, two Lions, and a flower ; and the 
 border is ornamented with three rows of square bits of white 
 clay, placed regularly to form a chequer band. A deep flour 
 Mug, with two handles, has been coated with whitish clay, 
 and then a zigzag scroll, flowers, leaves, and fruits, have been 
 formed by scraping off the other coating. These are of white 
 Stone Ware. The Specimens of the other kind. Brown, are 
 vessels, with the sides ornamented by medallions, and the 
 Initials, WM. WR. AR. beneath a crown. 
 
 These improvements caused attention to be given in 
 reference to body, glaze, and workmanship, by the Burslem 
 Manufacturers ; and in consequence we find Crouch Waue 
 first made there in 1690. Indeed we may mention, to their 
 credit, that almost every new kind of Pottery, was first made 
 by them, and the successive improvements are mere results 
 of introducing materials of a different kind with most or all 
 of those previously used. In making Crouch Ware, the com- 
 mon Brick Clay, and fine Sand from Mole Cob, were first 
 used ; but afterwards the Can Marl and Sand, and some 
 persons used the dark grey clay from the coal pits and sand, 
 for the body ; and Salt glaze ; to each bushel the principal 
 Potters added a pint of Red Lead powder. The specimens 
 are jugs, cups, dishes, &c., some of them so well finished, as 
 to induce the opinion that the Tivrning Lathe was now 
 beginning to be employed. The different clays are used 
 to form figures of animals, &c., with considerable taste 
 and elegance, as already described ; and in this manner 
 is ornamented and painted a twenty inch circular Dish, 
 with W. Rich, 1702. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. Ill 
 
 those neat and varied shapes adopted in the next stage of im- 
 provement. This kind of Pottery possesses several excellent 
 properties ; tho' not manufactured now in this District. It 
 is cleanly in appearance, of a very compact texture, durable, 
 and not easily affected by change of temperature. There 
 are some curious specimens of vessels fused accidentally by 
 the increased temperature after the salt had been cast into 
 the oven. The loss occasioned by the too high vitrification^ 
 for some time prevented the observation that an inferior 
 kind of Porcelain was thus unintentionally produced ; for 
 the thinnest pieces have semi-transparence, but were re- 
 garded as of little value because sooner affected than the 
 
 o 
 
 other by increase, or sudden change, of heat. Before Lathes 
 were used, the very vulgar epithet of Arsing was given to 
 the method of getting the clay out of the under part of 
 mugs, bottles, &c., which was effected by placing the chum 
 ' on the wheel block, and then while in motion the workman 
 cut it out. 
 
 Up to the conclusion of the 17th century, all the kinds of 
 Pottery, whether glazed with lead ore, or with salt, was fired ' 
 only once. The oven was always adapted to the quantity 
 of Articles made during each week ; and no manufacturer 
 of that period fired more than one oven full weekly, com- 
 mencing on the Thursday night, and finishing about mid- 
 day on Saturday. There were about twenty-two ovens 
 then in Burslem, and its vicinity, each with eight mouths, 
 at equal distances; and around those used for Crouch 
 ware, was a scaffold, on which the fireman stood to cast in 
 the salt. This proves the inaccuracy of the statement in 
 Parkes's Chemical Catechism, p. 102, — "this method of 
 o-lazing earthenware with salt, was introduced into England 
 by two Brothers from Holland, of the name of Elers, 
 about the year 1700. They settled in the neighbour- 
 
112 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 hood of the StafFordshu'e Potteries ; and it is remarkable 
 that the alarm occasioned by the fumes which spread over 
 the country, obliged them to leave it." It had long been 
 well known, that Common Table Salt, or Muriate of Soda, 
 is immediately decomposed on being gradually poured into 
 a fire ; and it was easily believed, and successfully proved} 
 that the result would be similar, was it to be poured into a 
 potter's oven, at a certain stage of the process during a high 
 excess of temperature. The Saggers were therefore adapted 
 to the purpose, by being formed with holes in their sides 
 to admit the vapours, and the ware was so placed in them, 
 that every part might be affected. The muriatic acid, 
 evolved by the intense heat, from the soda, in the form of 
 vapour highly charged with alkaline particles was dispersed 
 all through every interstice of the oven and its contents of 
 saggers and ware, completely covering all, and acting on 
 the small portion of silica, and the alumina of the body, 
 partially decomposed the latter, to which the former united 
 while in a state of liquefaction, and the surface of all the 
 vessels became wholly vitrified. Of most bodies, great heat 
 causes the particles to expand and occupy a larger space ; 
 but the fact is indisputable, that the particles of vessels of 
 Pottery, on cooling, are more closely united, and the dimen- 
 sions of the mass diminished. 
 
 The employment of salt in glazing Crouch Ware, 
 was a long time practised before the introduction of 
 white Clay and Flint. The vast volumes of smoke 
 and vapours from the ovens, entering the atmosphere, 
 produced that dense white cloud, which from about 
 eight o'clock till twelve on the Saturday morning, (the 
 time of finng-wp, as it is called,) so completely en- 
 veloped the whole of the interior of the town, as to 
 cause persons often to run against each other ; travel- 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 113 
 
 lers to mistake the road ; and strangers have mentioned it 
 as extremely disagreeable, and not unlike the smoke of 
 Etna and Vesuvius. But a murky atmosphere is not re- 
 garded by the patriotic observer, who can view thro' it, an 
 industrious population, employed for the benefit of them- 
 selves and their country, and behold vast piles of national 
 wealth enhanced by individual industry. This temporary 
 inconvenience entailed on the district the character of 
 being unhealthy, but the contrary is the fact ; as may be 
 seen every day in the very old persons living ; and proved 
 by consulting the Bills of Mortality. It is now fruitful, 
 but old people regard it as less so than when glazing with 
 salt was practised. The vapours destroyed the insects per- 
 nicious to vegetation ; and altho' fruit was covered with 
 carbonaceous filaments, the labour of cleaning it was amply 
 compensated by the superabundance. 
 
 Being now arrived at the date when Dr. Plott visited 
 this district, it is very probable we should incur censure^ 
 were we to omit his comprehensive detail of the Processes 
 then practised ; we therefoire give them verbatim. " The 
 greatest Pottery (says Dr. Plott, History of Stafibrdshire^ 
 chap iii. sees. 28-29) they have in this County, is carryed 
 on at Bwrskm, near Newcdstle-vnder-Lyme, where for 
 making their several sorts of Pots, they have as many 
 different sorts of Clwy, which they dig round about the' 
 Towne, all within half a mile distance, the best being 
 found nearest the cocde, and are distinguish't by their 
 colours and uses as followeth : Bottle Clay, of a bright, 
 whitish streaked yellow colour. Hard Fire Clay, of a 
 duller whitish colour, and fuller intersperst with a dark 
 yellow, which they use for their bla^k wares, being mixt 
 with the Red Blendkng Clay, which is of a dirty red colour.. 
 White Clay, so called it seems though of a blewish colour,. 
 
114 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 and used for making yellow-coloured ware, because yellow 
 is the lightest colour they make any Ware of; all which 
 they call throwing clays, because they are of a closer tex- 
 ture, and will work on the wheel ; which none of the^three 
 ■other clays, they call Slips, will any of them doe, being of 
 looser and more friable natures; these mixed with water 
 they make into a consistence thinner than a Syrup, so that 
 being put into a bucket it will run out through a Quill, 
 this they call Slip, and is the substance wherewith they 
 paint their wares; whereof the first sort is called the 
 Orange Slip, which before work't, is of a greyish colour 
 mixt with orange balls, and gives the ware (when annealed) 
 an orange colour. The White Slip; this before it is 
 work't, is of a dark blewish colour, yet makes the ware 
 yellow, which being the lightest colour they make of, they 
 call it (as they did the clay above) the white Slip. The 
 Red Slip, made of a dirty reddish clay, which gives wares 
 a black colour ; neither of which clays or Slips must have 
 any gravel or Sand in them ; upon this account, before it 
 be brought to the wheel they prepare the clay by steeping 
 it in water in a square pit, till it be of a due consistence ; 
 then they bring it to their beating board, where with a 
 long Spatula they beat it till it be well mix't ; then being 
 first made into great squarish rolls, it is brought to the 
 wageing board, where it is slit into flat thin pieces with a 
 Wire, and the least stones or gravel pick't out of it. This 
 being done, they wage it, i. e. knead or mould it like 
 bread, and make it into round balls proportionable to 
 their work, and then 'tis brought to the wheel, and formed 
 as the Workman sees good. 
 
 " When the Potter has wrought the clay either into 
 hollow or flat ware, they are set abroad to dry in fair 
 weather, but by the fire in foule, turning them as they see 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 115 
 
 occasion, which they call whaving : when they are dry 
 they sto%ik them, i. e. put Ears and HaivUes to such Ves- 
 sels as require them : These also being dry, they then Slip 
 or paint them with their several sorts of Slip, according as 
 they designe their work, when the first Slip is dry, laying 
 on the others at their leasure, the Orange Slip making the 
 ground, and the white and red, the paint; which two 
 colours they break with a wire brush, much after the man- 
 ner they doe when they marble paper, and then cloud them 
 with a pensil when they are pretty dry. After the vessels 
 are painted, they lead them, with that sort of Lead Ore 
 they call Smithum which is the smallest Ore of all, beaten 
 into dust, finely sifted and. strewed upon them; which 
 gives them the gloss, but not the colour ; all the colours 
 being chiefly given by the variety of Slips, except the 
 Motley colour, which is procured by blending the Lead 
 with Manganese, by the Workmen call'd Magnus. But 
 when they have a mind to shew the utmost of their skill 
 in giving , their wares a fairer gloss than ordinary, they 
 lead them then with lead calcined into po'jyder, which they 
 also sift fine and strew upon them as before, which not 
 only gives them a higher gloss, but goes much further too 
 in their work, than Lead Ore would have done. 
 
 " After this is done, they are carried to the Oven, which 
 is ordinarily above eight foot high, and about six foot wide, 
 of a I'ound copped forme, where they are placed one upon 
 another from the bottom to the top : if they be ordinary 
 wares such as cylimdricall Butter-pots, &c. that are not 
 leaded, they are exposed to the naked fire, and so is all 
 their _^a^ ware though it be leaded, haveing only parting- 
 shards, i. e. thin bits of old pots put between them, to keep 
 them from sticking- together : But if they be leaded hollow- 
 wares, they do not expose them to the naked fire, but put 
 
116 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 them in shragers, that is, in coarse metall'd pots, made of 
 marie (not clay) of divers formes according as their wares 
 require, in which they put commonly three pieces of clay 
 called Bobbs for the ware to stand on, to keep it from 
 sticking to the Shragers : as they put them in the shragers 
 to keep them from sticking to one another (which they 
 would certainly otherwise doe by reason of the leading) 
 and to preserve them from the vehemence of the Jire, which 
 else would melt them down, or at least warp them. In 
 twenty four hours an Oven of Pots will be burnt, then 
 they let the Jire goe out by degrees, which in ten hours 
 more will be perfectly done, and then they draw them for 
 Sale, which is chiefly to the poor Crate-men, who carry 
 them at their backs all over the Country, to whom they 
 reckon them by the piece, i. e. Quart, in hollow ware, so 
 that six pottle, or three gallon bottles make a dosen, and so 
 more or less to a dosen, as they are of greater or lesser con- 
 tent. 'Yh.ejlat wares are also reckon'd by pieces and dosens, 
 but not (as the hollow) according to their content, but their 
 different bredths," 
 
 As some labourers were digging for gravel in the open fields 
 of Litlington, in this county, a few years ago, they discovered 
 the foundation of a wall, that enclosed a quadrangular area of 
 34 yards by 24, running parallel with, and at the distance of 
 about ten yards from that ancient Roman road, called the 
 Ashwell Street, the line of communication between the Ro- 
 man stations at Ashwell and Chesterford. Within this area 
 were found a number of quite perfect earthenware urns, of 
 various sizes and forms, containing human bones and ashes ; 
 also a variety of paterae, patellae, simpula, some with one 
 handle, others with two, ampullae and lacrymatories of different 
 sizes and shapes. Some of the urns are composed of a red, 
 and others of a black argillaceous earth ; those of the red being- 
 much the hardest and most durable ; many of the black being 
 in a state of great decay, and some of them when disturbed by 
 the spade of the labourer, fell to pieces. There was only one 
 coin found, with the head of Trajan on one side, and on the 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 117 
 
 reverse Britannia leaning on a shield, above the letters brit. 
 The spot of ground upon which this discovery was made, is 
 called, in ancient deeds " Heaven's Walls," and lies at the 
 bottom of a hill, on the summit of which is a tumulus, called 
 "Limbury," and sometimes " Limbloe-hill." 
 
 For more than a Century prior to Dr. Plott's visit, at the 
 two Potteries at Red Street, were made considerable quantities 
 of all kinds of Vessels then used ; and during the early part 
 of the eighteenth century, the manufacturers there, named 
 Elijah Mayer, (who perished near Ulverston,) and Moss, fab- 
 ricated greater quantities of Pottery than any others of the 
 whole district. A descendant of one family, subsequently 
 in possession of one of these Manufactories, much wished to 
 impress the notion, that these two had made more than all 
 other Potters conjointly. We may allow a little latitude 
 for family partiality; but having positive proofs of the 
 mistaken views of our correspondent, we can do justice t)o 
 the merits of the parties. 
 
 CHAP. V. 
 
 THE IXTKODUCTION OF BED PORCELAIN, BY MESSRS. ELERS, 
 OF BRADWELL, 1690. 
 
 THAT Messrs. Elers effected important improvements, 
 and extended the knowledge of the processes in the Art, 
 cannot reasonably be doubted ; but as much hyperbole has 
 been employed, and great obscurity attaches to the subject, 
 we have exercised much care in the enquiries concerning 
 them ; and by means of information from Mr. Richard Broad, 
 now eighty-eight years of Age, whose father owned property 
 nearly adjoining; and also, by other accounts from the 
 
118 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 family of Marsh, who occupied the premises immediately 
 afterwards ; with corroborative proofs from specimens still 
 remaining, we hope to supply a correct account of the per- 
 sons and their manufacture. The East India Companies, 
 both Dutch and English, were now supplying Europe with 
 unglazed red porcelam, as well as the white kind, beauti- 
 fully ornamented, and called China. The difficulty of 
 finding natural clays equally pure with those of China, 
 made it not easy to imitate the red Porcelain ; which was 
 first attempted, and appears to have supplied the name: 
 How the persons in question came to know that Bradwell 
 would supply them with a beautiful Red Clay, peculiarly 
 fine in grain and colour ; and also coals for their purposes, 
 with trifling expense and labour, cannot be ascertained ; 
 but such is the fact ; — and in the field west of Brownhills 
 toll bar, at this day, is a vein of the same clay, occasionally 
 used by the Potters for a dip. 
 
 About 1690, Messrs. Elers, settled at Bradwell, (from 
 Nuremberg,) where they had a small manufactory, and 
 according to tradition, another also at Dimsdale, both in 
 very secluded situations, and at a distance from the public 
 roads ; scarcely discernible from Burslem, and only partially 
 so from the manufactories at Red Street. Here for some 
 time, the brothers made Red Porcelain unglazed Tea Pots, 
 merely of the fine red clay of Bradwell, and a small pro- 
 portion of the ochreous clay from Chesterton, to vary the 
 shade ; and also Black Porcelain, or Egyptian, by adding 
 manganese in proportions agreeable to the dark shade 
 wished for. The remaining specimens shew that some 
 degree of success resulted ; the price was from twelve 
 to twenty -four shillings each, they have a fine grain, 
 and are excellent in form and every quality except 
 ornaments, (which are coarse and gTotestjue,) and will 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. UJ) 
 
 ever manifest the ingenuity and enterprize of their fabri- 
 cators. Being extremely jealous lest any purchaser or 
 visitor should approach the scene of their operations, be- 
 tween the two factories was preserved a mode of communica- 
 tion to intimate the approach of any persons supposed to 
 be intruders. Their servants were the most ignorant and 
 stupid persons they could find ; and an idiot was employed 
 to turn the thrower's wheel. Each person was locked in 
 the place where he was employed ; and such was the pre- 
 caution to preserve the supposed secret, that, previously to 
 the few work people retiring at night, each was subjected 
 to a strict examination. In this state the processes were 
 pursued, when a person named Twyford, from Shelton, 
 obtained employment under them, and had sufficient pru- 
 dence to manifest entire carelessness and indifference to 
 every operation he witnessed or participated. 
 
 A very singular method of ascertaining all their pro- 
 cesses, is cun-ently reported to have been adopted by 
 another person named Astbury ; (known by his acquaint- 
 ance as very acute and ingenious, and well capacitated 
 to effect all requisite developments.) — Having assumed 
 the garb and appearance of an idiot, with all proper 
 vacancy of countenance, he presented himself before the 
 manufactory at Bradwell, and submitted to the cuffs, 
 kicks, and unkind treatment of masters and workmen, 
 with a ludicrous grimace, as the proof of the extent of 
 his mental ability. When some food was offered him, 
 he used only his fingers to convey it to his mouth ; and 
 only when helped by other persons, could he understand 
 how to perform any of the labours to which he was 
 directed. He next was employed to move the treadle of 
 an Engine Lathe, a very different machine from those of 
 this day, and by perseverance in his assumed character, he 
 
120 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 had opportunity of witnessing every process, and examining 
 every utensil they employed. On returning home each 
 evening, he formed models of the several kinds of imple- 
 ments and made memorandums of the processes ; which 
 practice he continued a considerable time, (near two years 
 is mentioned,) until he ascertained that no further informa- 
 tion was likely to be obtained ; when he availed himself of 
 a fit of sickness, to continue at home : and this was repre- 
 sented as most malignant, to prevent any persons visiting 
 him. After his recovery he was found so sane, that Messrs. 
 Elers deemed him unfit longer to remain in their service, 
 and he was discharged, without suspicion that he possessed 
 a knowledge of all their manipulations. 
 
 Only a short time subsequently elapsed, ere they found 
 that no longer were their operations secret ; and mortified 
 at the fact that their precaution had been unavailing, dis- 
 gusted by the inquisitiveness of the Burslem potters, and 
 convinced that they were too far distant from the principal 
 market for their productions, they at length discontinued 
 manufacture at Bradwell, and removed to a manufactory 
 in the vicinity of London, where a branch of the family 
 now is resident. And, as it is known that an Establish- 
 ment for manufacturing Porcelain, was in operation at 
 Chelsea, between 1720 and 1730, (the era of Reaumur's 
 analytical investigation of the materials and specimens 
 sent from China,) there is great probability that in this 
 manufactory the Messrs. Elers were concerned. 
 
 We have obtained the following information concern- 
 ing the Oven which has been mentioned as having cast 
 forth such tremendous volumes of smoke and flame, as 
 were terrific to the inhabitants of Burslem, and occasioned 
 that misunderstanding and persecution which ultimately 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 121 
 
 caused Messrs. Elers to quit their residence : — The Oven 
 itself had Jive mouths, but neither holes over the inside 
 flues or bags, to receive the salt, had any been used by 
 them ; nor scaffold on which the person might stand to 
 throw it in. The foundations were very distinctly to be 
 seen in 1808, tho' now covered by an enlargement of the 
 barn. E. Wood, and J. Riley, Esqrs., both separately 
 measured the inside diameter of the remains, at stboxxtjive 
 feet ; while other ovens, of the same date, in Burslemi 
 were ten or twelve feet. Mr. John Mountford, twenty- 
 seven years since ; took down the remains of the oven, 
 and he states that the height was about seven feet, but 
 not like the salt glaze ovens. It was adapted to fire 
 choice articles; and as the most careful research and 
 enquiry in every direction near the spot, supply frag- 
 ments of Red unglazed Porcelain, and Blue Pottery, 
 (probably made by Mr. Cookworthy, or his relation Mr. 
 Marsh, who succeeded Messrs. Elers, at Bradwell farm ; 
 and whose relation, Jacob Marsh, Esq., now resides at 
 Lane End,) there is every probability that only the Red 
 Porcelain, and Black, were made here, as the oven is only 
 adapted for such productions. 
 
 We may also mention, that the Salt glazed Pottery of 
 that time, was comparatively cheap ; and the oven, being 
 fired only once each week, required to be large, to hold a 
 quantity sufficient to cover the contingent expenses. Hence 
 we find the ovens were large, and high, and had holes in 
 the dome, to receive the salt cast in to effect the glazing- 
 And, had the processes of Messrs. Elers been so terrific, as 
 to cause the Burslem potters to flock to Bradwell, in 
 astonishment at the smoke and flames from so small an 
 oven ; there must have been very quickly effected a 
 complete change, for Twyford and Astbury, commenced 
 
132 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 and carried forward, manufactories of Red Porcelain, 
 and White Pottery glazed with salt, amidst many small 
 thatched dwellings in Shelton, some of which remain to 
 our day. 
 
 CHAP. VI. 
 
 PROGRESS OF THE MANUFACTURE FROM 1700 TO MR. WEDGWOOD's 
 COMMENCEMENT IN 1760. 
 
 Prior to Dr. Plott's visit, the manufacturers must have 
 had a mediocrity of business, as well as regular methods of 
 disposing of their productions thro' the country. These 
 were the Coarse Red, mottled and cloudy, black, and 
 yellow wares. A suitable clay was used for the body ; and 
 other kinds were mixed with water, and the liquid applied 
 on the surface, to produce many shades of colour, and orna- 
 ments much similar to old patterns of mgrbled paper. 
 
 The Specimens are some glazed with lead, others with salt, 
 and some wholly without glaze, or in the vocabulary of our 
 day dry bodies ; remarkably v.iried in kinds and appearance, 
 and the Coffee and Tea pots have shapes varying with the 
 fancy of the workman ; heart shaped, globose, spheroidal, on 
 feet, conoid, octagonal, and many other whimsical forms, with 
 the spouts and handles equally singular and curious. A spheroi- 
 dal Tea Pot, which will hold two quarts, has the spout and 
 handle well fixed on in imitation of a piece of vine branch ; and 
 on the bend of the vessel are leaves and fruit. Another Speci- 
 men has some embossed work on it. And some smaller Tea 
 Pots have leaves in white clay. As none of the surfaces of 
 these have been turned in the lathe, we must regard turning 
 as yet only partially introduced. The Ornaments in relief 
 were formed by scraping away with the point of an iron nail, 
 the superfluous mass when dry, of either the body or dip, 
 leaving the representations of flowers, &c., a little raised on 
 the same principle as the sculptor cuts away the superabun- 
 dant mass of materials. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 12S 
 
 Dr. Plott mentions, that "at this time a tobacco-pipe 
 maker, of Newcastle, named Charles Rigg, employed to 
 make very good Pipes, three sorts of clay, a white, and a 
 blue, which he has from between Shelton and Hanley Green 
 [now Filcher's and Kirkham's marl pits,] whereof the blue 
 clay burns the whitest, but not sojull as the white; i. e. 
 it shrinks more," p. 121. Some of the Red was of the 
 kind now frequently seen in best Flower Pots; of rather 
 a dark tint, but beautiful grain, because the clay had 
 been passed thro' fine hair sieves. 
 
 At this time also were made the first attempts at the 
 ware now called Egyptian Black ,- by employing the black 
 clay only for jugs and Tea Pots; which being rich with 
 basaltes, and saturated with oxide of iron, became very 
 black when fired. Several specimens are onamented with 
 figures, in other clays, of leaves, and fruit; and a small 
 white Tea Pot has these in black clay. Some of the black 
 Tea Pots are glazed, but not all ; and the stouking branch 
 seems improved in all the specimens. In 1820, very near 
 the front of the Bursleni Free School, at the depth of 
 almost ten feet beneath the surface of the then existing 
 highways, which were being lowered for public convenience, 
 were found two Butter Pots, of 1645, and several other 
 specimens of early pottery, in a hole from which clay 
 had been taken formerly, and which had been filled with 
 refuse articles. One is a jet black Tea Pot, globose in 
 shape, with three mole feet on the bottom, evidently of 
 clay with some manganese, and finely glazed with lead 
 ore ; the spout, handle, and feet, fixed in a superior 
 manner. None of these exhibit any of the white dip or 
 wa^sh, so prevalent in 1710 ; and therefore probably it had 
 not been introduced when they were buried. — This kind of 
 ware was much in request about 1740, and Thomas and 
 
124 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 John Wedgwood manufactured great quantities, long 
 before they erected the Big House. 
 
 In the Egyptian Black Clay of the present day, a propor- 
 tion of Car is introduced ; it is an oxide of iron suspended in 
 the water drained from the Coal Mines, and procured thus : — 
 Being of a specific gravity greater than that of water, it 
 forms a sediment at the bottom of the channel of the stream 
 that conveys it from the mine : when a considerable quantity 
 is thus lodged in a certain space, the stream, to that extent, 
 is diverted from its usual course ; and the car is thrown out 
 of the channel, from whence the water has been turned off, 
 upon the adjoining banks ; where it remains till dry. Some- 
 times small pits or ponds are made on the adjoining banks, 
 and the car is scooped from the bottom of the channel, and 
 thrown into them, without diverting the course of the water. 
 When it is sufficiently dry, it is sold at the rate of one guinea 
 per cart-load. Being very useful for Busts, &c., Mr. Josiah 
 Wedgwood, prepared it of a superior quality in grain, and 
 blacker in colour ; and obtained a patent for its entire appli- 
 cation. His numerous beautiful productions of this body 
 remain unrivalled. But the patent was given up, in conse- 
 quence of Mr. Palmer, of Hanley, satisfactorily proving, that 
 the articles had been used some time before Mr. Wedgwood 
 ■commenced business. 
 
 At the time we are now noticing, any manufacturer 
 who was a Freeholder, in Burslem, without molestation 
 exercised his (then supposed) right of taking clay, or coals, 
 or both, from any unenclosed or unenfranchised land in the 
 liberty, at any time, and in whatever quantity he might 
 require ; and this right (which was well remembered by 
 many persons alive in 1803,) was exercised to so great an 
 ■extent on the Sneyd Estate, (then the property of Parker, 
 Earl of Macclesfield,) that only was a stop put to the 
 practice by the Earl paying a considerable sum for 
 ■enfranchising the Estate. Prior to using the Salt Glaze 
 and Biddeford Clay, all the clays and much of the 
 ■coals for the twenty-two ovens, weekly filled with Crouch, 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES 125 
 
 Glazed Black, Mottled, Cloudy, Moulded, &c., were obtained 
 from holes in the streets and sides of the lanes ; and all of 
 these are not yet filled up with refuse articles. 
 
 Coals were known before the arrival of the Romans, whO' 
 had not even a name for them, though Theophrastus describes 
 them very accurately, at least three centuries before the time 
 of Caesar; and as then known to workers in brass.— Brand 
 observes that they were not mentioned under the Danish usur- 
 pation, nor under the Normans, but were known in the reign 
 of Henry III. In 1366 they were prohibited in London as a 
 nuisance, but used in the Palace in 1321, and became soon after 
 an important article of commerce. In 1512 they were not 
 always used, because not having got to the main stratum, people 
 complained 'that they would not burn without wood.' — The 
 best were then sold at 5s. a chaldron, a bad sort at 4s. 2d. 
 Excepting blacksmiths, they were used in the seventeenth 
 century, under the name of sea coal, by the lower orders, who 
 could not afford to buy wood ; and in sacks upon men's backs 
 they were hawked about the streets. 
 
 The native clays are all metalliferous, each having a 
 portion of oxide of iron. But the clays from Dorset and 
 Devon, used by the tobacco-pipe makers, have all their im- 
 purities extracted before they are vended to the purchasers. 
 In the present day, it is well known that every coloured clay 
 has its tinge from a metallic oxide, and that pure clay is. 
 white. During this period, and a considerable time subse- 
 quent, the Clays from the south of England, were called 
 Chester Clay, because received here from that city. They 
 possess every property requisite for their designed purpose ; 
 being extremely white when fired, owing to being scarcely 
 impregnated with oxide of iron, which would make the 
 ware yellow or red in proportion to the quantity in the clay. 
 
 Mr. Twyford commenced business near Shelton 
 Old Hall, the seat of Elijah Fenton's family ; and the 
 
126 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 ■only known specimen of his manufacture, is a jug made for 
 T. Fenton, Esq., at this day in the possession of a de- 
 scendant of the same name, residing at the Lodge ; below 
 PenkhuU ; of whom we may observe that great professional 
 ability is in him joined with philanthropy, and a readiness 
 to accelerate every meritorious enterprize. 
 
 Mr. Astbury commenced also in Shelton, near Vale 
 Lane, at first. And both these persons made Red, Crouch, 
 and White Stone Wares ; using lead ore glaze for some 
 "vessels, and salt for those of more value. Mr. Astbury 
 very soon began to employ the Pipe Clay, from Biddeford, 
 mixed with water, with which the inner surface of culinary 
 vessels was washed, and when fired, had a white appear- 
 ance, different from the smoky hue of those glazed with 
 lead ore, and also from the grey brick-like colour of the 
 others glazed with salt. This excited him to further 
 endeavours; the pipe clay was levigated until only the 
 finest particles were suspended in the water, forming a 
 liquid substance like cream ; he also tried this clay and 
 the Shelton marl, for his white ware, with such success, 
 that he soon rejected the native clays entirely, and made 
 White Dipped or White Stone Ware, by a very easy 
 "transition from the Crouch ware. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Heath, of Lane Delph, in 1710, made a 
 good kind of Pottery, by mixing with his other clay a 
 species obtained from the coal mines, which by high firing 
 became a light grey ; and his Pottery is of a durable kind, 
 not easily affected by change or excess of temperature. 
 Mr. Heath is still remembered by very old persons in Lane 
 Delph. — He lived to a very advanced age, and left behind 
 him the character of being a truly good man, a kind and 
 benevolent master, and a blessing to the neighbourhood. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 127 
 
 His three Daughters were married to persons who after- 
 wards became celebrated potters. — Mr. Neale, of London, 
 Mr. Palmer, of Hanley, (a descendant of Mr. Palmer, of 
 Bagnall, and the proprietor of a manufactory above the 
 Chapel,) and Mr. Pratt of Fenton ; one of whose descend- 
 ants, at the present day, occupies the premises since erected 
 on the site of Mr. Heath's manufactory. He also used 
 the Wash of Pipe Clay, first practised by Mr. Astbury ; 
 as is seen on a circular fourteen inch dish of the author's, 
 long time the property of a family at Swinnerton, and one 
 of a set made as a specimen of this new kind of ware. 
 The upper surface is tolerably even, and only a very few 
 minute holes (air bubbles) appear in the dip ; but the 
 under surface is spotted with them, and exhibits the coarse 
 materials of the body. We cannot help regarding it as 
 a fine specimen of the first attempts at White Ware, and 
 Bl-ue Painting upon the face. The eifect is pleasing, tho' 
 the outline is very rude. In the landscape ; mere lines or 
 strokes form the edifice ; (like school boys' first attempts 
 at design,) the clouds seem formed by the fingers' end, 
 and a soft rag or sponge ; the two human figures are 
 finely contrasted ; a very tall thin woman, in the costume 
 of the time, walking with a low stout man wrapped in a 
 cloak. 
 
 About this time also was first made the Stone Ware, 
 (in imitation of the kind made in various places on the 
 European continent,) by mixing common pipe clay with 
 the fine grit or sand from Mole Cob. This kind was 
 whiter than any before made ; it is very durable, and will 
 bear any degree of heat uninjured ; hence, its great demand 
 for chemical purposes; andMacquer's high eulogium, " the 
 best common stone ware is the most perfect Pottery that 
 can be ; for it has all the essential qualities of the finest 
 
128 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Japanese Porcelain." We may here observe, that with 
 the exception of whiteness, whereon depends its semi- 
 transparency, both appear to have internally the same 
 grain ; give similar sounds if struck when properly sus- 
 pended ; have similar density and hardness to give fire 
 with steel ; will boil liquids without breaking ; and are not 
 fusible ; — hence we conclude, that if the clay, from which 
 stone ware is made, were free from heterogeneous colouring 
 matters which prevent whiteness and transparency on the 
 ware being fired ; were the vessels carefully formed, all 
 proper attention to the various processes of the work paid, 
 and a fine glaze employed over the whole, it is believed 
 that such stone ware would be as perfect Porcelain as that 
 brought from Japan. Probably the quantity of silica and 
 argil found in this rock at Mole Cob, (which is an inter- 
 posed bed of sandstone,) approximating closely to the 
 compound which Potters call Clay, and of which Pottery 
 is made, may be the cause of the fine grit preventing 
 bisquet pottery from adhering while being fired ; and also 
 of strengthening some kinds of Pottery, and Saggers. It 
 is brought to the manufactories in a pulverized state ; 
 poor children resident nigh where the grit rock crops 
 out, break off^ masses, and with wooden mallets pound 
 the pieces, until sufficiently fine to pass thro' a sieve of 
 a certain size. Iron hammers would perhaps injure the 
 grit, by the particles which would intermingle during 
 the pulverization. 
 
 A mere accident at this tinie (1720) caused another 
 and important improvement. Mr. Astbury being on 
 a journey to London, on horseback, had arrived at 
 Dunstable, when he was compelled to seek a remedy 
 for the eyes of his horse, which seemed to be rapidly 
 going blind. The hostler of the tavern at which he 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 129- 
 
 stayed, burned a flint stone till quite red, then he pul- 
 verized it very fine, and by blowing a little of the 
 dust into each eye, occasioned both to discharge much 
 matter and be greatly benefited. Mr. Astbury, having 
 noticed the white colour of the calcined flint, — the ease 
 with which it was then reduced to powder, — and its 
 clayey nature when discharged in the moisture from the 
 horse's eyes, — immediately conjectured that it might be 
 usefully employed to render of a different colour the 
 Pottery he made. On his return home, he availed 
 himself of his observation ; and soon obtained a pre- 
 ference for his ware, which produced considerable ad- 
 vantages. The specimens warrant the conclusion that 
 he first employed the flint, (after it had been calcined 
 and pounded in a mortar,) in a mixture with water to a. 
 thick pulp, as a wash or dip, which he applied to give a coat- 
 ing to the vessels, some time before he introduced it along- 
 with the clay into the body of his ware. For which method,, 
 a person, a few years afterwards, obtained a patent, and some 
 time used it. That Mr. Astbury was eminently successful, 
 we conclude from the comfortable independence enj oyed by- 
 Mrs. Smith, his grand-daughter, who died at Lane End,. 
 in 1816, and her son Thomas Smith, who died there in 
 1823 ; and who gave part of this information. The old 
 lady, frequently in her garrulous moments, amused the- 
 younger portion of visitors to herself, or her son, with, 
 anecdotes of the very Tcmd attentions she often received. 
 from certain persons who afterwards became opulent manu- 
 facturers. A widow Astbury, of Lane Delph, was married 
 by Mr. Thomas Bacchus, of that place ; who made Cream 
 Colour, and Blue painted ware, and after her death, he 
 married a person skilled in painting ware, and an intimate 
 acquaintance of the Miss Mayer, married by Mr. Robert 
 Wilson, of Hanley;— and this Mrs Bacchus, afterwards. 
 
130 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 xesided in a house adjoining that person's manufactory, 
 until her death at an advanced age about the year 
 1809. 
 
 Mr. Astbury died in 1743, Aged 65, and is buried on 
 the south side of the old Church, in the angle formed by 
 the two paths. And at a short distance is the grave of 
 his Son Thomas Astbury, of Lane Delph. And very near 
 there is the Tomb of Mr. John Fenton, the father of 
 Elijah Fenton, near the Chancel door, of very excellent 
 workmanship; but the epitaph, written by the poet, 
 cannot now be traced. The family of Fenton must have 
 been very respectable, for they were possessors of a large 
 tract, still called Fenton, bounded by Longton, Botteslow, 
 and Penkhull ; and including 1600 acres. — The portion of 
 property still in the family, came to the present Sir T. F. 
 Boughey, of Aqualate, by his Grandmother, the Lady of 
 Sir Thomas Fletcher. 
 
 This part of the Church Yard seems to have been 
 especially secured by the elite of the parish ; probably 
 because less affected by the overflowing of the Fowl-Hay- 
 Brook than the northern quarter, for most of the stones 
 register some person of importance. And tho' rather out 
 of order here, yet we shall be more easily excused for 
 noticing in this place, than pardoned for wholly omitting, 
 the following observations : — Henry Clark, being 112 years 
 of age when he died, in 1684, in the reign of the Abdicator 
 James, and four years prior to the landing of William 
 of Orange, and the Glorious Revolution of 1688; the 
 mind very naturally reverts to the events which occurred 
 from the era of his birth, which must have been in the 
 14th year of Elizabeth, to that of his demise. He lived at 
 the eventful period of the establishment of the Protestant 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 131 
 
 Faith in England, and destruction of numerous religious 
 Institutions and Monasteries, in the reign of Elizabeth, 
 James 1st., Charles 1st., and the Civil Wars and Common- 
 wealth, (a most critical time, and during which by the 
 fanatics, the Abbey at Hulton was destroyed completely, 
 if not by the agents of Henry VIII ; while Stoke Church 
 probably was spared because of its very poor appearance.) 
 He witnessed the Restoration and reign of Charles II., 
 and the early attempts of James again to return to 
 the Communion of the Church of Rome. He must 
 have heard of Mary of Scotland's confinement at. Tutbury 
 Castle ; being about fifteen years old when her decapita- 
 tion was perpetrated at Fotheringay Castle. The old 
 Inscription was almost effaced, when two of the parish 
 servants, Josiah iAustin and Samuel Davis, paid a stone 
 cutter to sink the lettei-s, which are now very large and 
 deep. 
 
 John Machin, Gentleman, of Botteslow, was 71 years 
 of age at the time of his death in 1713; consequently 
 was born in the year 1642 ; and probably the Pottery at 
 Botteslow was given up, during the disturbances of the 
 Civil Wars. Only on this supposition can we account for 
 Mr. Machin being called Gentleman. His Son Thomas 
 lies near the Chancel door, under a plain slab with a Latin 
 Inscription: — "Thomas Machin, Nuper de Botteslow, (in 
 hac Parochia) Generosus, Qui obiit. Vicessimo 1 mo de 
 Novembris. Anno (Salutis humanae 1747, iEtatis ejus 
 64." Thomas's Brother Henry Machin, lived at the Yew 
 Tree House, near Longton Hall, and was buried in 1719, 
 aged 73. The family is very ancient, and one of the most 
 respectable in the parish; and for the accommodation 
 of its members, with those of other places contiguous, 
 in their attendance on Divine Worship, a paved footpath 
 
132 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 was made in the old Road from Stoke thro' Fenton to 
 Bucknall, {Abbey ley or Upper) Ubberley, and Hilton 
 Abbey. The Mansion is very ancient, and yet, with the 
 application of a comparatively small sum, it might be 
 rendered both picturesque and elegant. 
 
 Stoke Old Church, is placed on the gravel bed formed 
 by the eddy of the floods at the junction of the Fowl- 
 Hay-Brook with the Trent; and as the opening of 
 deep graves constantly exposes great quantities of well 
 rounded pebbles, there is reason for believing that the 
 foundations rest on the bed of pebbles left here by dif- 
 ferent floods. Little 'doubt can be entertained that the 
 whole of this beautiful valley was a large basin of water, 
 that opened for itself a passage at Handford ; and at 
 length below Stone ; occasioning the constant recession 
 of the waters, till all were drained, to Knutton Heath 
 and Chesterton in one direction ; to Harecastle Hill in 
 another ; and in the line of the Trent, to Norton, Endon, 
 Bagnall, and Ubberley. If the structure be of the age 
 usually attributed to it; eight centuries ; and its heavy 
 and durable style of architecture, proves it to have been 
 erected when it was customary to build Churches equally 
 strong with Baronial Castles ; — its erection to the com- 
 bined energies of a race of Angles, Saxons, and Danes, 
 or their offspring by intermarriages ; and at a time 
 prior to the invasion and conseqiient partition of Lands 
 by the Norman Banditti. We are led to . conjecture 
 that its early ecclesiastics were not very literate, and 
 that their few records were transmitted to their superior, 
 by whom the most important might be forwarded to 
 the diocesan, and thence to Rome ; and the others con- 
 signed to the shelves of a cell in some monastery ; for 
 no traces lof history afford any clue by which to ascertain 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 133 
 
 the era of its foundation ; neither is there on any part 
 of the venerable fabric discernible outline of scroll or 
 tablet for an Inscription ; tho' had there been any such, 
 of even moderate depth, the durable nature of the 
 materials would have preserved it for our gratification. 
 On the south side of the tower may be seen the breast, 
 wings, and web feet, of a swan or goose ; and a small 
 portion of a similar carving is visible on the north side ; 
 probably mementos of the great numbers of aquatic fowl 
 then frequenting the ground, and which proved a source 
 of benefit to the persons employed in the edifice. But the 
 absence of every ostentatious relic, warrants the conclusion 
 that its erection was more with a design to benefit the 
 district, than to gratify the ambition of the founders. 
 Concerning the peculiarities of the style, there was a 
 spirited controversy, which instead of eliciting truth, 
 generated personal rancour and dislike. Certainly a little 
 reference to early northern history, would have precluded 
 the supposition of the Goths being brought into England 
 by the Saxons ; for the latter were only a small tribe of 
 the vast hordes of wanderers who bore the former name 
 ages prior to the Roman Invasion, and their name became 
 a bye-word for whatever was less polished than the whims 
 of the admirers of Greece and Rome supposed every thing 
 ought to be. There appears an overlooking of a material 
 fact connected with the edifice ; the outside is of a dif- 
 feient style altogether to that of the interior; and of a 
 much more recent date ; for which we cannot account on 
 any other principle than regarding the outside as having 
 been very much altered during the repairs it has evidently 
 received at different times. There obtained a preference 
 of the style adopted in the architecture of the Saracens, 
 by those religieuse who returned from the Wars in Pales- 
 tine; and they made all their repairs of old Churches, 
 
134 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 as well as their new edifices, some way accordant to this 
 predilection. However, the Church is a very excellent 
 specimen, in its present state, of the Parish Church Archi- 
 tecture of the twelfth and two subsequent centuries. 
 
 The eastern side of the tower shews that the first roof 
 was very pointed ; and the courses of stone work also prove 
 thg,t the present roof, covered with lead, is not of more 
 than two centuries' duration. The different style of archi- 
 tecture adapted in the Chancel, causes an opinion that it 
 is of a more recent date than the body of the Church ; 
 which, entered thro' the south Porch, presents the eye 
 with massive and durable columns supporting the arches 
 of the nave. The windows of the transepts have been 
 removed to make room for large square ones, wholly desti- 
 tute of elegance ; and the present vestry is truly shabby. 
 At the west end of the south aisle, the attention is arrested 
 by a massive Font, a rude block of granite, sculptured for 
 the reception of water, in which, during many generations, 
 infants were by immersion or sprinkling (at the discretion 
 of the priests) initiated into the visible Church of Christ ; 
 or the vessel of consecrated water was placed, for the 
 devout to dip the finger and sprinkle the brow, prior to 
 prostration before the Altar. But we favour the former 
 suggestion, because it can be filled with water by a tube 
 from the roof thro' the Canopy over it ; and by another 
 beneath it can be cleansed and emptied into a subten-aneous 
 Channel. 
 
 We may also further notice, that, in Burslem Church 
 yard is an old stone coffin, and three Grave . stones, on 
 each other, the uppermost having the inscription 1300; 
 and on another 1494. It has been conjectured that 
 these came from Hulton Abbey ; but it is equally pro- 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 135 
 
 bable that they are relics of the former Burslemites. No 
 reference has been made to a Cemetery at the Abbey ; 
 and the fact of Burslem having belonged to the Lord- 
 ship, will warrant the opinion that the defunct members of 
 that fraternity, were brought to Burslem for interment. — 
 No doubt need be entertained that Burslem Church served 
 as the place of religious resort for the inhabitants of that 
 part of the parish of Stoke ; and probably suiFered dilapi- 
 dation, at the same time as the Abbey with which it was 
 immediately connected. Norton Church, of much more 
 recent date served for that angle ; as did Bagnall for the 
 Moorland angle. We find Hulton Abbey nearly central 
 in reference to these Churches ; it was situated in the vale 
 below the Birches, and between Bucknall and Milton ; was 
 founded by Henry of Audleigh, in 1223, for Cistertian 
 Monks ; and its value at the Dissolution w^s .£89 10s. Id. 
 per annum, when its lands were granted to Sir Edward Aston, 
 of Tixal. As scoriaceous substances, and very old Pottery 
 have been found among the ruins, it is no great stretch of 
 the imagination, to regard as very probable, that the Monks 
 were supplied from Burslem with Crockery of different kinds ; 
 or that they were occasionally employed in forming it for 
 their own purposes. Very near the Abbey, the Coal crops 
 out, and as both clay and coal were close to the spot, they 
 had very little obstacle to indulgence in branches of ex- 
 perimental investigation, very usual among them, and by 
 which society has been much benefited. From this 
 central residence the persons who had to perform the 
 religious services, might readily proceed to the several 
 Churches around, in the paths still marked out by stone 
 Posts, of the same kind, shape, and apparent age. From 
 Burslem Church, passing thro' Hot Lane to Sneyd Green, 
 then by the Birches Farm to the Abbey; and marked 
 still by land known as Church or Abbey Lands ; of part 
 
136 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 whereof is the Grange Farm, where appears to have been 
 a secluded spot, or cell, to which the monks might re- 
 tire from the Church or the Abbey, on their way to 
 Wolstanton ; and probably the origin of the old Chapel 
 already mentioned. And their line of road is by Blakelow, 
 Bucknall, Botteslow, Trenthay, to Stoke Church, or thro' 
 Shelton, by Hartshill, to Newcastle. On many of the old 
 Stones is a f, to call the attention of the pedestrian to his 
 religious profession, wherever he might be proceeding, and 
 whatever superstition might be in the practice, the moral 
 «ffect could never be prejudicial ; as thjs would interrupt his 
 train of thoughts, and might suggest correct procedure even 
 after previously cogitating improper designs. 
 
 The following instance of longevity is entitled to 
 notice : — ^Mr. William Willett, of Little Eaves, near Han- 
 ley, died September 8th, 1827, aged 105. He was born 
 in the eighth year of the reign of George the First ; and 
 had lived thro' all the very interesting period of the estab- 
 lishment of the present dynasty on the English Throne. 
 He had witnessed the rise of Burslem, Hanley, Shelton, and 
 Lane End, from a few scattered houses and potteries, to 
 the high eminence of the chief Towns in the county for 
 size and opulence. The abortive attempt of the Chevalier, 
 or Pretender, in 1745, he well remembered ; also the in- 
 human act of Mr. Murrall, of Bagnall, in skinning one of 
 the sick Rebels. left there, and endeavouring to get the 
 skin dressed as Leather ; for which, on the return of his 
 comrades from Derby, they emasculated Mr. Murrall 
 between Biddulph and Congleton ; and for which, he 
 never after was known to enjoy a comfortable day. 
 Mr. Willett was of some talent as a mathematician; 
 and his chief pleasure in his latest days, was the solu- 
 tion of difficult Arithmetical questions. Having lived 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 137 
 
 at the time of altering the Style, in 1752, he often amused 
 friends with the following fact, designed to try their credu- 
 lity; — when he was thirty yeai-s of age, he was one of 
 a party of sixteen couple met at Endon on the ihi/rd of 
 September, 1752, who commenced dancing early in the 
 evening, while he played on the violin ; this amusement 
 ■was continued by the whole party without any other inter- 
 mission than merely for refreshment, he playing and they 
 continuing tripping on the light fantastic toe, till day 
 break of Mhe fourteenth day of the same. month. His sight 
 was a little injured ; but his mind was vigorous almost to 
 the last, when the weary wheels of life no longer could 
 revolve, and his body returned to its kindred dust. 
 
 About the year 1783, the towns of Burslem and Hanley 
 began to assume some degree of importance ; if we may 
 judge from the following circumstances :^There being an 
 intention on the part of the respectable residents of Hanley 
 and Shelton, to obtain a Charter for the Potteries, in anti- 
 cipation of such a favour, on the 18th September, Ephraim 
 Chatterley, Esq., was appointed Mayor of Hanley and 
 Shelton, and a Corporation was empannelled while the 
 parties were excited by the libations ,they had sacrificed to 
 Bacchus. On this occasion, seventy Gentlemen dined at 
 the Swan Inn, whose Names we have obtained from the 
 Register of the Meetings, which were subsequently pre- 
 sented annually with the side of a Buck by the Marquis of 
 Stafford ; and with Game, Fish, and Fruit by Sir Thomas 
 Fletcher. — This Originated the Hakley (Couporation or) 
 Vknison Feast ; continued to the present day. The initia- 
 tion of each Member consisted then in swearing fealty to 
 the body, and drinking a yard of wine, i. e. a pint of port 
 or sherry, out of a glass one yard in length. The Register 
 mentiorts whatever peculiarities distinguished each novice ; 
 
138 
 
 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 but these being of trifling importance to that of the List 
 of Names first entered, we preserve the last to gratify 
 the descendants or connections of the parties, who at that 
 time formed the 6lite of our citizens of the district, when 
 the present Towns were mere hamlets, or scattered but 
 enlarging Villages : 
 
 E. Chatterley, Esq., Mayor 
 W, Smallwood, Recorder 
 Rev. T. Middleton 
 Mr. T. Adams, Newcastle 
 Mr. John Heath, Hanley 
 Rev. Tomlinson, Newcastle 
 Mr. Horwoodj Trentham 
 Mr. T. Twemlow, Shelton 
 Mr. T. Hales, Cobridge 
 Mr. W. Fowler, Newcastle 
 Mr. J. Yates, Shelton 
 Mr. R. Baddeley, ditto 
 Mr. S. HoUins, ditto 
 Mr. J. Baddeley, ditto 
 Mr. J. Mare, Hanley 
 Mr. J. Beckitt, Newcastle 
 Mr. R. Griffin, New Inn Mill 
 Rev. W. Femyhough, Stoke 
 Rev. B. Adams, Newcastle 
 Mr. Clowes, Longport 
 Mr. R. Badnall, Leek 
 Mr. J. Heath, Hanley 
 *Mr. H. Booth, Stoke 
 Mr. J. HoUins, Newcastle 
 Mr. C. Cotton, Burslera 
 Mr. W. Brittain, Hanley 
 Mr. J. Adams, Newcastle 
 Mr. Daintry, Leek 
 Mr. R. Heath, Newcastle 
 Mr. J. Emery, ditto 
 Mr. G. Taylor, Hanley 
 Mr. T. Payne, Newcastle 
 Mr. Payne, Hanley 
 Mr. S. Perrey, ditto 
 Mr. J. Massey, Newcastle 
 
 Mr. Wilson, Newcastle 
 
 Mr. Royle, Wall Grange 
 
 Mr. A. Hassell, Shelton 
 
 Mr. R. Mare, Hanley 
 
 Mr. C. Bagnall, Shelton 
 
 Mr. Caldwell, Newcastle 
 
 Mr. C. Chatterley, Shelton 
 
 Mr. H. Baker, Hanley 
 
 Mr. Bagshaw, Newcastle 
 
 Mr. J. Shorthose, Hanley 
 
 Mr. V. Close, ditto 
 
 Mr. F: Pearce, Teignmouth 
 
 Mr. Dewint, Shelton 
 
 Mr. S. Mayer, Hanley 
 
 Mr. J. Lakin, ditto 
 
 Mr. F. Keates, ditto 
 
 Mr. W. Mellor, ditto 
 
 Mr. R. Sims, ditto 
 
 Mr. W. Tittensor, Shelton 
 
 Mr. F. Lander, ditto 
 
 Mr. J. Yates, ditto 
 
 Mr. J. Simpson, ditto 
 
 Mr. Endsor, Newcastle 
 
 Mr. C. Whitehead, Hanley 
 
 Mr. B. God-win, Cobridge 
 
 Mr. Robinson, ditto 
 
 *Mr. Adams, ditto 
 
 Rev. G. Harper, Macclesfield 
 
 Mr. S. Chatterley, Hanley 
 
 Mr. T. Wright, Shelton 
 
 *Mr. J. Glass, Hanley 
 
 Mr. J. Whitehead, ditto 
 
 *Mr. J. Keeling Perry, ditto 
 
 Mr. J. Mayer, Swan Inn, ditto 
 
 Mr. L. Bennet, Dimsdale. 
 
 Those marked with an Asterisk, (*) yet sm-vivej 182.9. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. i;^9 
 
 On the celebration of the Election of Chief Constable 
 of Burslem, November 8, 1824 ; E. Wood, sen., made the 
 following observations ; — He first adverted to the increase 
 of the town in wealth and population, within his recollec- 
 tion, having commenced Business in 1784. In reference to- 
 the Public Market, and the Hall, he remembered well the 
 place when it was without either ; the first attempt at a. 
 Butcher's stall, was the loan of a door unhinged and placed 
 on two old saggers at either end ; and for some time this 
 was continued, until an improvement took place, by boards 
 being placed on crates; next a set of shambles were erected, 
 but very weak in materials, though covered over; which 
 caused them to become a complete nuisance ; and many of 
 the boards having been at sundry times pilfered, on the 
 occasion of the celebrated battle of Copenhagen, the stalls 
 were pulled down and destroyed. The town's people next 
 used more eligible stalls ; and the Market had risen into a 
 state of equality with any in the county. He mentioned 
 that at their early Constable's Feast, the regulation dish 
 was a boiled Leg" of Mutton and Turnips, which custom 
 continued many years ; (and was at this meeting resolved 
 on being continued at all future Dinners on this occasion ;)■ 
 but with the improvements in the markets came the im- 
 provement in the feast; and some truly ominous indications 
 of forthcoming ruin were, in the opinions of some sage and 
 cautious persons, connected with the extravagance of a. 
 Rooftt Goose, in addition to the Leg of Mutton, with the 
 Giblet Pie in the Centre of the Table. Up to this day,, 
 however, ruin had not yet prevented their partaking the 
 blessings of the season at this Anniversary; there was a. 
 dinner of equal abundance to all their wishes, and which 
 might vie with the social board of a Nobleman : the 
 various luxuries of Flesh, Fish, and Fowl, a remove for 
 delicacies of game; a dessert crowned with pine apples,. 
 
140 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 garnished with grapes, spread on capacious tables in a 
 most elegant public Room, and waiting to be enjoyed by 
 the most respectable Inhabitants of the town and neigh- 
 bourhood.* 
 
 The following Resolutions will shew the Manner of 
 convening a General Meeting of the Potteries for Public 
 Purposes : — 
 
 At a very numerous Meeting of Inhabitants of the dif- 
 ferent Towns in the Potteries, held at Hanley, December 
 12, 1817, John Edensor Heathcote, Knt., Chairman. 
 
 " In order to obviate the difficulty which now 
 exists, in regard to the mode of calling Public 
 Meetings of the Inhabitants of the Potteries at 
 large ; — 
 
 It is proposed, resolved, and agreed, that 
 in future, all Public Meetings convened by, and 
 in the joint names of the Majority -of the Head 
 Constables for the time being of Burslem, Han- 
 ley and Shelton, Stoke, Fenton, and Lane End, 
 
 *The following genuine anecdote may illustrate the 
 ■emphatic mention of the Roast Goose : 
 
 On swearing in of different special Constables for the Town- 
 ship of Tunstall in 1823, one of the worthies present on the 
 occasion, and who was honoured with the title of " King of 
 Tunstall," thus addressed their worships, (Geo. ToUett and F. 
 Twemlow, Esqrs.,) " Tunstall, your worships is the head of 
 Burslem ; and yet it so happens that Tunstall Court is held 
 at Burslem ; and the Court dine at Burslem : but we have 
 lost nothing but our dinners- — our honour remains. I'll tell 
 your worships how it happened. We had bad Cooks at Tun- 
 stall, who boiled the goose instead of roasting it ; and we have 
 been roasted on this subject ever since ; but, blow me tight, 
 your honours, if Tunstall is not the head of Burslem still ! " 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 141 
 
 shall be understood and considered as regularly con- 
 vened ; and that such Head Constables be recognized 
 as the authorized organs on such occasions, and as 
 the proper pei-sons to whom Requisitions may be 
 addressed for calling Public Meetings from time to 
 time; the same to be held at Hanley, as the most 
 central, and usual place of Meetings for the Potteries- 
 at large." 
 
 But in Hanley, we want a large Room adequate tO' 
 receive the probable number of Persons on such occasions. 
 Most Public Meetings have taken place in the market- 
 place ; and the xveather has not been always faivourable. 
 
 About 1725, Mr. Thomas Astbury, a son of the person 
 already mentioned, commenced business at Lane Delph ;. 
 first using a different kind of marl with the flint, which sO' 
 varied the tint of this improved pottery, that he named 
 it Cream-coloured stone ware; and this was further im- 
 proved by using only the whitest native clay, and flint 
 ground at Mothersall mill. The specimens seem merely 
 thrown on the wheel, and finished to a polish by the 
 dexterity of the workman. Some are of a red body, with 
 white ornaments, and glazed with lead ore ,■ and a flour 
 mug, dated 1730, has on it a tulip, rose, and auricula, 
 fairly designed and executed. The information we have- 
 received is, that the first factory was where the Lane- 
 Delph Market-Place now is. — The old hovel, whose outside 
 was almost covered with grass, was removed in 1823. It is 
 also stated that the younger Mr. Astbury erected part of 
 the premises now the property of Mr. S. Ginders. 
 
 The Flint employed is the kind common on the 
 south - east coasts of England, as Brighton, &c. It, 
 
142 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 •contains much pure silex, with a large proportion of oxygen 
 in a most condensed state; and so readily does it unite 
 with alumina when both are in a fluid state, that it is em- 
 ployed in various proportions ; even to the amount of one 
 fourth of the mass of the body of Porcelain and earthen- 
 ware. When first it was introduced, the potters put it 
 to calcine in their ovens when fired; after which it was 
 pulverized in large iron mortars, by men, and then passed 
 thro' a fine hair sieve. These processes were, however, 
 exceedingly laborious, and extremely deleterious ; every 
 possible precaution employed being ineffectual to prevent 
 gi'eat quantities of the finest particles of the silex floating 
 in the air of the .apartment, and being inhaled by the 
 workmen, producing the most disastrous effects, by remain- 
 ing on the lungs in spite of every expectorant, causing asthma, 
 and often premature death. 
 
 Now, however, the flint is calcined in a small kiln, much 
 like those for burning limestone rock ; and is ground in 
 water by the power of a water-wheel, or a steam engine. 
 After being calcined, the nodules are thrown under 
 Stampers, to be broken. These are wooden beams, shod 
 with iron on the lower end, and moved vertically in a 
 feme, so as to fall with great force down on the flint laid 
 on a strong grate. A circular vat is made of strong 
 boards, in diameter from seven to fourteen feet, and firmly 
 connected by iron hoops ; in the centre of the bottom is 
 fixed a step in which acts the gudgeon of a vertical shaft 
 moved from the upper end, on each of whose four sides 
 is fixed a well constructed paddle, bearing and carrying 
 round in the vat large masses of tolerably pure chert, (a 
 very hard silicious rock ;) while the bottom is paved 
 with smaller chert stones. Into this vat the calcined 
 broken flints are thrown, and covered with water ; and by 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 143 
 
 abrasnre they are ground till the water is a thick whitish 
 pulp, which is then brought into a vat, and either used in 
 the slop state, or dried upon a kiln into a fine powder. 
 A few years ago, an inferior chert, containing much car- 
 bonate of lime, being used, caused considerable loss to the 
 parties ; and hence great care is exercised to prevent 
 calcareous rock being used in grinding the flint. — It has 
 been suggested, that if the flint was thrown while red hot 
 into the water, it would be rendered more brittle and be 
 stamped and ground in much less time. 
 
 Considerable difficulty attaches to most inventions at 
 first ; and we find great incertitude concerning the several 
 persons, who were at this period endeavouring to discover 
 a more eligible method than mere manual labour to reduce 
 the calcined flints into a powder proper for potters to use. 
 We find Stampers first used instead of mortars, at what 
 was then called Machin's Mill, Burslem, by a person 
 whose name we have not been able to learn. 
 
 The merit of inventing the method of grinding flint 
 in water, as far as we have been able to ascertain, must 
 be shared by John Gallemore, of Millfield Gate, Lane 
 End ; Joseph Bourne, of Beamhurstley or Bemersley ; 
 James Brindley, the celebrated engineer; and Edward 
 Bedson, a glazier, from London. — Among the papers left 
 by Mr. Thomas Daniel, we find mention that Mr. Galle- 
 more erected the first mill for this purpose, at Cookshut 
 Green, only about two miles from Bemersley ; afterwards 
 a second at the Meir, near the Furnace ; and another at 
 the Ivy House, near Hanley, the property of Mr. Astbury ; 
 and subsequently of those who have since become pro- 
 prietors of the manufactory in Shelton, once owned by 
 him : — Messrs. Baddeley, and now Messrs. Hicks and 
 
144 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Meigh ; Gentlemen who rank very high in public esti- 
 mation for the numerous excellencies of character which 
 add peculiar lustre to opulent employers. Had this 
 ingenious man Gallemore, not indulged in ebriety, a con- 
 siderable property would have resulted from his labours ; 
 but equally with several othei- persons of genius con- 
 cerned in improving the manufacture, his intemper- 
 ance nullified the advantages which would have ac- 
 crued to his family, and the benefits were enjoyed by 
 others. He died in 1802, almost one hundred years 
 old. 
 
 Mr. Joseph Bourne died in June, 1825. Frequently 
 has the conversation with him and the author turned 
 upon his share of the merits of this invention, and sub- 
 sequently with his Sons. He constructed the mill-work 
 for grinding the flints, at both Cookshut Green, and 
 the Ivy House mills; but he also stated, that Mr. 
 James Brindley, his neighbour, with whom he was inti- 
 mate, suggested very important improvements, constantly 
 adopted in all the mills since erected. It is to be 
 regretted that opportunity was not sought, to prevail 
 on the old gentleman to walk to a mill, and give a 
 detail of the particulai-s. 
 
 Concerning Mr. Bedson, we have the authority of Mr. 
 William Sherratt, the elder, of Milton, (father of the 
 gentleman, who in 1790, in company with Mr. Batemah, 
 erected the extensive Iron Foundry, in Salford, Manchester,) 
 in a memorandum, that the first attempt at grinding flint 
 in a slop or wet state, was at the Ivy House, by a small 
 water wheel. Mr. John Mountford, (already mentioned,) 
 was near 50 years of age when he repaired this mill in 1803 ; 
 and his account is subjoined. While Mr. Bedson was 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 145 
 
 employed in painting Trentham Hall, some observations, 
 he heard, led him to consider the possibility of grinding 
 flint, in a manner similar to painters' colours. He first 
 used a large iron vessel, cast for the purpose at Meir 
 Heath furnace; on the bottom of which, as a kind of 
 pavement, two iron balls, sixty pounds each, were driven 
 among the flints just covered with water. The abrasion 
 of the iron among the flints, being found injurious to 
 the ware made with it, was soon abandoned. Mr. John 
 Mountford says, that Rob. Hulme, of Wolstanton, was 
 repairing Holden Lane, and in a certain part he was 
 obstructed by a tremendous Boulder Stone, which was 
 split by gunpowder, and inside which was found a living 
 toad, that was some years preserved in spirits by the Rev. 
 Mr. Middleton, of Hanley. One part of this stone was 
 used by Mr. Bedson as a vat, and it long was a colour pan 
 at the mill. Mr. Sherratt mentions that soon a wooden 
 vat was substituted, and the bottom was paved with flat 
 sided Blue Boulder Stones, on which were driven round 
 Boulders, in place of the iron balls. As these soon became 
 flattened, they suggested, that flat sided stones, as well as 
 a flat pavement, were best adapted for grinding Potters' 
 Materials. Mr. Bedson, was ruined by his ingenuity, like 
 many others in this district ; he had boiTowed sums from 
 Mr. John. Baddeley, Shelton, Mr. T. Whieldon, Stoke, 
 and Mr. Bacchus, Fenton ; and tho' he accomplished his 
 designs, yet the benefits accruing from them were never 
 enjoyed by either himself or his connections. 
 
 It has often been a cause of wonder that Mr. Parkes has 
 given such erroneous statements, in his Chemical Catechism, 
 concerning many things connected with the Potteries ; for he 
 might have obtained correct information, had he sought it ; 
 having resided several years at Stoke-upon-Trent. He says, 
 " the grinding the flint in water was first practised by the cele- 
 
14,6 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 brated Brindley ;— and the nulls now in use were also invented 
 by him." Brindley applied the Crown wheel to the upright 
 shaft ; and Bourne suggested the carriers on that shaft. 
 
 Moulds were now made of all the different pieces ; for 
 ■complete Breakfast, Dinner, Dessert, and Supper Services, 
 and much fancy was exercised in forming the Basket-work, 
 Shell-work, Mosaic, Barley-corn, and other patterns, with 
 great diversity of shapes, agreeable to the taste of visitors, 
 and the ingenuity of the workman. The specimens are 
 glazed with salt ; and from the accuracy of the ornaments, 
 and the extreme lightness, of Tureens, Dishes, and Sauce 
 Boats, they are supposed to have been cast in the moulds, 
 by pouring a very thin slip, and letting it remain a few 
 minutes, then pouring it out, and refilling with a thicker 
 slip which instantly assimilates with the former, and more 
 than doubled its thickness ; a third, and often a fourth dose 
 of thick slip was added, until the vessels had the required 
 thickness ; when the mould and its contents were placed a 
 while before a fire, and afterwards they easily separated, 
 and the workman dressed off the seams where the moulds 
 divided, and the spouts, handles, and other appendages 
 were affixed, in the process called "Handling and 
 Trmmmig."' 
 
 In 1732, Mr. Ralph Shaw, of Burslem, availed himself 
 of the method long practised by Mr. Astbury, of. using a 
 mixture of flint and clay, to ornament the surfaces of the 
 Pottery ; and altho' several other potters were using the 
 same clay as himself, he took out Letters Patent for 
 employing " various sorts of mineral Earth, Clay, and other 
 earth substances, which being mixed and incorporated to- 
 gether, make up a fine body, of which a curious ware may be 
 made, whose outside will be a true chocolate colour, striped 
 with white, and the inside white, much resembling the brown 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 147 
 
 China ware, and glazed with salt. The great quantities of 
 salt which must be used therein, will be an addition to the 
 public revenue." The secret was, merely washing' the inside 
 and forming broad lines on the outside of the articles with 
 very thick slip of flint and pipe-clay. To keep his process 
 more secluded and secret, he was accustomed to evaporate 
 his mixed Clays on a long trough in a place locked up, 
 under cover, beneath which were flues for the heat from 
 fire applied on the outside. This also kept the clay free 
 from any kind of dirt ; and the idea is supposed to have 
 been gained from the tile-maker's method of drying their tiles 
 in stoves. A pair of Flower Pots, excellent specimens of this 
 person's manufacture, which had been received as a present, 
 from the maker, by his wife's grandfather, were in the 
 Author's possession till very recently. Mr. Shaw became 
 so litigious and overbearing, that many of the manufac- 
 turers were extremely uncomfortable, and prevented im- 
 proving their productions. Not content with the success 
 he experienced, and the prospect of speedily acquiring 
 affluence, his excessive vanity, and insatiable avarice incited 
 to proceedings that terminated in his ruin, unwilling 
 to admit the customary practices of the business, and 
 to brook any appearance of competition ; he was con- 
 stantly objecting to every trifling improvement, as an 
 infringement on his patent ; and threatening his neigh- 
 bours with suits in equity, to protect his sole rights ; 
 till at length self-defence urged them to bear the expenses 
 of a suit he had commenced against J. Mitchell, to try 
 the validity of the Patent, at Stafford, in 1736 ; and very 
 •aged persons whose parents were present, give the general 
 facts of the Trial ; — All the manufacturers being interested 
 in the decision, those most respectable were in the court ; 
 witnesses proved Astbury's invention and prior usage, of ' 
 the practice, and a special Jury of great intelligence and 
 
148 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 wealth, gave a verdict against Mr. Shaw. The learned 
 Judge, after nullifying the Patent, thus addressed the 
 audience: — "Go home, Potters, and make whatever 
 kinds of Pots you please."— The hall re-echoed with 
 acclamations, and the strongest ebullitions of satisfaction, 
 from the potters, to the indescribable mortification of Mr. S. 
 and his family; who afterwards went to France, where 
 he carried forward the manufactory; whence some of 
 his family returned to Burslem about 1750; and, in 
 1783, Mr. Wedgwood wrote a Pamphlet to prevent 
 Potters emigrating with his Son to France ; and others 
 to America. 
 
 As this kind of Pottery required placing on bits of 
 stone, to prevent the articles uniting in the oven, it was 
 called Bit-stone-ware ; and some specimens remain with the 
 bits of stone affixed. Two Saucers, of Mr. Shaw's manu- 
 facture, with a fine chocolate outside, and a white inner 
 surface, are fused together, with the bits of stone remaining 
 where they had been placed prior to firing. The accidents 
 from separating the bits from the vessels, caused the 
 invention of Stilts, Triangles, and Cockspiu-s. 
 
 In the early processes of the White Stone Pottery, many 
 obstacles required to be surmounted, and the prejudices of 
 workmen presented various impediments. The manufac- 
 turers possessed little knowledge of the chemical properties 
 of the various articles; neither had they any precedents 
 for the kinds, they severally attempted to make. But, as 
 several persons at the same time were endeavouring to 
 produce new and particular kinds, each experienced some 
 degree of success. 
 
 Ralph Leigh, (8.? years of age, in 1813,) was employed by 
 John Taylor, of the Hill Top, to look after his horses, and 
 was the first man whose wages were raised from lOd. to 12d. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 149 
 
 per day. With four or six horses he went twice to Whitfield> 
 or thrice to Norton in a day, for Coals ; of which each horse 
 brought 2J cwt. on its back ; along lanes extremely dirty, 
 and roads scarcely passable. At the pit. Coals then cost 7d. 
 the draught, whether 2, 2^, or 3 cwt. ; for the colliers guessed 
 at the quantity, and did not take the trouble to weigh them. 
 — The charge for carrying each load, from Norton to Burslem, 
 was three-pence, (a penny a mile.) Ground Flint was carried 
 in square tubs, one on each horse, containing four pecks. — 
 During a long time, he carried crates of Pottery to Winsford, 
 and brought back Ball Clay ; each of the five horses carried a 
 crate on a pack-saddle ; and a small pannier on each side was 
 used to hold two or three balls of clay, weighing sixty or 
 seventy pounds. Each horse was muzzled, to prevent it bit- 
 ing the hedges, and the roads were narrow and bad, and 
 without toll gates. Afterwards with a cart and four horses 
 he went to Winsford, and delivered his crates the same day ; 
 and on the second day brought back a ton of Chester clay to 
 Burslem, which was regarded as very heavy work, owing to 
 the bad roads. He was allowed four days to take crates to 
 Bridgnorth, and bring back shop goods for Newcastle, and a 
 few to the Potteries. He frequently went with crates to 
 Willington Ferry, and returned with Flints, Plaister Stone 
 and Shop goods. He has gone to Liverpool, and also as far 
 as Exeter, before there were regular Carriers. Mr. D. Morris, 
 of Lawton, kept a gang of horses, to bring Clay from Winsford, 
 and Salt from Lawton, to Burslem ; these horses also had crates 
 to carry the ball clay, seven in each ; which at times were 
 filled with Cream Colour, to be printed by Sadler and Green 
 of Liverpool. He next used a Cart, and afterwards a Waggon, 
 for this purpose, when the High roads were rather improved. 
 
 The specimens manufactured by Dr. T. Wedgwood, at 
 that time the principal potter in Burslem, are of good 
 quality, and finely ornamented with embossed work. The 
 bodies, and the shapes, are much varied ; Coffee and Tea 
 Pots, of clays compounded and mixed to resemble agate, 
 marble, and other natural bodies, are in various shapes; some 
 glazed with lead ore ; and the white, all salt glaze. Had 
 the agate rising genius of that day been adequately encour- 
 aged, doubtless many important improvements would have 
 
150 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 resulted. The ornaments on some specimens then made, 
 and most of the elegant articles, appear to have been 
 formed, by pressing bits of clay into moulds, and after 
 being well smoothed on the surface and edges, they were 
 extracted, and by slip fixed on the sides of the vessel. 
 Some of these moulds are of brass, very expensive, and 
 much like the large tools used by bookbinders ; others 
 are of clunchclay, or Tough Tom, not very durable ; and 
 of both kinds specimens are yet in existence, found while 
 altering the highways, and digging the foundations for 
 some new buildings in Burslem. In some instances, these 
 ornanients were coloured blue, by the workman using a 
 small lock of wool to dust upon them a small quantity of 
 dry smalts, or pulverized zaffre, whose lustre was greatly 
 augmented by the salt glaze. This method of ornament- 
 ing, with that of relief figures in black, and white clay, 
 continued a long time ; and doubtless originated the 
 methods of imitating medallions, cameos, &c. 
 
 The persons who first made these utensils to produce 
 the ornaments, were then called Block Cutters, and the 
 principal person was Mr. Aaron Wood, born in 1717, and 
 the indenture of that period shews that when about 
 fourteen he was apprenticed to Dr. Thomas Wedgwood, 
 distinguished from Mr. Thomas Wedgwood, of the Church 
 yard manufactory, father of the celebrated Josiah Wedg- 
 wood, with whom he served his term, and received ^wr 
 shillings weekly, when twenty-one years of age ; as journey- 
 man he received six shillings weekly, for a further term 
 of five years ; having for his ingenuity, and attention, 
 one shilling weekly more than was paid to the other 
 journeymen. When the second term was completed, 
 the great demand for models and moulds of Plaster 
 of Paris, like that brought by Mr. Ralph Daniel, (here- 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 151 
 
 after mentioned,) found A. W. full employment for different 
 masters; among others, Mr. T. Whieldon, of Little Fenton. 
 As he refused any person working with him he always had 
 a room in which he was locked by the person employing 
 him, and to his son he pointed out a room, at Fenton, in 
 which he produced the best models used by Mr. Whieldon. 
 
 "This Indenture, made the three and twentieth day of 
 August, in the fifth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord 
 King George the Second over Great Brittaine, &c. Anno Dni. 
 173), Between Ralph Wood of Burslem, in the county of 
 Stafford, miller, and Aaron Wood his son, of the one part, 
 and Dr. Thomas Wedgwood, of Burslem aforesaid potter, of 
 the other part, Wittnesseth that the said Aaron Wood, of his 
 own free will and consent, and to and with the direction and 
 appointment of his said father, Hath put himself, and doth 
 hereby put and bind himself apprentice unto the said Dr. 
 Thomas Wedgwood, the art, trade, mystery, and occupation of 
 a potter to learn, that is to say, turning in the lathe, handling, 
 and trimming (throwing on the wheel, being out of this in- 
 denture excepted,) and with him the said Dr. Thomas Wedg- 
 wood to worke from the eleventh day of November next, 
 being Martinmas day, for during and until the full end and 
 terme of seven years from thence next ensuing and following, 
 and fully to be compleat and ended, during all which time 
 and terme of seven years the said Aaron Wood, as an appren- 
 tice to his said master, will and faithfully shall serve, his 
 secrets shall keepe, his commands lawfuU and honest every 
 where shall do, the goods of his said master, hee shall not in- 
 ordinately waste, nor them to any one lend, without his said 
 masters lycence, from the business of his said master, he shall 
 not absent himself, but as a true and faithful servant shall, 
 during the said terme of seven years, behave and demean him- 
 selfe towards his said master and all his. And the said Ralph 
 Wood shall, during the said terme of seven years, find and 
 provide for his said son all sorts of apparrell, whether linen, 
 woollen, or other, as also meat, drink, washing, and lodging, 
 fitting and necessary for an apprentice to such trade as aforesaid. 
 And the said Dr. Thomas Wedgwood in consideration thereof, 
 and of the said seven years service, doth hereby covenant, 
 promise, and agree, that hee, the said Dr. Thomas Wedgwood, 
 shall and will, during the said terme of seven years, teach 
 and instruct, or cause and procure to be taught and instructed, 
 
152 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 him, the said Aaron Wood, his said apprentice, in the busi- 
 nesse of the potting trade aforesaid, so farr as turning in the 
 lathe, handling and trimming, as much as thereunto belongeth, 
 or the best way or method he can. And the said Dr. Thomas 
 Wedgwood doth also promise and engage to pay unto his said 
 apprentice, the said Aaron Wood, for every weeke's worke 
 done by the said apprentice in the first, second, and third year 
 of his said apprentishipp, the sum of one shilling weekly, of 
 good and lawfull money of Great Brittaine, and for every 
 weeke's worke done by the said apprentice in the fourth, fifth, 
 and sixth year of his said apprentishipp, the full sum of one 
 shilling and sixpence, and for every weeke's worke done by 
 the said apprentice, in the seventh and last year of his said 
 apprentishipp, the full and just sum of four shillings of lawfull 
 money of Great Brittaine. And the said Dr. Thomas Wedg- 
 wood doth hereby further covenant, promisse, and agree that 
 he, the said Dr. Wedgwood, shall, and will, over and above 
 the weekly wages aforesaid give yearly to the said Aaron 
 Wood, his said apprentice, one new pair of shoes during the 
 said terme of seven years. In witnesse whereof, the said parties 
 aforesaid to these present Indentures have interchangeably 
 put their hands and scales the day and year first above written : 
 
 "Ralph Wood. 
 " Sealed and delivered in " Aaron Wood. 
 
 the presence of " Dr. Tho. Wedgwood." 
 
 " Sara. X Wood. 
 
 her mark. 
 "Jos. Allen. 
 
 Mr. John Mitchell, had his manufactory on the highest 
 land in Burslem, and there being at this time great demand 
 for White Stone Ware, salt glaze, made with Devonshire 
 clay, and flint, (and produced by several who now desisted 
 from using the clays of the neighbourhood,) Mr. M. rapidly 
 enlarged his premises; and as only (me hovel was still 
 thought requisite for all who made salt glaze ware, the strife 
 among the potters who should excel in the size and height 
 of the hovel, caused him to erect the most enormously wide 
 and high one ever attempted to be built. (The largest 
 hovel ever attempted, was finished at Burslem, by John 
 Shrigley, in 1765, many persons witnessed the laying of the 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 153 
 
 last brick, but no sooner was this completed, than the fabric 
 
 began to crack and open, and in a few minutes the whole 
 
 was level with the ground, and the builders escaped, almost 
 
 miraculously, by sudden descent. This caused low hovels to 
 
 be adopted.) The wages paid to his lathe treaders, usually 
 
 boys of seven years of age, were Jbur-pence a week ; and 
 
 even in 1766, a good treader had only .six-pence a week. 
 
 Mr. Aaron Wood was engaged by this gentleman as 
 
 appears by the following instrument, for seven years 
 
 in a penal bond of £\0, to work during that term, for 
 
 Mr. John Mitchell only; (who engaged him, to be the 
 
 better able to compete with Dr. T. Wedgwood,) and 
 
 to whom also was apprenticed his eldest Son, William. 
 
 Articles of Agreement indented, made and concltided and agreed 
 upon, the twenty-eight day of September, in the Year of our 
 Lord One Thotisatid Seven Hundred and Forty Three, and in 
 the Seventeenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King 
 George the Second, over Great Brittain and so forth, between 
 Aaron Wood, of Burslem, in the County of Stafford, Earth- 
 potter, of the one part, and John Mitchell, of Burslem, afore- 
 said. Earth-potter, of the other part, as follows : 
 
 " First, — The said Aaron Wood, for the consideration here- 
 under mentioned, doth covenant, promise, and agree, to and 
 ■with the said John Mitchell, his executors, administrators, 
 and assigns, by these presents in manner following (that is to 
 say) that he the said Aaron Wood shall and will, for and du- 
 ring the term and time of seven years, to begin and be ac- 
 counted from the eleventh day of November next ensuing the 
 date of these presents, abide and continue with the said John 
 Mitchell, his executors, administrators, and assigns, as his and 
 their hired and covenant servant, and diligently and faithfully 
 according to the best and utmost of his power, skill, and know- 
 ledge, exercise and employ himself, and do and perform all 
 such service and business whatsoever relating to the trade of 
 a earth-potter which he the said John Mitchell useth, as he the 
 said John Mitchell shall from time to time during the term 
 aforesaid order direct and appoint, to and for the most profit 
 and advantage of the said John Mitchell that he can, and shall 
 and will keep the secrets of the said John Mitchell relating to 
 
Ifl* RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 the said trade or business, and likewise be just, true, and faith- 
 ful to the said John Mitchell, in all matters and. things, and 
 no ways wrongfully detain, embezzle, or purloin any monies, 
 goods, or things whatsoever belonging to the said John 
 Mitchell, but shall and will from time to time pay all monies 
 which he shall receive or belonging to or by order of the said 
 John Mitchell into his hands, and make and give up fair ac- 
 counts of all his actings and doings in the said employment 
 without fraud or delay, when and as often he shall be thereto 
 required. And in consideration of the premises of the several 
 matters and things by the said Aaron Wood to be performed 
 as aforesaid, the said John Mitchell doth for himself, his exe- 
 cutors and administrators, covenant, promise, and agree to 
 and with the said Aaron Wood by these presents, that he the 
 said John Mitchell shall and will well and truly pay or cause 
 to be paid unto the said Aaron Wood, the sum of seven shil- 
 lings of good and lawful money of Great Britain, by weekly 
 payments, for every six days that the said Aaron Wood shall 
 work with the said John Mitchell as aforesaid during the said 
 term ; and also shall and will well and truly pay or cause tO' 
 be paid unto the said Aaron Wood the further sum of ten shil- 
 lings and six-pence of like lawful money, upon every eleventh 
 day of November yearly, during the said term ; the first pay- 
 ment of the said sum of teri shillings and sixpence, shall be 
 made on the eleventh day of November next ensuing the date 
 hereof And it is further agreed by and between the. said 
 parties to these presents, that the said Aaron Wood shall not 
 be from the service of the said John Mitchell above two weeks 
 in any one year during the said term. And that the said 
 Aaron Wood shall not, and will not at any time or times 
 during the said term, work for any other person or persons at 
 the trade of a earth potter, but the said John Mitchell, his 
 executors, administrators, or assigns, upon penalty of paying 
 to the said John Mitchell the sum of ten pounds of good and 
 lawful money of Great Britain. And that the said Aaron. 
 Wood shall not have person or persons to work with him in 
 the business that the said John Mitchell is to employ him in 
 but himself only. In witness whereof, the said parties to these 
 presents their hands and seals have hereunto put this day and 
 year first above written. 
 
 " Aaron Wood. 
 
 " Sealed and delivered in " John X Mitchell. 
 
 the presence of his mark." 
 
 "J. Hbnshall. 
 
 " Ann Henshall. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 155 
 
 Mr. Mitchell was a religious and unsuspicious person ; 
 the first who received into his house the Preachers in the 
 Wesleyan Methodist Connection ; and tho' he died in very 
 reduced circumstances, yet during some years he was the 
 greatest manufacturer of that day. He had four travellers, 
 Mr. Dean, of Burslem, (afterwards of Bridgwater;) Mr. 
 Dale, of Mole Cob, (since of Exeter ;) Mr. Dickens, (since 
 of Plymouth;) and Mr. Bowers, (since of Falmouth.) The 
 practice customary then was, not to take out invoices, or 
 on returning to render an account of the sales ; but merely 
 to empty their pockets ; after which they received their 
 wages, {five or six shillings a week,) for the time of the- 
 journey ; their expenses having been paid out of the cash 
 received. Thus each traveller saved sufficient to avail 
 himself of any favourable opportunity to commence business. 
 for himself as a dealer in glass and earthenware; and 
 each has been successful, while it is painful to add some 
 of Mr. M.'s descendants are now in low circumstances in 
 Burslem. 
 
 In 1740, Mr. Thomas Whieldon's manufactory at 
 Little Fenton, consisted of a small range of low buildings,, 
 all thatched. His early productions, were knife hafts,, 
 for the Sheffield Cutlers; and Snuff Boxes, for the 
 Birmingham Hardwaremen, to finish with hoops, hinges, 
 and springs ; which himself usually carried in a basket to 
 the tradesmen ; and being much like agate, they were 
 greatly in request. He also made toys and chimney 
 ornaments, coloured in either the clay state, or bisquet, by 
 zafFre, manganese, copper, &c., and glazed with black, red, 
 or white lead. He also made black glazed tea and coffee 
 pots, Tortoiseshell and melon table plates, (with orna- 
 mented edge, and six scollops, as in the specimens kept 
 by Andrew Boon, of the Honeywall, Stoke ;) and other 
 
156 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 useful articles. Mr. A. Wood, made models and moulds of 
 "these articles ; also pickle leaves, crab stock handles and 
 cabbageleavespouts,for tea and coffee pots, all which utensils 
 with candlesticks, chocolate cups, and tea ware, were much 
 improved, and his connections extended subsequently, when, 
 Mr. J. Wedgwood became his managing partner. He was 
 a shrewd and careful person. To 'prevent his productions 
 being imitated in quality or shape, he always buried the 
 broken articles ; and a few months ago we witnessed the 
 unexpected exposure of some of these, by some miners 
 attempting to get marl in the road at Little Fenton. The 
 fortune he acquired by his industry, enabled him to erect a 
 very elegant mansion, near Stoke; where he long enjoyed 
 in the bosom of his family, the fruits of his early economy. 
 He was also Sheriff of the County, in the 26th year of the 
 late reign. The benevolence of his disposition, and his 
 integrity, are honourable traits of character, far superior to 
 the boast of ancestry without personal merit. He died in 
 1798, at a very old age ; and in 1828 his relict was interred 
 beside him in Stoke Church yard. 
 
 Of the four apprentices to Mr. Whieldon, three com- 
 menced business, and were eminently successful ; Mr. Josiah 
 Spode, (the first) Mr. Robert Garner, Mr. J. Barker (and 
 his Brothers we believe,) — but Mr. William Greatbatch, a 
 person of great ability, (mentioned again hereafter,) was 
 ruined by a bad debt. The father of William Greatbatch, 
 was a farmer, at Berryhill; and supplied coals to the 
 manufacturers at Fenton, from Botteslow and Colamoor; 
 and among others, to Mr. Whieldon, and Mr. Daniel Bird, 
 on the backs of horses, the roads being then so bad that 
 had a horse stumbled, or missed his step into the holes, he 
 certainly would have fallen, and with difficulty would 
 have been again raised. He received his money every 
 journey, because fearful of the parties. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 157 
 
 Mr. Daniel Bird's productions at the manufactory at 
 ClifF Bank, (which Mr. T. Mayer now occupies,) were very 
 lucrative; Agate Buttons, Knife Hafts, and Flint ware, 
 salt glaze, by which he speedily realized a handsome for- 
 tune. He was distinguished by the appellation of the 
 Flint Potter, because he is believed to have first ascertained 
 the exact quantity of flint proper to be mixed with the 
 clays to form the body of the Pottery. 
 
 We shall just notice here, that Mr. T. Mayer has succeeded 
 in a chief d' oeuvre of the Art of Pottery, by many considered 
 as the best Specimen of Solid Earthenware hitherto produced. 
 It is an Earthenware Table, of truly elegant workmanship, 
 thirty-two inches diameter, on an elegant pedestal of pro- 
 portionate dimensions ; ornamented in a very chaste style, 
 with subject from National History. 
 
 Before 1740, two sons of Aaron Wedgwood, Thomas 
 and John, (the one an excellent thrower, the other a most 
 skilful fireman, as lead ore glaze potters,) left their father's- 
 service, to commence business for themselves at Burslem, 
 in the manufacture of White Stone Ware. As there was. 
 not then an instance of any Master Potter, who did 
 not most diligently apply himself to some branch of the 
 business, usually throwing and firing, their well-known 
 industry, experience, and ingenuity, warranted the expec- 
 tation of a portion of Success. 
 
 The practice of boiling the clay on a Slip Kiln being 
 now introduced, the Sun Pans were appropriated as reser- 
 voirs of water for the uses of the manufacture; and, as 
 was formerly the practice, all around their sides were 
 thrown, for convenience, or until a proper opportunity 
 for removal, heaps of the broken pots, potsherds, (vulgar 
 shards,) and much rubbish containing refuse salt, which 
 mixing with the efflorescence from the salt glaze ware, was 
 
i58 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 carried by the water from the falling showers into the Pan 
 or reservoir, and formed a saline liquid. This very im- 
 portant fact was forgotten or not contemplated, by the 
 Brothers, in using this almost saturated water to levigate 
 and mix with their flint and clay ; and they sustained loss 
 by their pottery fusing at a temperature much below that 
 of other vitrescent kinds, even tho' glazed with salt ; and 
 prior to introducing the glaze. 
 
 Thro' a succession of losses and disappointment the 
 Brothers almost resolved to relinquish the'^manufacture ; 
 but having caused some of their ware to be fired in another 
 oven ; and they in return firing another's ware in their 
 oven ; they found their pottery did not bear the high heat 
 required to vitrify the other. Their investigation ascer- 
 tained, that the saline particles of the water, with the lime 
 w!^ich adhered to the flint stones, rendered their ware very 
 fusible ; and that careful sorting of their flints, and pure 
 water, would produce a much better article^ with less 
 trouble, and little risk in the firing. 
 
 The Manufactures now much improved and widely ex- 
 tended into a source of National wealth, and employment 
 to many thousands of the community, were found to depend 
 on successful chemical combinations of several materials ; 
 the principal of which are Clay and Flint, (called, when 
 pure. Alumina, and Silica,) at times coloured by oxides and 
 carbonaceous substances which are more frequently united 
 naturally, and have more affinity for each other than any 
 other substances ; and of pigments formed of metallic oxides 
 &c., with which the ware is embellished. 
 
 Alumina is soluble in every acid ; and alone will 
 fuse, when oxygen gas is present, into a hard vitreous 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 159 
 
 substance that will scratch glass ; but by strong heat its 
 chemical cohesion so diminishes its bulk, that it becomes 
 capablei of resisting acids and alkalies. It is found pure 
 naturally at Halle, in Germany, and is artificially procured 
 by decomposing Alum in water and carbonate of Ammonia, 
 and washing well the precipitate; but it unites so inti- 
 mately with water, that even a heat that will fuse iron, 
 leaves of that fluid a tenth of the weight of the earth. 
 The Manufacturers here use Four kinds of Argillaceous 
 Earth, by them called Clays, two from the south of Devon- 
 shire, Black, and Cracking ; and two from the Isle of Pur- 
 beck, called Brotan and Blue. The Black is named so, 
 because the Alumina is combined with carbonaceous 
 matter, which disappears when the Pottery is properly 
 fired. — Cracking Clay, much used because beautifully white 
 when fired, has its designation from its . contractile pro- 
 perty when highly heated, and often cracking in bisquet, 
 when not apportioned with other less contractile clay. 
 The Brown likewise is -very white, and less contractile 
 than the last mentioned ; but some peculiarity prevents 
 perfect adhesion of the glaze, and crazing results. The 
 Blue is best ; it burns white, contracts little, takes a large 
 proportion of Flint, and forms a durable body. And, 
 altho' the opaqueness of Alumina affects the transparency 
 of Porcelain, yet the latter two are occasionally employed 
 in that branch of the Art. 
 
 Flint is usually, in weight, a fourth, a fifth, or a sixth 
 part of the mass, which it greatly aids by its transparency. 
 Silica performs a very important part in the composition 
 of many natural bodies; and may be procured j7i*re by 
 subjecting nodules of Flint to a high heat, rendering them 
 very brittle by plunging into cold water; next they are 
 pulverized, and mixed with four times the weight of 
 
160 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 potash, and then dissolving in water, and by an acid 
 taking up the alkali, the Silica precipitates as a white, 
 inodorous, insipid, and insoluble powder, which must be 
 well washed. 
 
 For the Finest Pottery there is also used a certain 
 proportion of Cornish or China Clay ; and likewise of 
 Cornwall or Growan Stone. 
 
 The pottery made of flint and Biddeford clay, tho' 
 very white, being liable to crack, when well fired, or sud- 
 denly heated ; to remedy this, some of the native clays, 
 and the finest white grit from Mole Cob, were used, and 
 much improved the quality of the article, which being 
 comparatively thin saved materials, time, labour, and coals 
 for firing. The .Brothers Wedgwood ascertained the kind 
 of clay most liable to crack, thence named cracking clay ; 
 and were incited to further experiments, by some of the 
 vessels made on their new methods, not being sufficiently 
 vitrified ; others being well fired, yet not fused ; while 
 those of the old body, were completely destroyed ; this 
 discovery caused other manufacturers to reject water from 
 reservoirs near potsherd heaps, which were quickly carried 
 off^ the premises. Rain water, or water from deep wells, 
 now became very important ; and the Brothers used 
 only that from Hankerses well, a spring immediately 
 nigh their works, from their different kinds of Pottery. 
 Those made from Clays without glazing, are called 
 Dky Bodies; of which were formed their most elegant 
 and valuable articles. There soon was such a demand 
 for their productions, as to require extra supplies of 
 flint; to grind which Mr. Brindley erected the wind- 
 mill on the Jenkins, and filled it with machinery to grind 
 flints in water. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 161 
 
 Amazed, these Sons of Genius I descry, 
 Fix on the plastic mass their anxious eye ; 
 Urged by their native energy of mind, 
 To Model forms aright they feel inclin'd ; 
 Intent on high designs, their fabrile souls, 
 , To shapes unfashioned now direct their tools ; 
 With daring aims, irregularly great. 
 To raise their Art from its degraded state. 
 
 The excellent productions they now sent forth were so 
 much in demand, that they erected a new manufactory, 
 and incurred general censure because of their extrava- 
 gance in erecting so large a manufactory and covering it 
 with tiles, (all others being covered with thatch,) and for 
 erecting three ovens, (subsequently increased to Jive.) In 
 like manner, the greatest possible surprise was occasioned 
 by R. & J. Baddeley, erecting four hovels in a row behind 
 their manufactory in Shelton, which they had covered 
 with Tiles (where Messrs. Hicks, Meigh, and Johnson are 
 now manufacturing.) Of the White Stone ware they 
 now made dishes, plates, and common vessels, also some 
 elegant fruit baskets, bread trays, ^c, glazed with salt, 
 and probably cast in moulds ; for the under side of the 
 saucers, and the outside of the cups have different orna- 
 ments. 
 
 The White Stone ware was varied into a better 
 TortoisesheU, by rubbing manganese upon the vessels 
 before they were glazed ; for a different kind ground 
 zalfres were applied with either a sponge or hair pencil; 
 and similar application of calcined copper, iron, and 
 other metals, produced Cauliflower, and Melon ware, &c. 
 In 1750, the Brothers erected near their manufactory, 
 (and now in full view of Waterloo Road to Cobridge,) 
 a Dwelling House, so durable, and on a scale of ex- 
 tent, and a style of magnificence, so far excelling all 
 
16'2 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 in the district, that it was called the Big House ; and 
 now bears the name, (applied also to its founders, to 
 •distinguish the family from that of the over hoiise, and 
 -that of the Church yard works.) These Brothers con- 
 tinued their manufactures until 1763; when they retired 
 to enjoy a very large property, the reward of their industry 
 and integrity. 
 
 Every reader only partially acquainted with the manu- 
 facture, will be aware, that the materials employed in 
 making saggers, require to be unaffected by the action of 
 the mixtures in fusion; not fusible by a degree of heat 
 much higher than what is requisite for baking the ware, 
 or vitrifying the glaze ; and capable of retaining any shape 
 and size most suitable and best adapted for the different 
 purposes. The Clays proper for the kinds of Pottery, 
 differing in kind, quality, and colour, numerous trials 
 were made to determine the proportions of marl, suf- 
 ficiently strong to bear the weight of the vessels, and 
 sustain the requisite heat. 
 
 The ware was varied to the sagger, and the sagger to 
 the ware, until about 1745, when many different ■ marls 
 ■were used for saggers ; and for the white stone ware, the 
 difficulty was long experienced. At length, it was ascer- 
 tained, that in whatever heat might be required, two parts 
 of Can Marl, mixed with one of Black Marl, would retain 
 their shape. The more the marl is exposed to atmospheric 
 action, and broken during the time it lies weathering; the 
 better will the saggers bear most intense heat without 
 cracking. Some opulent manufacturers find their account 
 in employing two or three men solely, to constantly work 
 the marl employed in making the saggers for their manu- 
 factories. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 163 
 
 Information that the French manufacturers employed 
 moulds of Plaster of Paris, caused some of the Burslem 
 potters to have moulds formed of Plaster stone; the 
 specimens evincing great ingenuity in the workman, and 
 the prevalent desire to improve the Art. The con-ection 
 of this eiTor introduced an important improvement; 
 providing a fresh branch of manual employment, and 
 supplying great facilities for manufacturing the choicest 
 productions of taste and ingenuity. Mr. Ralph Daniel, 
 of Cobridge, happened to visit a Porcelain manufactory in 
 France, where among other information relative to their 
 processes, he ascertained that the moulds were formed by 
 mixing Plaster of Paris in a pulverulent state with water. 
 He obtained a mould of a large Table Plate, which on 
 returning home he exhibited to all the Potters, and 
 explained the discovery, and its attendant advantage, and 
 quickly moulds were introduced. The manufacturers were 
 eager to possess moulds, because of the numerous produc- 
 tions which with great facility could be formed in them, 
 yet not be produced by the wheel and the lathe; and 
 others which did not need either; and also the quickness 
 with which the clay acquired, what potters call the green 
 state. 
 
 The substance, which obtained the name Plaster of' 
 ■Paris, because its material was then procured from the 
 hills around that city, is now known to be Selenite, or 
 Sulphate of Lime, mostly called Gypsum ; abundant at 
 Chelaston, in Derbyshire, and Beacon Hill, near Newark ; 
 and in parts of Staffordshire and Salop. — To prepare it 
 for the use of Masons, Statuaries, and other Artists, for 
 Cornices, Busts, &c., protected from moisture and the 
 weather, the mass is broken small, baked well in a common 
 oven to dissipate much of its water, and then reduced 
 
164 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 into an impalpable powder; — but for the use of Potters, 
 it is ground by a pair of Stones in a mill, similarly to 
 grain, afterwards submitted to a process, incongruously 
 called boiling, on a long trough, beneath which are flues, 
 where it remains until all its water is dissipated, attended 
 by a man, who is prevented inhaling its fine particles by 
 his nose and mouth being protected by a double silk 
 handkerchief. When the mass has been by such process 
 deprived of its water, it is rendered so miscible again with 
 that fluid, that on receiving its own proportion of water, 
 it condenses such a quantity, as almost immediately to 
 become changed into one compact and solid mass. Hence 
 when used, the fluid is quickly poured, into moulds for 
 statues, or busts : and round models or blocks to form 
 moulds for the Potters, — usually for articles not circular, 
 and for teapots, saucers, plates, dishes, &c. This property 
 of so quickly absorbing moisture, causes the plaster moulds 
 to be most peculiarly adapted to the purposes of the 
 Potter; for as the moulds can be kept dry by placing 
 them on shelves around a stove, they very readily absorb 
 the water from the clay impressed into them : and the 
 Articles are more easily delivered or quit from the moulds, 
 in a fit state for finishing, than would be conjectured by 
 persons not acquainted with the Art. 
 
 The Ethiopians, knew of this property of gypsum, 
 for Herodotus mentions, that they dried in the sun the 
 bodies of deceased relatives; and then covered each with 
 paste of gypsum, on which subsequently was painted the 
 portrait of the deceased person. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. l65 
 
 CHAP VII. 
 
 INTRODUCTION OF FLUID GLAZE. EXTENSION OF THE MANU- 
 FACTURE OF CREAM COLOUR. MR. WEDGWOOD's QUEEN'S WARE, 
 
 JASPER, AND APPOINTMENT OF POTTER TO HER MAJESTY. 
 
 BLACK PRINTING. 
 
 We cannot ascertain at this day the extent of busi- 
 ness carried on in Pottery with the Lead ore glaze, 
 and in the early time of the Salt glaze. The Lead 
 ore glaze continued in many small potteries ; but other 
 manufacturers of the White Stone ware, employed their 
 ingenuity in trials which they glazed and fired as formerly. 
 When the ware had been once fired, called bisquet, the 
 workman, with a sponge added manganese, alone for 
 Tortoiseshell, and with pulverized ironstone added for 
 the darker colours; ochre and calces of iron and other 
 metals, for yellow, cauliflower, and melon; and of copper 
 for green Pickle Leaves ; and with a camel hair pencil 
 added different strengths of ground zaflres, for Agate, {or 
 Knife Hafts, and Snuff Boxes, and by a brush added 
 lead ore and flint glaze, washing or filling the inside with 
 the glaze, a watery mixture of lead and flint. When only 
 Lead ore, with a little Flint, was applied as glaze, the 
 white clay not being of the best quality, and the flint so 
 carefully prepared as in our day, the Pottery had a yellow- 
 ish cast, and was named Cream Colour. This method oi 
 making Cream Colour, was practised by many persons, 
 and different qualities of articles made long before it 
 received this appellation ; (now restricted to the Pot- 
 tery, which succeeded salt glaze, by immersion in the 
 white Lead fluid glaze.) There are specimens of Table 
 Plates and Fruit Dishes, made of flint and clay, in old 
 moulds of the White Stone ware, which after being 
 
166 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 dipped in the lead and flint glaze for. washing the insides 
 of Tortoiseshell, and fired in the old lead glaze ovens, 
 form exactly and identically the first Cream Coloured 
 Pottery. 
 
 Up to 1740, in each manufactory, all the persons 
 employed were, the slip-maker, thrower, two turners, 
 handler, (stouker,) fireman, warehouseman, and a few chil- 
 dren, and, to be really useful to the master, and secure 
 sufficient employment, a good workman could throw, turn, 
 and stouk ; and which he practised in each week at two 
 or three different manufactories. But the White Stone 
 Ware, now experiencing such a demand, its manufacture 
 extended the whole range of the district ; and the manu- 
 facturers introduced the custom of hiring each woi'kman 
 to serve only one master, and practise only one branch of 
 the Art, while workmen for the different branches, were so 
 much in requisition, that persons from distant parts, and 
 especially from the neighbouring villages, . were hired and 
 settled in the towns, increasing the number of parish- 
 ioners, and ultimately the mass of parochial burdens. 
 
 The increase of workmen, the subdivision of labour in 
 every process ; and the dexterity and quickness consequent 
 on separate persons confining themselves solely to one 
 branch of the Art, with the time saved in the change of 
 implements and articles, instead of retarding, greatly pro- 
 moted the manufacture, by increasing its excellence and 
 elegance. The benefits accruing from the great demand for 
 the salt glaze white stone ware, caused the inhabitants to 
 tolerate the method of glazing, altho' for about five hours 
 of each Saturday, fifty or sixty manufactories sent forth 
 dense clouds of vapour that filled the valleys and covered 
 the hills to an extent of several square miles. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. lfJ7 
 
 Carlos Simpson, 63 years of age, 1817, was born at 
 Chelsea ; to which place his father Aaron Simpson, went in 
 1747, along with Thomas Lkwton, slip maker, Samuel Parr, 
 turner, Richard Meir, fireman, and John Astbury, painter, all 
 of Hot Lane ; Carlos Wedgwood, of the Stocks, a good 
 thrower ; Thomas Ward and several others, of Burslem, to 
 work at the Chelsea China Manufactory. They soon ascer- 
 tained that they were the principal workmen, on whose exer- 
 tions all the excellence of the Porcelain must depend, they 
 then resolved to commence business on their own account, at 
 Chelsea, and were in some degree successful ; but at length 
 owing to disagreement among themselves, they abandoned it 
 and returned to Burslem, intending to commence there the 
 manufacture of China ; but soon after their return Aaron 
 Simpson died, the design was relinquished, and each took 
 the employment quickly offered in the manufacture of white 
 stone ware, then sold readily on the day of drawing the oven. 
 Carlos Wedgwood at length commenced making white stone 
 pottery, behind the present Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, 
 which stands on the spot occupied by his house. 
 
 At that time the various kinds of Pottery with lead ore 
 glaze, were made at a small manufactory, (which now is that 
 belonging to Messrs. Ridgway, at the bottom of Albion 
 Street Shelton,) by Mr. Warner Edwards, whose secret part- 
 ner was the Rev. Thomas Middleton, the Minister of (Old) 
 Hanley Chapel. Mr. Edwards's chemical ability exceeded 
 that of all other persons in the district; for he could make the 
 various kinds of Pottery then in demand, and prepare and 
 apply the different colours, to ornament them. He was a 
 careful, shrewd, and very intelligent man, and when he was 
 attacked, in 1753, by the sickness which proved fatal, he 
 presented to the late Mr. Thomas Daniel, (who had been 
 his apprentice, and was then his only private assistant,) a 
 Drawing Book, embellished with many elegant Patterns ; 
 and on the first leaf is written, by himself — "Werner Ed- 
 wards's Art of making Enamel Colours in a plain manner." 
 On the blank sides of the leaves, Mr. T. D. wrote, from 
 
168 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Mr. Edward's dictation, the minute instructions and requisite 
 information concerning the several processes, and com- 
 ponents for preparing of the diiFerent colours ; and the 
 prices of the several chemical preparations and minerals, 
 with the names of the persons in London, Manchester, and 
 Liverpool, from whom they could be obtained of the best 
 quality and at the lowest price. Thus the old gentleman 
 rendered more useful to himself, the practical skill in the 
 manipulations already acquired by Mr. D. while he re- 
 warded in the best manner his industry and integrity. 
 This Drawing Book, which we recently inspected, had 
 been surreptitiously copied by some of the colour makers 
 of the district, when it was recovered by the owner's son, 
 Mr. H. Daniel, of Stoke, justly celebrated thro' the trade 
 an Enameller of the greatest ability. 
 
 Mr. Aaron Wedgwood, (father of T. & J. Wedgwood, 
 of the Big House, also brother-in-law of Mr. W. Littler, 
 mentioned in the chapter on Porcelain,) soon joined with 
 him and endeavoured to effect some improvement in the 
 salt glaze. Genius and invention have seldom been more 
 usefully employed, than in the improved productions of the 
 Pottery. The united experience, and repeated endeavours 
 of these persons was attended with success wholly without 
 precedent. The transition from washing the vessels or 
 laying the glaze on by a brush, to immersing them in 
 the mixture, is both easy and natural. The manufacture 
 of white stone pottery, was rapidly improving, owing to 
 the ascertaining the proper proportions of marl for the 
 saggers, and of flint and clay, for the pottery. And 
 availing themselves of Mr. Astbury's method of wash- 
 ing- or dipping, Messrs. Littler and Wedgwood first 
 introduced a compound of very fusible materials — of 
 certain proportions of ground zaffre with the flint and 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 169 
 
 the clay that composed the body of the pottery; mixed 
 with a determined quantity of water, and varied for the 
 different i^inds of articles. Into this liquid the vessels were 
 dipped, while in the state of clay very little dried, and 
 absorbing the water, received a very thin coating of the 
 materials in solution, which when dried and fired in the 
 salt glaze oven, appeared of a fine glossy surface, free fi'om 
 those minute inequalities observable on all the Pottery 
 glazed with salt only. Some excellent Specimens are 
 ornamented by enamelling and gilding ; and others having 
 had a little manganese applied, resemble the finest Lapis 
 Lazuli. 
 
 The highways of the district at this time and some 
 years afterwards, were in a condition so out of repair, as 
 to be almost impassable. In some instances, by a man 
 was the flint carried from the mill to the manufactory ; 
 and in others, by horses, in tubs that would contain four 
 pecks. The chapmen or dealers kept a gang of horses 
 which carried small crates, that were filled with ware, then 
 driven to different parts, and there opened for the inspec- 
 tion of purchasers. The expense of carriage necessarily 
 impeded the extension of the manufacture ; yet such is the 
 force of prejudice, that when the Act of Parliament of 
 1760 for repairing the Roads then made, and opening new 
 ones, was first put in execution, the workmen conjecturing 
 that their Art would be either wholly destroyed, or taken 
 out of the country, rushed en masse into open disturbance. 
 Afterwards, carts and waggons were substituted for pack 
 horses ; persons were sent to the different places for orders ; 
 business was extended, and the district benefited. 
 
 The White Stone Pottery was now in. demand, and 
 had been improved gradually in quality and workman- 
 
170 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 ship; but was certainly much restricted, because the 
 manufacturers were busy making only a small assortment 
 of common articles, of rather inelegant shapes, and finished 
 upon the wheel and lathe, or by the stouker. And tho' 
 of clean appearance, and compact texture, (during the 
 period of fifty years from its introduction to its highest 
 improvement,) it remained devoid of celebrity, for want of 
 being presented to the public in neat and varied Articles 
 of utility, formed in elegant tasteful patterns, as was the 
 French White Stone ware, with beautiful glaze, supplied 
 to genteel tables thro' preference of foreign to British 
 manufacture ; and as was the Queen's Ware in the excellent 
 forms designed by Mr. William Wood. 
 
 But the demand having excited among the more intel- 
 ligent manufacturers the spirit of invention, — -different 
 bodies and glazes were attempted, improved, and their 
 perfection assiduously pursued, and gradually accomplished ; 
 the Pottery fabricated, tho' inferior to porcelain in colour 
 and appearance, was nearly equal in utility and durability; 
 and numbers were eager to acquire celebrity, by the beauty, 
 and elegance of their designs, and the excellence of their 
 workmanship. 
 
 At this time Lane Delph was the chief place in the 
 southern part of the district. Here, in 1750, William 
 Edwards made very good coloured Earthenware. Two 
 Plates of his manufacture, in the possession of Mr. George 
 Forrister, Lane End, are so truly elegant, that we might 
 be censured for not troubling the reader with a description. 
 
 They are about twelve inches diameter, made Of the whitest 
 native clays well prepared, and now have a brownish flesh 
 colour. The brim is in basket-work, very well designed and 
 executed ; the bowl part is divided into three compartments 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 171 
 
 of finely embossed work, on the bend of which is a melon, harp^ 
 apple, pear, and two cherries, (whence we conjecture they 
 were dessert plates ;) the centre is finely and fancifully 
 scrolled. The glaze has much lead, and is quite green ; the 
 centre has had a little oxide of iron, or manganese, to give a. 
 brownish cast, the green has been partially washed off, so as 
 to appear whitish and very dark green alternately in each 
 compartment. Both plates are cracked, but not crazed in 
 either glaze or body. As these and other specimens of this 
 date, are without glaze on the under surface, we suppose this, 
 was done for economy ; or was it in imitation of Foreign 
 Earthenware. 
 
 Mr. Phillips was also a very eminent manufacturer at 
 Lane Delph. A fine specimen of his manufacture a cream 
 colour Standish for Ink, Sand, and Wafers, made by him 
 in 1760, is now in the possession of Mr. George Forrister, 
 of Lane End ; who had used it twenty-eight years con- 
 stantly; having received it as a present from Mr. Moses 
 Simpson, whose father was a workman for Mr. Phillips. 
 Its ornamental work is very elegant, and it evinces much 
 excellence of material ; there is not any crazing ; and on 
 the authoi''s suggestion, it is no longer doomed to drudgery, 
 but is preserved as a curiosity. W. Matthews, of Lane 
 Delph, made excellent mottled and clouded pottery. The 
 drinking mugs are particularly well handled, and finely rolled, 
 but without spout or snip, as in the similarly shaped vessels- 
 of the present day. The article is not any way crazed. 
 
 Roger Wood, Esq., of the Ash, three miles east of 
 Hanley, in 1756, erected the manufactory (now occupied 
 by Mr. Sampson Bridgwood, an excellent manufacturer 
 of Porcelain,) on the side of the Brook at the lower 
 Market- Place, Lane End. Here a person named Ford,, 
 for some years made common stone earthenware, and 
 brown ware. There were not one hundred houses in 
 Lane End at that time, and very few indeed in Longton 
 
172 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 liberty. We are told that at this factory the first cream 
 colour was made on that side of the district. Another 
 manufacturer was Moses Simpson, (of the family of Bulky 
 Simpson,) from Hanley ; but we have not seen any speci- 
 mens of his productions. It is remarkable, to the Author 
 at least, that merely the name of this person is known 
 in the family circle; his nephew, Moses Simpson, now 
 above seventy years of age, resides in Stafford Row, 
 Shelton, but he only remembers that his uncle died when 
 he himself was a boy. 
 
 Opposite to the present Lane End Church, and on the 
 {now greatly enlarged) premises occupied by Messrs. Mayer 
 and Newbold, during many years Messrs. Thomas and 
 Joseph Johnson made salt glaze white stone ware, as well 
 as crouch ware, and other kinds, from clay obtained from 
 "the Brickhouse Field, the spot now covered by houses be- 
 longing to Jacob Marsh, Esq. The late Messrs. J. & R. 
 Riley, of Burslem, made very respectful mention of the 
 "talents and character of these brothers of whose manu- 
 facture, a bread-basket, long in the possession of the 
 late N. Jackson, Esq., exhibits proof of ability in the 
 modeller, and excellence in the materials. 
 
 About 1756, Mr. R. Bankes, and the late Mr. John 
 Turner, made white stone ware at Stoke, on the spot 
 part of the premises of Josiah Spode, Esq. — Mr. Turner 
 removed to Lane End, in 1762, where he manufactured 
 every kind of Pottery then in demand, and also introduced 
 some other kinds not previously known. — About 1780, he 
 discovered a vein of fine Clay, on the land at Green Dock, 
 now the property of Mr. Ephraim Hobson, of Hanley. 
 
 Purged from their dross, the nobler parts refine, 
 Receive new forms, and with true beauties shine. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 17» 
 
 From this he obtained all his supplies for manufacturing 
 his beautiful and excellent Stone Ware Pottery, of a cane 
 colour; which he formed into very beautiful Jugs, with 
 ornamental designs, and the most tasteful articles of do- 
 mestic use. Some of them are excellent Wine Coolers;, 
 others represent different kinds of Pastry, as Tureens, 
 Butter Coolers, &c., and are well calculated to deceive the 
 eye at a short distance. An instance of this deception 
 occurred to the author, being seated in the parlour, where- 
 was a Lady's work-basket, which he was led to consider 
 from its appearance as twig or willow ware, and was most 
 agreeably surprised, to find it of cane coloured pottery. 
 The deception was not single ; for a young Lady, on a 
 visit, had made a similar mistake only the day preceding. 
 Mr. Turner was deputed with Mr. Wedgwood, to oppose 
 the extension of Mr. Champion's Patent — and an agree- 
 ment was the result ; as stated in the Chapter on Porcelain. 
 But in consequence of Mr. Kinnersley's sale of lead being 
 affected by the introduction of Composition, that gentle- 
 man entered into partnership with Mr. Turner, to make it 
 at Lane End : and the speculation was to some extent 
 successful. Mr. Turner afterwards erected in the open 
 ground before his manufactory, a machine by which he 
 could turn his throwing engine and lathes. This was open 
 to the inspection of all the potters of the time ; but no 
 application of the principle was made, until after steam 
 engines were introduced ; as by Mr. Wedgwood, and Mr. 
 Spode. Mr. Turner preserved thro' life the high char- 
 acter of a very kind master, a worthy and intelligent 
 tradesman, and an honest member of the community ; and 
 died in 1786, at an advanced age. 
 
 About 1750, Mr. John Barker, with his Brother, and 
 Mr. Robert Gamer, commenced the manufactory of Shining 
 
174 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Black, and White Stone ware, salt glaze, at the Row 
 Houses, near the Foley, Fienton; and where afterwards 
 they made tolerable cream colour. They realized a good 
 property here ; and Mr. R. Garner erected a manufactory, 
 and the best House of the time in Lane End, near the old 
 Turnpike Gate. In the possession of Mr. G. Forfister, 
 Lane End, is a very excellent specimen ; a Sand Box, 
 which tho' constantly used, remains unaffected by crazing. 
 The rolling is extremely neat, and the edges shew con- 
 siderable taste and excellence of workmanship. It is highly 
 prized by Mr. G., having been his father's; and is well 
 known to have been made near seventy years. In 1750, 
 the late William Brookes, of Handford Bridge, was placed 
 with these gentlemen, as apprentice to a Turner; and 
 when his term was completed, he was paid seven shillings 
 weekly ; and labour being now in demand, the custom was 
 to work, for half' a day over time, while a candle of a 
 certain size burned. The Lathes used at this time were 
 made in Congleton, because the secret of properly temper- 
 ing the spindle and collar was possessed only by a smith 
 resident there. In Hanley there resided a very ingenious 
 smith, (proved since to be Mr. John Baddeley, of Eastwood,) 
 to whom the business was suggested. On a certain day 
 he dressed himself as a potter, with white apron, and also 
 white gloves on his hands, to prevent them being noticed 
 by the smith at Congleton ; and having a spindle, &c., 
 with him, he accompanied Mr. W. Brookes, and Mr. 
 Thomas Greatbatch, of Hanley, each having his spindle, 
 &c., to the shop of the mechanic and smith, where he wit- 
 nessed the several operations, and afterwards practised 
 them at Hanley. And so careful was he to preserve the 
 secret thus obtained, that, (according to the statement 
 of his daughter, the late Mrs. Poulson, of Stoke,) he 
 frequently performed the most particular operations about 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 175 
 
 midnight, having only the company and help of his 
 daughter. The same Thomas Greatbatch first suggested 
 the movement of an Engine Lathe, to Mr. Baddeley, 
 who was successful in constructing it ; arid on it Mr. 
 G. was employed many years. The same lathe was sold 
 publicly in 1828 ; but we cannot ascertain the pur- 
 chaser. 
 
 Ml-. John Adams, and Mr. John Prince were manufac- 
 turers at Lane Delph, near Fenton Lane, of Red Porcelain, 
 and White Stone ware, salt glaze, and realized large for- 
 tunes. The daughter , of Mr. Prince was married by one 
 of their turners, the late Mr. John Stirrup, of Cinderhill, 
 near Lane End; and the property he received with her, 
 ultimately rendered him opulent. Another of their turners, 
 Mr. William Hilditch, of Lane Delph, gentleman, is now 
 peaceably enjoying the produce of his well dii'ected in- 
 dustry. He is the father of Messrs. Hilditch, China 
 manufacturers, of Land End. The third turner is Mr. 
 William Shaw, the present Clerk, and Master of the Free 
 School, at Lane End. 
 
 Mr. John Aldersea, at the manufactory in Stoke, where 
 is now the Top Square ; and his Brother Thomas, of the 
 Honey Wall, were successful in riiaking Mottled and 
 Cloudy, and Tortoiseshell, with lead ore and salt glazes, 
 and Shining Black, of a very good quality. A few speci- 
 mens are kept in the neighbourhood. 
 
 About 1760, a son of Mr. Phillips, of Lane Delph, 
 commenced the manufacture of White Stone Ware, salt 
 glaze, at Green Dock, Longton ; and he afterwards made 
 tolerable cream colour, at the same place. To his descen- 
 dants there now belongs some property in Lane End. The 
 
176 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 salt he used, was brought by the old Huntsman, John 
 Brown, from either Lawton, or the Wyches, as most con- 
 venient for himself. At this time, only a good team of 
 horses could draw a cart along the high road, such was 
 their broken up state ; and not a single one-horse cart was 
 in use on the Lane End side of the district till the end of 
 the last century. The Coals were carried in panniers, on 
 mules and horses ; and four of these supplied all Lane 
 Delph, in 1780. There was a horse-post, to bring the 
 letters from Stone ; and the late Mr. S. Forrister well re- 
 membered seeing the postman ride his horse up the steps 
 into the Warehouse of Mr. Phillips, to communicate some 
 verbal intelligence ^r*^ to that gentleman. 
 
 About 1750, another introduction of fresh materials, 
 or a different application of those previously employed, 
 was beneficial to the person and to the whole district. 
 Mr. Enoch Booth, of Tunstall, first united the Clays 
 of the neighbourhood carefully levigated, in union with 
 those from the South of England, (Devon, and Dorset.) 
 and a certain proportion of Flint, on Mr. Astbury's 
 method. This body he first glazed with lead ore ; next 
 he mixed it with one of the clays, and then added a 
 little dry calcined flint in powder; and finally, he used 
 lead and flint in a liquid state, on Littler's method, but 
 with this difference ; Littler dipped the clay ware into 
 his liquid ; but Mr. Booth fired his once, and dipped 
 the bisquet ware. There appears little cause to suppose 
 that great improvements took place in the Glaze. The 
 celebrated Reaumur had analysed every kind of known 
 glaze, and published their components, according to his 
 Analysis, inserted in the old 'Handmaid to the Arts;' 
 therefore we may suppose that the different Glazes, 
 and the methods of glazing Earthenware, were well 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 17T 
 
 known. The different appearance of the Articles, is ad- 
 mitted to be consequent on the introduction of fresh or 
 new materials into the body or clay, and every such in- 
 troduction formed a different kind, was attended with 
 beneficial Effects to the individuals themselves particularly, 
 and the whole mass of the manufacturers of the district 
 generally. 
 
 This was the first instance of attention being paid to 
 careful levigation of the clay, prior to mixing it with the 
 flint ; and also, of proper quantities of Flint and Clay being 
 mixed with a certain measure of water. The practice now 
 prevails thro' the district ; but Slip makers are not suffi- 
 ciently careful in this department. By carefully and 
 thoroughly mixing the clay with the water in the blunging 
 vat, all heterogeneous substances will sink to the bottom,, 
 and the fine argillaceous particles will remain suspended in 
 the water. The Pottery Mr. Booth made, is very different, 
 from that made by the younger Mr. Astbury, at Lane 
 Delph, about 1730, yet like that and other of an ochreous 
 hue, it was called Cream Colour; and its quality excels, 
 any then made. An excellent specimen is a Sauce Boat, 
 made in 1768, of a fiddle head pattern, from a mould of 
 Mr. A Wood's, and enamelled by Mr. John Robinson,, 
 then recently come from Liverpool. ' The Fhwerers now 
 scratched the jugs and tea ware, with a sharp pointed nail, 
 and filled the interstices with ground zaffire, in rude imitation 
 of the unmeaning scenery on foreign porcelain ; and in this 
 art women were instructed, as a constant demand was made 
 on the men for the plastic branches. 
 
 In 1751, were made the last improvements of Cream 
 Colour, (prior to those of the late Mr. Wedgwood,) by 
 Mrs. Warburton, of Hot Lane, who had been at the trial; 
 
178 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 ■of the Patent-right of R. Shaw; and was the mother of 
 Jacob Warburton, Esq. ; and also by Mr. John Baddeley, 
 of Shelton, a good potter and very worthy man. The 
 fine appearance of both body and glaze securing to the 
 Cream Colour general approbation, it became the staple 
 ware of the district. Concerning this kind of Pottery Dr. 
 Aikin truly remarked, that "It forms for the table a 
 species of pottery of a firm and durable body, and covered 
 with a rich and brilliant glaze ; and bearing sudden vicissi- 
 tudes of heat and cold without injury; it was accompanied 
 also with the advantages of being manufactured with ease 
 and expedition ; was sold cheap ; and as it possessed, with 
 the novelty of its appearance, every requisite quality for 
 the purpose intended, it quickly came into general estima- 
 tion and use." Mr. Parkes allows this eulogium ; and 
 yet, in another place, says " I consider the health of the 
 community must be impaired by the frequent use of 
 earthen vessels which are covered with the common 
 Staffordshire Glaze. The acetic acid will readily dissolve 
 the oxide of lead ; hence the boiling of pickles, and the 
 making of other culinary preparations in such vessels must 
 be highly improper." Chem. Essays, II. p. 90. This 
 gentleman from some splenetic motive, has supplied the 
 public with the most incongruous accounts of Pottery and 
 its connections, possible to -be catenated by a person who 
 had resided some years in the parish town of the district. 
 A little research, and candour in statements would have 
 rendered him respectable ; and not a subject of disgust to 
 every well-informed Potter. 
 
 The Pottery differing in quality and glaze to any 
 before manufactured, trial was made of the adequacy 
 of its glaze to bear fine designs of the enameller. This 
 was first practised by some Dutchmen, in Hot Lane; 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 179 
 
 who, to preserve their operations secret, had their muffle in 
 a garden at Bagnall, the property of Mr. Adams. Mr. 
 Daniel, of Cobridge, was the first native who practised 
 enamelling. Workmen were soon employed, from Bristol, 
 Chelsea, Worcester, and Liverpool, where Tiles had long 
 been made of Stone Ware and Porcelain ; and who had 
 been accustomed to enamel them upon the white glaze, 
 and occasionally to paint them under the glaze. For 
 some years the branch of Enamelling was conducted by 
 persons wholly unconnected with the manufacture of the 
 Pottery; in some instances altogether for the manufac- 
 turers ; in others on the private account of the Enamellers ; 
 but when there was a great demand for these ornamented 
 productions, a few of the more opulent manufacturers 
 necessarily connected this branch with the others. At 
 first, the enamellers embellished merely the tasteful pro- 
 ductions, figures, jars, cornucopias, &c., and the rich carved 
 work on the vessels ; then they painted groups of flowers, 
 figures, and birds ; and at length they copied upon their 
 breakfast and dessert sets, the designs of the richest 
 Oriental porcelain. 
 
 The discovery of this kind of Pottery is already men- 
 tioned as accidental ; and yet with the facts before their 
 eyes, many different persons have wished to claim the 
 merit of being the inventor ; in consequence, probably, of 
 each being at the same time busily engaged in experiments 
 to improve both body and glaze of the Pottery he manu- 
 factured. The greater part of mankind are too lazy to 
 think for themselves ; neither will they be at the trouble 
 to investigate facts, and consider the credibility of the 
 evidence adduced. Some wished to ascribe the merit of 
 this invention to the Messrs. Elers, already mentioned ; 
 others doubted this, because in the time of William and 
 
180 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Mary, as well as Anne, very excellent Crouch Ware was 
 made in Burslem, and some White ornamented Ware. The 
 small size of the oven, whose foundations were then undis- 
 turbed, was also stated as an objection : and considerable 
 difference of opinion exisWd, until a remarkable occuiTence 
 called their attention to themselves, and caused them to 
 cogitate on their own listlessness and indifference. During 
 the time the other manufacturers were discussing the knotty 
 point of dispute on the Ale Benches at home, one of the 
 number was making arrangements in London, by which all 
 the merit of the improvement attached itself unto him. 
 This was the late deservedly celebrated Josiah Wedgwood, 
 Esq. The fact is as true as it is remarkable, that the 
 children of genius appear as eccentric in their situations 
 and dispositions, as are the delights with which they fre- 
 quently astonished their compeers ; and that many persons, 
 in subsequent life distinguished for extraordinary produc- 
 tions, of genius or persevering industry, have been born 
 and educated amidst scenes and circumstances least likely 
 to foster that ability, for whose exertions they have 
 become notorious. He was born in August, 1730, in 
 a small tenement near the Church yard works, Bur- 
 slem, then - occupied and owned by his father, Thomas 
 Wedgwood. His early education was very limited ; and 
 in fact, scarcely any person of Burslem learned more than 
 mere reading and writing, until about 1750, when some 
 individuals endowed the Free School, for instructing youth 
 to read the Bible, write a fair hand, and know the four 
 primary rules of Arithmetic. At the early age of eleven 
 years he worked for his father, as a thrower; and John 
 Fletcher remembers being engaged to make balls for his 
 master's sons, Josiah and Richard, both throwers, seated 
 at two corners of a small room, and he placed between 
 them, for which he was paid four-pence weekly, for 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 181 
 
 the first year, dx-pence, for the second, and nine-pence for 
 the third. Richard enlisted for a soldier. 
 
 I. Fletcher next worked for the brothers, W. and 
 John Taylor, of the Greenhead, about 30 yards above 
 Hankerses Well, and had 2s. per week to turn the lathe 
 for W. T. He afterwards was apprenticed for six years 
 to these persons, to learn to handle, and stick legs to the 
 Red Porcelain and black glazed Tea Pots, at 2s. 3d. for the 
 first year, and an additional 3d. each year, — the highest 
 wages then given, and paid him because he had already 
 acquired considerable knowledge of different parts of the 
 business. He was hired for 5s. 6d. a week for his first 
 year as a journeyman. At this manufactory was made 
 the first Posset Cup, which would contain five pints, and 
 was ornamented in the best style of the time. The 
 workman was Mr. John Broad, of Chesterton, son of the 
 Mr. Broad, already mentioned as intimate with the Messrs. 
 Elers ; and uncle of Richard Broad, near fifty years in 
 the service of Lord Crewe. Messrs. J. and W. Taylor 
 soon built each a dwelling house ; the former at the 
 hill top, the latter at the top of the Jornell ; and then 
 they commenced making White Stone Ware. They mixed 
 for their Red Porcelain clay, one part of Bradwell Red clay, 
 and four parts of the hill top clay. William Taylor, son 
 of one of these persons, was interred at Burslem, Feb. 8th, 
 1829, aged 90 years. Mr. J. W. continued serving his 
 father, until compelled to desist from throwing, by a 
 disorder of his leg, (which being much hurt while in 
 partnership, with Mr. Harrison, at Stoke, terminated in 
 mortification, and was amputated.) He went to reside at 
 Stoke with Mr. Daniel Mayer, (a mercer and draper, 
 whose descendants now reside at Hanley ; and who 
 erected the largest and best residence of the time op- 
 
182 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 posite Hanley Chapel, for the business of a Tailor, Draper, 
 and Man's Mercer.) ^ While residing here, he made and 
 supplied the tradesmen of Birmingham and Sheffield 
 with Earthenware Hafts for Table Knifes, &c., in imi- 
 tation of Agate, Tortoiseshell, Marble, and other kinds; 
 many specimens of which yet remain in the neighbour- 
 hood. 
 
 Mr. Wedgwood here entered into partnership with 
 Mr. Harrison, a tradesman of Newcastle, (father of the 
 late Mr. John Harrison, banker, of Stoke,) and at Mr. 
 J. Aldersea's manufactory, he made different kinds of 
 Pottery scratched and blue, then in demand ; and pro- 
 bably here began to employ his latent talent for specula- 
 tion in different articles; for, Mr. H., being unwilling to 
 supply .further funds, a separation resulted. He after- 
 wards, in partnership with Mr. T. Whieldon, manufactured 
 Agate Hafts, Tortoiseshell and Melon Table Plates, Green 
 Pickle Leaves, and other useful articles ; but this was not 
 long continued ; . for, as Mr. Whieldon found his manu- 
 factory very productive, (and he by it amassed d£'10,000, 
 a very large fortune in those days,) he was satisfied, and 
 was unwilling to commence the manufacture of kinds of 
 Pottery then in embryo, but continued this manufacture, 
 at Fenton Low, until about 1780. 
 
 Mr. Josiah Wedgwood returned to Burslem, about 1760, 
 and commenced Business alone, at the small manufactory 
 (at that time thatched, as usual,) to be seen from the bar 
 of the Leopard Inn ; very near that of his distant relations, 
 Messrs. T. and J. Wedgwood, and only a short distance 
 from that of his father. Here he continued the manufacture 
 of Knife Hafts, Green Tiles, Tortoiseshell and Marble Plates, 
 glazed with lead ore, for his previously formed connections ; 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 183 
 
 and his attention to their demands soon secured him such 
 a share of business, that he engaged a second small 
 manufactory, only across the high road, and where is the 
 Turk's Head tavern. Here he manufactured the White 
 Stone Pottery, then increasing in demand ; and there yet 
 remain of this kind, white Tiles, with relief' figures, of a 
 Heron fishing, and a Spewing-Duck fountain. This relief 
 method was very advantageous, when the Jasper was 
 invented, and the other dry bodies used ; for the ground 
 could be of any colour, by employing a metallic calc, and 
 the relief figure remain a beautiful white, or any colour 
 deemed requisite. 
 
 The brothers T. and J. Wedgwood, of the Big House, 
 were now rapidly retrenching their manufacture ; and they 
 wholly retired from it in 1763 ; a most pertinent illustra- 
 tion, that every man is the maker or marrer of his own 
 fortune ; that, he who depends upon incessant industry 
 and integrity, depends on patrons the most noble, the most 
 exalted, and who never desert ; but are the founders of 
 families, the creators of fortune and fame, controlling all 
 human dealings, and converting even unfortunate vicissi- 
 tudes into beneficial results. Mr. Josiah Wedgwood con- 
 tinued industrious and persevering ; and certainly, there 
 was room then for such a person, in a manufacture gradu- 
 ally rising into celebrity ; and in whose several branches 
 he soon acquired eminence. Britain was now destined to 
 behold him render the manufacture of Pottery celebrated 
 in a degree it had never previously acquired ; and deline- 
 ating for himself a Portrait which history will present to 
 the civilized globe, until the mysterious and the oblivious 
 mantle of destruction be throiein over all mortal produc- 
 tions, and Art, fancy, and fiction, are for ever engulphed 
 in the immortal brilliancy and radiance of truth. 
 
184 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 There was increased demand for the Cream Colour, 
 made with fluid lead glaze, by Mr. Enoch Booth's method, 
 and which had been much improved in quality by different 
 persons, especially by John Greatbatch, (who made what 
 has long been called the best China Glaze applied to cream 
 colour ; and also first made for Messrs. Ralph and John 
 Baddeley, of Shelton, their Blue printed glaze.) Mr. 
 Wedgwood therefore commenced the manufacture of im- 
 proved cream colour, with Greatbatch's glaze; for which 
 he soon had such demand, that he engaged a third manu- 
 factory, named to this day, the Bell Works, because of a 
 Bell being first used to call the workmen to their labour. 
 The specimens of his first table plates are excellent ; but 
 very shortly afterwards he made such additions and altera- 
 tions in both body and glaze, as gained for his pottery, 
 deservedly the highest character for excellence. At the 
 present day it remains unrivalled, tho' by one or two manu- 
 facturers almost equalled ; and respectable potters declare 
 that the difficulty in making the excellent cream colour for 
 which Etruria is distinguished, has caused several manu- 
 facturers, who attempted to imitate it, to desist, and 
 continue their former processes. 
 
 Mr. W. about this time opened a wairehouse in 
 London, to supply Merchants and Dealers, and as a 
 depot where every article produced by the ingenuity 
 of workmen, might be inspected by the curious. He 
 had a partner named Bentley, to manage the London 
 Business, said to have united to considerable natural 
 ability, accurate and extensive knowledge of many 
 departments of Literature and Science ; and to have 
 possessed a valuable circle of acquaintance of persons 
 celebrated for talent and property, and eminent for 
 skill and research concerning Grecian and other foreign 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. ' 18,5 
 
 productions of artists, as Patrons of the Fine Arts. From 
 these virtuosi were obtained loans of t)ie finest specimens 
 of sculpture — Vases, Busts, Cameos, Intaglios, Medallions, 
 Seals, &c., suitable for the potters' display of ability; and 
 also Prints, and Drawings, of invaluable utility to any 
 person of ingenuity and industry. Some supplied complete 
 sets of Oriental Porcelain ; and Sir William Hamilton 
 supplied specimens from Herculaneum, which all were 
 successfully and accurately copied by Mr. Wedgwood's 
 ingenious workmen. The production of these imitations of 
 those of Greece & Rome, & the finest designs of antiquity, 
 some of which excelled the original Etruscan productions in 
 colour, elegance, firmness, and durability, being noticed in 
 the current periodicals became known in town and country ; 
 and were viewed with admiration at all the Courts of 
 Europe, and demanded by dealers for sale, in Holland, 
 France, Germany, and Russia ; and most of the visitors to 
 the Marquis of Stafford, at Trentham, rode over to Bur- 
 slem, and in later years, to Etruria, to inspect the manu- 
 factures. On this account were attributed to Mr. W. by his 
 acquaintance, all the merit in the art of Pottery, of not 
 only all persons who had preceded him, but also of those 
 who were his rivals and contemporaries. 
 
 Mr. Wedgwood having had the honour to present 
 unto her Majesty Queen Charlotte, a Candle Set, 
 made of the best cream colour, and painted in the best 
 style of the day by Thomas Daniel and Daniel Steele; 
 the very neat and clean appearance of the Pottery caused 
 her Majesty to wish for a complete Table Service of the 
 same kind. Patterns of the several pieces were submitted 
 for inspection, and were approved, with the exception of 
 the Plate, (which was the common barley-corn pattern, 
 then making by all the salt glaze manufacturers.) Her 
 
186 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Majesty objected to the roughness, (the barky-corn work, 
 as it is called,) therefore this part was made plain, on the 
 edge was left only the bands marking the compartments ; 
 and being approved by her Majesty, the pattern was 
 called Queen's Pattern; the pottery was named Queen's 
 Ware, and Mr. W. honoured with the appointment of 
 Potter to her Majesty. On the service being completed, 
 His Majesty was pleased to order another ; without the 
 bands or ribs, and only a plain surface. This alteration 
 the workmen effected to the entire satisfaction of 'His 
 Majesty; and it forms the Royal Pattern; some little 
 alterations being made also in the figure of some other 
 articles. And now under Royal Patronage, Mr. W. had as 
 many orders for Table Services of QmerSs Ware, as he could 
 possibly manufacture, and at prices the most liberal — fifteen 
 shillings per dozen for table plates, and all the other pieces in 
 the same proportion. The table plates subsequently made 
 for common use, were the Bath or Trencher, from ^ its 
 resemblance to the wooden platter ; then a concave-edge ; 
 and recently the forms have been numerous and various. 
 
 Mr. Wedgwood now invented his truly elegant Jasper, 
 which will bear his name to the remotest posterity. It is 
 a beautiful and fine pottery, which can be so coloured with 
 the calc of certain minerals, but usually cobalt, for blue, 
 that any determined part may be of the desired colour^ 
 and yet leave any other part delicate and beautiful white. 
 It is highly useful for the manufacture of cameos, &c.^ 
 and profile likenesses of eminent persons, in which depart- 
 ment, a Frenchman, named Voyez, was a most invaluable 
 servant ; but at length was discarded for his nefarious 
 transactions. Was this the man who divtilged the secret 
 of the Cauk Stone f Mr. W. about this time commenced 
 making Busts in Black EcvFriAN; this kind of Pottery 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 187 
 
 being very appropriate ; and his excelling in fineness and 
 blackness any which had preceded it, he contemplated 
 securing the manufacture by Letters Patent; but ulti- 
 mately relinquished the intention ; because convinced that 
 other persons previously had made Black Pottery. By 
 using the Jasper and the Black solely for articles of nominal 
 value, purchasable chiefly by persons of rank and affluence, 
 the manufacturer was eulogized wherever the articles were 
 exhibited. Mr. Wedgwood, when become, opulent, at 
 the height of celebrity, was highly exemplary and praise- 
 worthy ; exciting in the young a laudable emulation to 
 attain the honour and dignity of great men. Aware of 
 the disadvantages of the district by circuitous and hilly 
 highways, he exerted himself to promote their improve- 
 ment ; and was partially successful. The Canal from 
 the Trent to the Mersey was by him boldly advocated,, 
 he cut the first clod, July 17th, 1760, and acting from 
 his views of benefits likely to result from it, he promoted 
 it, and derived satisfaction from witnessing its completion,, 
 in 1777. 
 
 Richard Lawton, (seventy-nine years old. May 1829), 
 was apprenticed to Messrs. Wedgwood and Bentley, at 
 the Bell Works, to learn turning. His father, Thomas^ 
 Lawton, made for these gentlemen the first slip of Egyp- 
 tain black ; and was well acquainted with the method of 
 making the slip for the Red Porcelain, made by Elers, at 
 Bradwell, many years before ; and by T. pd J. Wedg- 
 wood, only a short time previously; having been their 
 servant several years. Old T. L. being intimate with an 
 old man named Bourne, a bricklayer, resident at Chester- 
 ton, near to Bradwell, obtained from him many Tea Pots, 
 Red and Black, dry body, without any kind of glaze, 
 made by Elers, and preserved by the oldest families of 
 
188 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 the place ; and which specimens, T. Lawton exhibited to 
 his employers. From Mr. Bourne, T. Lawton learned 
 further, and informed Messrs. Wedgwood and Bentley, 
 that Elers used only the red clay of Brad well, and the 
 •ochre from near Chesterton, for their Pottery ; — and he 
 likewise had some of the materials brought, which were 
 properly weighed by Daniel Greatbatch, one of their fore- 
 men, and after being prepared as clay by T. I-^awton, were 
 made into articles which suggested their best Black Egyp- 
 tain. R. Lawton well remembered seeing many of these 
 specimens; but never heard that any glazed Pottery, by 
 salt, or other materials, was made by Elers, for it was the 
 prevalent opinion, that they chose the spot, because of the 
 red clay, and nearness to coals. 
 
 About 1765, Thomas Greatbatch, turner, at Mr. 
 Palmer's, Hanley, suggested the movements which form 
 the Engine Lathe, to the noted lathe maker, Mr. John 
 Baddeley, of Eastwood ; and worked upon it some 
 years afterwards. Mr. Wedgwood offered eighty guineas 
 each for six, provided Mr. B. would not sell any 
 under that price to other persons. This was not ac- 
 cepted ; Charles Chatterley had two made, on one 
 of which were turned several ornamental vases, &c., 
 given to the author by his father-in-law, after he had 
 carefully preserved them more than forty years. Mr. 
 W. engaged Mr. Cox, of Birmingham, to make his; 
 and on the first of his productions, worked old James 
 Bourne, at the Bell Works, about 1766; at any rate, 
 before the commencement of erecting the present 
 Etruria. 
 
 The demise of Mrs., Wedgwood's only brother, 
 brought into the hands of Mr. Wedgwood a further 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 189' 
 
 accession of wealth, and he purchased the estate called Ridge 
 House ; below which, on the line of the Canal, he erected 
 the Black Works, in 1768, and the other in 1770. He 
 also erected houses for his men, and for himself a beautiful 
 Mansion, calling the place Etruria, after the celebrated 
 Manufactory of Pottery in Italy. This manufactory 
 having ready conveyance by canal, for Materials and Pro- 
 ductions, from and to all parts of the kingdom, in 1771 he 
 removed altogether fi-om Burslem, and here he greatly 
 extended his manufactures, and rapidly acquired a princely 
 fortune. 
 
 A person named Leigh, (father to Ralph Leigh, before 
 mentioned,) occupied Ridge House, prior to the Estate being 
 purchased by Mr. Wedgwood. When the Rebels were at Leek 
 (in 1745,) the whole population of this neighbourhood experi- 
 enced a complete panic. Old Mr. L. was fearful of being killed 
 by the enemy ; and having saved sixty guineas, he hid them 
 under an oak tree, (how standing on the Race Course,) which 
 he shewed to his son, while the tears trickled down his cheeks. 
 In one of the fields of the estate, there was a great quantity 
 of broom ( genista, )a.ndi all the horses, carts, and the only waggon 
 of this part, were brought into the broom field, in hopes that 
 the height of the broom would hide the whole and prevent 
 their being seized by the enemy. 
 
 The following are two among many honourable proofs of 
 Mr. W.'s kindness and integrity as a Master : — Mr. W. Wood, 
 son of Aaron Wood, the modeller, was for some years general 
 modeller for Mr. W. He appears to have been in high favour 
 with his master, for ability and integrity ; and most of the use- 
 ful articles manufactured at Etruria, are from models and 
 moulds of his production. He worked only for Mr. W. and died 
 in the service of the present worthy descendant of the founder. 
 And we cannot forego presenting the Reader with the annexed 
 Extract from a Letter written some time prior to his death, by 
 Mr. W. Wood, to his son, Hamlet W. and not found till after- 
 wards ; as certainly a most respectful testimonial. 
 
 " After having served two years in part of an apprentice- 
 ship to Mr. John Mitchell, to learn the art of a flowerer and 
 handler, ray father (Aaron W.) and my master agreed to. 
 
lyo RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 make void, the indentures ; and at Martinmas, 1762, at the 
 age of about sixteen years, my father bound me apprentice for 
 five years more to Josiah, Wedgwood, to learn 'handling and 
 pressing,' at the weekly wages of 2s. 3d., 2s. 6d., 3s., and 3s. 6d. 
 each year ; however, at the end of my four years' apprentice- 
 ship, my father and Mr. Wedgwood and myself agreed that 
 I should serve four years longer as a Modeller, at the weekly 
 wages of 4s., 5s., 6s., and 6s. 6d. each year ; receiving 10s. 6d. 
 each year earnest ; but the two last years and a half, my 
 master's bountiful hand gave me 8s. per week, and now and 
 then half a guinea as a present." 
 
 Another excellent modeller, and in fact a general work- 
 man of first rate abilities, was Mr. William Greatbatch, some 
 time employed by Messrs. Whieldon and Wedgwood ; and 
 who had commenced business on his own account at the 
 manufactory at Fenton, now a small part of the extensive 
 establishment of Messrs. Bourne, Baker, and Bourne ; where 
 he produced numerous articles, of improved patterns and 
 kinds ; and for some time had a most rapid sale of Tea Pots, 
 on which was printed, in black, by Thomas Radford, the 
 history of the Prodigal Son. But heavy losses at length 
 ruined him. His well known abilities caused him to be con- 
 sulted, and to form the plan, for the New Field Manufactory, 
 then being erected by Admiral Child ; from whom he was 
 to have received a third share of the profits for managing 
 the establishment. Mr. Wedgwood, aware of the talents of 
 his former servant, engaged him,_/br Ufe, at the very high 
 wages oijive shilUngs a day, whether at work or play, and 
 a house rent free ; which sum was regularly paid him, to 
 the time of his death, tho' he survived his master ; by whom 
 he was so much respected, that most of his sons, and many 
 of his relations, were employed at Etruria. 
 
 When the Barherini Vase was on sale, Mr. W. regarded it 
 as a subject, a copy of which would be readily purchased by 
 persons totally unable to purchase the original. He therefore 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 191 
 
 continued to exceed each bidding of a Noble Duchess, (Port- 
 land,) until the Duke, on ascertaining the motive of this 
 apparently impudent opposition, offered the loan of it, for 
 indefinite time, should the opposition be withdrawn ; 
 thus her Grace became the purchaser at the Price of 1800 
 Guineas ; the original and a facsimile are now deposited in 
 the British Museum. 
 
 " Probably the (Portland) Vase was brought to Rome on the 
 sacking of Corinth, by the Consul Mummius B.C. 146 ; when 
 the statues, paintings, and richest movables were transported 
 to Rome. Scientific men have been much puzzled about the 
 material of which it is formed ; — may it not be an artificial 
 sapphire .'' The basis of that gem is pure alumina, and the 
 gem can be counterfeited by the chemists." Ward. Potter's 
 Art, p. 21. Mr. Turner considers the Vase as having been 
 fabricated thus : — The dark part, or the body, was first formed 
 of glass, which was next dipped into a quantity of white ena- 
 mel, and the whole was then annealled ; and afterwards the 
 exquisite ornaments were cut by the same processes as are 
 adopted for engraving Seals ; which would be extremely tedi- 
 ous ; and if attempted in our time, would be more expensive 
 for each article than even Mr. Wedgwood's immense biddings. 
 
 This Vase, the most exquisite production of antiquity, was 
 discovered in the Tomb of Alexander Severus, who died A.D. 
 235. It appears to have been formed in the manner Siracides 
 mentions, as being practised by the ancients ; — of encasing 
 or covering earthen vessels with glass. First the Vase seems 
 to be very dark almost black blue, which has been immersed 
 into a mass of fluid enamel white ; and then the subjects have 
 been cut by the lapidary, similarly to antique cameos on 
 coloured grounds. Messrs. Pellatt and Green, of London, now 
 have a Patent for covering any kind of ornaments, formed of 
 a substance less fusible than glass, with an incrustation of 
 bright clear glass, thus rendering the ornament imperishable. 
 For the preservation of the finest efforts of the artist, this 
 Invention stands altogether unrivalled. 
 
 Mr. Wedgwood's Porcelain imitation of the Vase, is for 
 its elegance and beauty entitled to all the commendation it 
 has received. In its completion neither expense nor care 
 was regarded ; and tho' he sold ih.e_fifty for Fifty Pounds 
 
192 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 each to the Subscribers, yet if Mr. Byerley be entitled to 
 credit, the expenditure exceeded the subscription., The 
 tale of Webber having Five Hundred Guineas for model- 
 ling it, is Parhes's. — Webber was a draughtsman, and 
 directed the plastic artists, William Wood, and William 
 Hackwood, and others. 
 
 Mr. Carver, an engraver, employed by Messrs. Sadler 
 and Green, of Liverpool, having invented a method by 
 which devices fpom engraved copper. plates can be printed 
 upon the glaze, (now called Black Printing,) M.v. Wedg- 
 wood employed the waggon belonging to Mr. Morris, the 
 carrier, of Lawton, once a fortnight, to take down a load 
 of cream colour to be printed in this improved manner, 
 by Messrs. S. & G. and return with the load previously 
 taken for that piu-pose. The specimens are beautiful ; 
 and a tea service well authenticated to have been sent 
 down in 1767, from the Bell Works, is excellent in quality, 
 and very fine in embellishment. The tea ware required 
 to be painted, was sent for that purpose to Mrs. Astbury, 
 in Hot Lane ; which was sold, packed, and sent away from 
 Burslem ; and some time elapsed before Mr. W. had the 
 enamelling executed on his own premises. But, the first black 
 Printer in the district, is said to have been Harry Baker, of 
 Hanley, prior to Sadler and Green practising it ; and from 
 some plates borrowed from and belonging to a Book Printer. 
 
 About this time Thomas Rothwell, possessed of great 
 skill as an enameller, engraver, and printer, was employed 
 by Mr. Palmer, at Hanley, and specimens yet remaining evince 
 considerable ability ; but like all the other attempts, they do 
 not equal the productions of S. and G. for Mr. Wedgwood. 
 As several persons were now employed by Messrs. S. and G., 
 Baker offered his services to any of the manufacturers in the 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 1.93 
 
 district, as a printer on the glaze of cream colour, in 
 Black, Red, &c., and soon was fully employed. And about 
 this time the late Mr. John Robinson, of the Hill Top, 
 Burslem, who understood enamelling and printing, left 
 the service of Messrs. S. & G. and settled at Burslem, 
 to print for Mr. Wedgwood ; but he afterwards com- 
 menced business as a Printer in Black or Red, on the 
 glaze, and also as Enameller, for any of the manufacturers ; 
 the preserved specimens of his productions, are deficient 
 in elegance. And ' we may here notice, that the first 
 successful attempt at employing Leaf Gold, by way of 
 ornament, was by Sarah Elkin, then a servant of Mr. 
 Wedgwood, at Etruria. When Blii£ Printing was intro- 
 duced, the enamellers waited upon Mr. Wedgwood to 
 solicit his influence in preventing its establishment. We- 
 are informed that he religiously kept his promise, " I will 
 give you my word, as a man, I have not made, neither 
 will I make, any Blue Printed Earthenware." 
 
 Mr. Wedgwood, for many years prior to his death, in 
 the virtuous exercise of benevolence, enjoyed the highest 
 luxury, the most delightful pleasure, which the human 
 mind can participate. Each Martinmas he sent to certain 
 persons in Shelton, Cobridge, and Burslem, for a list of 
 the names, and a full statement of the peculiar circum- 
 stances, of poor persons in each liberty, likely to require 
 assistance during the winter; and for supplying them 
 with comfortable Bedding, Clothing, Coals, and some 
 Food, he always furnished adequate Funds. His purse 
 was ever open to the calls of charity, to the amelioration 
 of misery, and the patronage of every philanthropic in- 
 stitution ; and his name will go down to posterity with the 
 highest claims on their gratitude, for being a true Friend 
 of Mankind. He had intrinsic merit on a real basis ; and 
 
194 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 needs no tralatitious ascription of excellence. He was a 
 truly industrious potter ; he followed the openings of 
 business suggested by the different experiments of himself 
 and other potters ; he pushed every successful trial to con- 
 siderable extent ; and his success in business enabled him 
 to employ and remunerate the best workmen, whose utmost 
 ability was constantly excited and directed by his enlarg- 
 ing knowledge. Thus he raised himself to the acme of his 
 Art ; and the public were amazed that a person with so 
 contracted an education, and so little if any advantage 
 over his fellows, had thus been eminently successful as the 
 founder of his own fortune and fame, (immortal as the Art 
 of Pottery,) and in raising himself among the benefactors 
 of man, and the Princes of the people. 
 
 CHAP. VIII. 
 
 INTRODUCTION OF PORCELAIN. MR. W. LITTLEr's PORCELAIN. 
 
 MR. COOKWORTHY's DISCOVERY OF KAOLIN AND PETUNTSE, 
 
 AND PATENT SOLD TO MR. CHAMPION,— AND RE-SOLD TO 
 
 THE NEW HALL COMPANY. EXTENSION OF TERM. 
 
 Porcelain is known to have been brought into Europe 
 prior to the Christian Era, and yet we are not aware 
 of any manufactories for it being established in Europe 
 until comparatively recent times. We may regard 
 indolence and ignorance solely as causing incertitude 
 prevalent at that time concerning the materials and 
 processes, for it is now almost a matter of mere opinion, 
 that the finest and the coarsest porcelain, and the best 
 and inost common Pottery, differ less in the diversity, 
 than in the proportions, of their component materials. 
 At the commencement of the eighteenth century several 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 195 
 
 of the European nations were led to regret that they 
 were unacquainted with the manufacture of an article 
 of merchandise, for which they had to pay most ex- 
 travagant high prices to the India Companies of Great 
 Britain and Holland ; who only brought to Europe, from 
 China and Japan, the fine whitish pbrcelain manufactured 
 in those Empires, now become the admiration of persons 
 of opulence, and the ornament of sumptuous tables. 
 There was consequent a prevalent desire to discover the 
 materials, and ascertain the processes of the manufacture, 
 in order if possible, to rival these productions. But 
 a fortunate occurrence roused the attention of France 
 to this important object. The Jesuits having success- 
 fully ingratiated themselves with the inhabitants of 
 China, in attempting to introduce Christianity into that 
 extensive empire; about the time we now are consider- 
 ing, Pere Francis D'Entrecolles, by his mild and affable 
 deportment, and very insinuating address, so won upon 
 the friendship of those among whom he had long resided, 
 that he obtained specimens of the materials, and for- 
 warded them to France, with a summary description 
 of the processes of the Art. And doubtless the European 
 manufacturers generally are indebted greatly to the 
 letters of the Jesuits, and especially this father's inter- 
 esting account of the manufactory at King-te-Ching ; 
 and of the petuntse and kaolin, the materials used. The 
 celebrated genius Reaumur, a person of the most philo- 
 sophic turn of mind, immediately commenced a series of 
 experiments, in which he was indefatigable, to ascertain the 
 properties of the specimens forwarded by the Jesuit father, 
 and also to discover the method of imitating the produc- 
 tions of the Chinese; which ultimately he accomplished, 
 after much labour and disappointment ; and published 
 in 1727-9, in the Transactions of the Academy of Sciences. 
 
196 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 While Reaumur was thus employed in France, Baron 
 De Botticher was equally busily engaged in Saxony, and 
 first produced the white kind of real Porcelain in Europe. 
 The Baron professed Alchemy, or the secret of the Phil- 
 osopher's Stone, for transmuting metals into Gold ; and 
 having exhibited to his dupes several specimens, by some 
 means they were shewed to the King of Poland. To 
 gratify the cupidity of this monarch, by compulsory 
 divulgement of the secret, an order was issued for his 
 incarceration in the castle of Koningstein, where he 
 unremittingly continued making experiments. While 
 pursuing this useless research, without opportunity to 
 destroy or mal-appropriate whatever was produced, he 
 found in one of his crucibles, what completely answered his 
 purposes ; the intense heat he employed to fuse some of his 
 materials, rendered the crucibles themselves of similar 
 appearance to the white Chinese Porcelain ; (very probably 
 because of accidentally employing some materials in quality 
 like those used in China ;) he carefully repeated the pro- 
 cess, and produced white Porcelain ; which caused Dresden 
 to become the seat of the art. Thus he accomplished 
 a greater object than that for which he was detained ; 
 and discovered one which, in value far exceeded that which 
 he was seeking; he greatly promoted the prosperity of 
 the country, not indeed by making gold, but by inventing 
 a new excellent manufacture, which transmutes not the 
 metals, but the mvre and the clay into gold ; and the more 
 carefully to preserve the secret among those who were 
 employed in the processes, all the manufactory was rendered 
 impenetrable, and the work people immured as if in cells. 
 At this period also was a manufactory of Porcelain estab- 
 lished at Chelsea; and from the circumstance of Messrs. 
 Elers having left Bradwell to settle near London, it is 
 believed that this manufactory originated with them. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES 197 
 
 The materials forwarded by Pare D'Entrecolles, having 
 been most carefully examined & analyzed similar materials 
 were soon afterwards found in Saxony ; the genius of the 
 French chemists was aroused ; Reaumur further improved 
 on De Botticher's discoveries ; and after unnumbered 
 experiments, and most mortifying failures, not only was 
 the Dresden manufactory, but others in different parts of 
 Europe, established ; and eventually have almost rivalled 
 the Eastern productions. The manufactory is in the 
 Albrechtsberg, an ancient castle on a high rock eighty 
 feet above the river Elbe, and employs 510 persons. 
 Condamine regards the Porcelain of Florence, as equal to 
 that of King-to-Ching ; and with the only defect of its 
 glaze not being a dead white. And Jonas Han way 
 mentions the excellence of the Saxony Porcelain, and the 
 extreme precaution of the manufacturers to prevent stran- 
 gers becoming acquainted with their processes. Salt Glaze 
 White Stone Ware, is partially transparent ; and with a 
 proportion of phosphate of lime, or bone, added to the 
 Flint and Alumina it would make good and perfect 
 Porcelain. There is hence less wonder that De Botticher's 
 crucibles assumed the appearance of Porcelain. It is 
 related, that when Pere D'Entrecolles mentioned to some 
 Chinese, that the European potters had been using some 
 petuntse without kaolin, and could not produce Porcelain, 
 he was answered sarcastically that " the Euporeans are a 
 wonderful people, to make a body whose flesh was to 
 sustain itself without bones." Dr. William Sherard com- 
 municated to the Royal Society of London, the statement 
 of the Jesuits ; and he also supplied the Museum of that 
 learned body with several specimens of the materials 
 employed by the Chinese Potters. Probably a sight of 
 these materials, (whether Chinese or Saxon, tho' most 
 likely the latter,) and the account given by the Jesuits, 
 
198 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 urged Mr. Cookworthy, (hereafter again noticed) a chemist 
 of considerable experience, resident at Plymouth, to in- 
 vestigate the productions of his own neighbourhood ; and 
 he was successful in finding in Cornwall, both the Petuntse 
 and Kaolin, now used in the Chinese Porcelain. 
 
 Frederic II. was so wishful to have a Manufactory at 
 Berlin, that when he conquered Saxony, he forcibly trans- 
 ported from Dresden, the artisans, to his own manufactory ; 
 and the following device was by him adopted to raise the 
 productions into notoriety, and which ultimately caused 
 its rise to a state of perfection in beauty and elegance, 
 rivaUing that of Saxony: — The Jews resident in his 
 dominions being compelled to obtain his permission prior 
 to their marriage, he adopted the condition of a Certificate 
 that the parties had purchased to not less than a stipulated 
 amount of this Porcelain ; after which his permission was 
 granted, confident that it would soon be vended among 
 other people. 
 
 The close resemblance of very thin pieces of salt glazed 
 white stone ware to foreign Porcelain, excited the in- 
 genuity of Mr. William Littler, of Brownhills, (about 
 1765,) to attempt the manufacture of Porcelain ; and he 
 removed to Longton Hall, near Lane End, (now the 
 residence of Richd. Heathcote, Esq., M. P.) where he 
 continued his experiments, until his success surpassed 
 all the expectations of. his cotemporaries : but there not 
 being much demand for this kind of ware, he sacrificed 
 his Estate at Brownhills, near Burslem, and then dis- 
 continued manufacturing Porcelain. His chief workman 
 was not only a good practical potter, but a tolerable 
 modeller, named Dr. Mills; who subsequently died in 
 Shelton at a very advanced age. 
 
 "■o^ 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 199 
 
 The precise nature of the composition of Littler's 
 Porcelain, is not known ; its defect was inability to bear 
 sudden or excessive change of temperature. Its l^asis is 
 believed to have been &Jrit, that is, a mixture of the 
 flint and alumina with alkalies, to render them easily- 
 fusible, and cause the mass to appear white when adequately 
 fired. The frit has to be ground, and dried into an im- 
 palpable powder, which is subsequently mixed with the 
 clay. The specimens, which are well calculated to deceive 
 the eye of the spectator, are cylindrical cups, with handles 
 shewing some taste, a tolerable glaze, and enamelled with 
 flowers, but there are many specks, and the whole has a 
 greyish hue, yet they are calculated to surprise his fellows, 
 by their similarity to foreign Porcelain in body, glaze, 
 shapes, and enamelling. Mr. Littler, at a subsequent 
 period, was manager of a Porcelain manufactory in Shelton, 
 for Messrs. Baddeley and Fletcher. But this was discon- 
 tinued for reasons already mentioned, and because expen- 
 sive. They fired with wood, because the body would not 
 bear coals. Some specimens of this ware, are such close 
 imitations of the Oriental Porcelain, as to be frequently 
 supposed such by experienced potters of the present day. 
 Mr. Littler became very infirm prior to his death, at a 
 very advanced age, and in reduced circumstances, in 
 Shelton. This Mr. John Baddeley, was son of the flint 
 grinder at Mothersall, and father of Messrs. Ralph and 
 John Baddeley, of Shelton, who first successfully introduced 
 Blue Printing of earthenware Table Services. 
 
 The clay named Porcelain Earth, (or by the English 
 potters, Cornish or China Clay,) of itself extremely 
 white, smooth in grain, & ductile, from which are made 
 the finer kinds of Dresden, Berlin, Sevres, and British 
 Porcelain, appears generally to be derived from the 
 
200 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 decomposition of the feldspar of granite. In Cornwall 
 are mountains of white granite, partially decomposed; 
 fragments of these are broken up and thrown into currents 
 of water which wash off and carry away in suspension 
 the fine argillaceous particles, which at different places 
 in a cess pool or kind of eddy, subside as a sediment 
 ■or clay ; when the water is drawn off, the solid matter, 
 in the state of an extremely white and impalpable powder, 
 (the Kaolin of China) is dug out, dried, and packed in 
 casks. The Petuntse is Cornish Growan Stone, which 
 fusing more easily than the earths, closely combines 
 them ; an earth long employed for making Porcelain, 
 and supposed pure clay, proved to be a carbonate of 
 magnesia and silex. The magnesian earth Steatites or Soap 
 rock, is occasionally added to fix the infusible materials, 
 and prevent too great contraction by firing. 
 
 Mr. Cookworthy, having discovered in what are now 
 called the Cornish Clay and the Growan Stone, similar 
 materials to the Kaolin and Petuntse, he first attempted 
 the manufacture of Porcelain, and being tolerably success- 
 ful, he obtained a Patent in 1768, for the exclusive use 
 of those materials in the manufacture of Porcelain and 
 Pottery. He afterwards sold the patent right to Richard 
 Champion, Esq., a respectable Merchant in Bristol, who 
 had been long employed in investigating the properties 
 of Porcelain ; he erected a manufactory in that city, in 
 which for some time he pursued his experiments, and 
 ultimately succeeded in bringing to a state of perfection, 
 rivalling the Oriental productions ; and altho' this is the 
 first real English Porcelain, (for it has the essential 
 property) being indestructible in both body and glaze ; yet 
 he expended a large fortune in erecting the various requisite 
 premises ; and after fully completing his scheme, was so 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 201 
 
 unsuccessful in obtaining a demand adequate to the expendi- 
 ture, that about 1777, he sold the Patent to a Company in 
 Staffordshire : — Mr. Samuel Hollins, Red China Potter, of 
 Shelton ; Anthony Keeling, Son-in-law of Enoch Booth, 
 Potter, Tunstall ; John Turner, Lane End ; Jacob War- 
 burton, Son of Mrs. W., of Hot Lane; William Clowes) 
 Potter, of Pert Hill ; and Charles Bagnall, Potter, Shelton. 
 After this agreement Mr. Champion directed the processes 
 of the manufacture, for the Company, at the Manufactory 
 of Mr. Anthony Keeling, at Tunstall ; but when that 
 gentleman removed to London, in 1782, a disagreement 
 ensued among the partners ; Mr. Keeling, and Mr. John 
 Turner withdrew and they who continued together engaged 
 as managing partner, Mr. John Daniel, Son of the person 
 who introduced Plaster Moulds, and settled the manufac- 
 tory at the New Hall, Shelton, only a short time previously 
 erected by Mr. Whitehead, of the Old Hall, Hanley ; on 
 which account the Porcelain had the appellation of New 
 Hall China ; and during the lifetime of the several 
 partners, the concern has been carried forward to their 
 great profit. Mr. Jacob Warburton was the principal 
 Gentleman to whom the Potteries are indebted for this 
 spirited introduction of the Porcelain manufacture ; even 
 at the present day a truly important branch of the Trade, 
 greatly contributing to extend the celebrity, advance the 
 interests, and promote the prosperity of this very extensive 
 and populous district. 
 
 Mr. Cookworthy was doubtless a person of consi- 
 derable ability; but according to the information con- 
 cerning him from relations and Mr. Champion, he was 
 constantly so very eager in acquiring knowledge, that 
 he seldom could find leisure to communicate to others 
 his own stores of information. Hence all there is to 
 
202 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 commemorate him, are a few letters and essays in the peri- 
 odicals of that day; and this discovery of materials for 
 making Porcelain. Indeed this last will immortalize him ; 
 for it is the general conviction of potters, that the greatest 
 service ever conferred by one person on the pottery manu- 
 facture, is this of his (by some erroneously supposed to 
 be Mr. Champion's) making them acquainted with the 
 nature and properties of the materials, and his introduc- 
 tion of Growan Stone for either body or glaze, or both 
 when requisite. Without it, we should want our fine 
 Porcelain, so deservedly admired ; neither should we 
 have the excellent cream colour, and elegant blue printed, 
 now in constant demand. This fact shews the real cause 
 of the violent and determined opposition made to an exten- 
 sion of the term when the first Patent expired. Some 
 time prior to the expiration of the term of the original 
 Patent, Mr. Champion petitioned Parliament for an Act, 
 authorizing its extension for a further period of fourteen 
 years. The Manufacturers of Cream Colour or Queen's 
 Ware, among whom was Mr. J. Wedgwood; and Mr. John 
 Turner, (and who never had made any Porcelain,) brought 
 forward, as an objection to its extension, the restriction 
 of all others from employing Cornish Stone ; (or Composition 
 as it is called,) in the other branches of the manufacture, 
 altho' such advantages were likely to result. Therefore 
 the Bill when introduced into the House of Lords, was 
 most violently opposed on the part of the potters by 
 their delegates the late Mr. Wedgwood, and Mr. John 
 Turner ; whose decided and very active opposition re- 
 ceiving from the late Marquis of Stafford, (then Earl 
 Gower,) his most powerful aid and influence, a very 
 important alteration was made in the body of the Bill ; 
 for while it confirmed to Mr. Champion the sole and 
 exclusive application of the Cornish Clay and Stone 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 203 
 
 for the manufacture of transparent Ware, however it might 
 be named, Porcelain or any other designation, it allowed 
 the potters generally the fi'ee use of the stone in the 
 opacous glazes, and of the Clay in opaque Pottery. The 
 company agreed to supply ground stone from their mill 
 for any manufacturers, not to be used in the glaze of a 
 transparent body. Thus to the energetic enterprise of 
 Mr. Wai'burton and his Colleagues, may be chiefly ascribed 
 the introduction into our Pottery & Porcelain of these 
 valuable materials, indispensable to the improved solidity^ 
 durability and texture of the ware, and rendering it greatly 
 superior to all previously manufactured. 
 
 Mr. Champion resided in the Potteries until the for- 
 mation of the Rockingham Ministry in 1782, when he 
 removed to London on being appointed Deputy Pay- 
 master of the Forces, under Mr. Burke, whom he had 
 served in an important manner in promoting the election 
 of that gentleman as one of the representatives of the City 
 of Bristol ; and thereby secured the unabated friendship 
 of that celebrated and eloquent Champion of Aristocracy. 
 The enjoyment of the situation however was of short con- 
 tinuance, owing to the dissolution of that short lived 
 Ministry ; after which his extensive mercantile connections 
 requiring his presence in America, he visited that Con- 
 tinent ; and having successfully arranged his affairs, settled 
 at Camden, in South Carolina ; where he died in 1787. 
 Many of the manufacturers at this time began to exercise 
 industry and talent in experimental researches into the 
 properties of different substances ; which ultimately have 
 changed the materials, methods of workmanship, and 
 nature of the articles produced ; have gradually improved 
 the several branches of the Art, far beyond what had been 
 considered possible; and raised the character of their 
 
204 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 productions with an astonishingly rapid progress ; so that 
 in our day, they diminish the importation of Chinese 
 Porcelain, and gradually extend their exportation to most 
 nations of the world. The Burslem Potters often rambled 
 to other places where were Potteries, as Derby, and Wor- 
 cester, acquiring information concerning the Porcelain of 
 those places ; and afterwards on returning, made trials of 
 numerous kinds. But the perfection to which Porcelain 
 is arrived, is not due to the party to whom Parkes assigns 
 it; but to W. Littler, at Longton. Subsequently, the 
 father of the late Ralph and John Baddeley, of Shelton, 
 manufactured good Porcelain, then in partnership with 
 the father of the late Sir Thomas Fletcher, of Newcastle ; 
 samples of this the author has before him, and it is diffi- 
 cult to distinguish it from good blue and white Porcelain 
 from Canton. After Mr. Turner had separated from the 
 New Hall Company, he commenced the manufacture of 
 Porcelain, at Lane End; and one of the ornaments he 
 made, is now preserved by Broadhurst Harding, with truly 
 laudable care and anxiety. It is a beaker, on which is 
 enamelled, in brown colours, the whole interior of a 
 Pottery. The celebrated modeller Gerverot designed 
 it; and in quality it will still rank very high among 
 English Porcelain. Mr. Wedgwood's encaustic painting 
 ■was in imitation of Messrs. Turner's on white body 
 Porcelain. 
 
 Jacob Warburton, Esq., was equally respectable for 
 social virtues, great mental ability, and extensive literary 
 acquirements. Some years prior to his decease, he 
 had relinquished the cares and fatigue of business; 
 and having at a late period of life, married for his 
 second wife a person much younger than himself, for 
 whom he had long cherished the most affectionate 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 205 
 
 regard, he retired to his house at Ford Green, near Norton, 
 where, he indulged his fondness for Uterary fehcity, with 
 the true "Otium cum dignitate." Possessed of pure 
 benevolence, and sound judgment, his friendship was 
 valued deservedly by every intelligent person in the 
 neighbourhood; and those who were honoured with his 
 intimacy, alone can judge of his correct taste and stores of 
 information. His memory was peculiarly tenacious, and 
 was strengthened by most extensive reading, and a correct 
 oral and legible knowledge of French, Dutch, German,, 
 and Italian ; the latter being his favourite amusement up 
 to the day of his decease ; to which time his mind re- 
 sembled a pure and brilliant blaze of intellect. On the 
 day prior to his death, (September 19th, 1826,) he enjoyed 
 his usual portion of animal spirits, and commenced a 
 walk to Cobridge, but returned home without effecting 
 his purpose. The next day, while seated on a sofa, he said 
 to a gentleman who was reading to him, — "Do not be 
 alarmed ; I feel I am dying," — and expired without a 
 struggle or a groan, at the age of 86 years. His religious 
 tenets were those of the Church of Rome, but wholly free 
 from bigotry and intolerance, in consequence of his ex- 
 tensive travels and connection with mankind. He was- 
 the last of the Potters of the Old School ; and from the 
 energies of his character and perseverance, numerous 
 advantages have accrued to other manufacturers. To 
 enumerate his various excellencies is not easy, however 
 they might be adapted to benefit and entertain the 
 reader. Tho' a few years younger than Mr. Wedgwood, 
 yet from the time of that celebrated Potter's commencing 
 Business at Burslem, there existed between the two, the 
 most intimate friendship and confidential intercourse. At 
 a very early period he was engaged in commercial pursuits, 
 with his father and brothers, as a manufacturer of Pottery ; 
 
^06 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 and as salesman for the concern, he several times visited 
 many places on the European Continent. More than 
 50 years he was engaged in the manufacture, and wit- 
 nessed the commencement and progress to their present 
 perfection, of those Branches for which the district is now 
 celebrious ; and in this period, the most important which 
 Potters have yet known, he contributed to exalt arid 
 establish the importance of the Art of Potting, and secured 
 to himself and family a very ample fortune. 
 
 CHAP. IX. 
 
 BLUE PlUNl'ED POTTER V. MB. TURNER. MR. SPODE (1.) — 
 
 MR. BADDELEY. ME. WOOD.— ME. WILSON. ME. SPODE (2.) — . 
 
 MESSRS. TUENEE. MR. MINTON. — GEEAT CHANGE IN PATTERNS 
 
 OF BLUE PRINTED. 
 
 About 1770 the manufacture of White Stone Ware, 
 Salt glaze, began to decline, and the Cream Colour 
 with fluid glaze obtained the ascendancy. There were, 
 however, some extensive manufactories continued em- 
 ployed therein, as is proved by the following (strictly 
 literal) Copy of a Document, which exhibits the Scale 
 of Prices of the several Articles ; and is valuable for 
 exhibiting the state of the Business, and the probable 
 rate of profits : 
 
 We whose Hands are hereunto Subscribed do Bind Our- 
 selves our Heirs, and Assigns in the sum of Fifty Pounds of 
 good and lawful Money of great Britain not to sell or cause 
 to be sold under the within specified Prices, as Witness our 
 Hands, 
 
 This 4th Day of Feby., 1770. 
 
 John Piatt, John Lowe, John Taylor, John Cobb, Robt. 
 Bucknall, John Daniel, Thos. Daniel, Junr., Richd. Adams, 
 Saml, Chatterley, Thos. Lowe, John Allen, Wm. Parrott, 
 Jacob Warburton, Warburton and Stone, Jos. Smith, Joshua 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 
 
 207 
 
 Heath, John Bourn, Jos. Stephens, Wm. Smith, Jos. Simpson, 
 John Weatherby, J. & Rd. Mare, Nicholas Pool, John Yates, 
 Chas. Hassells, Pr. Pro. of Ann Warburton, & Son, Thos. 
 Warbiu'ton, Wm. Meir. 
 
 PRICES OF DISHES. 
 
 Best. Seconds. 
 
 s. d. s. d. 
 
 10 inches 3 10 inches 2 
 
 11 in. 4 11 in. 3 
 
 12 in. 6 12 in. 4 
 
 13 in. 8 13 m. 6 
 
 14 in. 10 14 in. 8 
 
 15 in. 10 15 in. 10 
 
 16 in. 14 16 in. 1 
 
 17 in. 16 17 in. 1 2 
 
 18 in. 19 18 in. 1 4 
 
 19 in. 2 19 in. 1 6 
 
 20 in. 2 6 20 in. 2 
 
 21 in. 3 21 in. 2 6 
 Worser Second Dishes half 
 
 price of Best. 
 
 Prices of Nappeys and Baking 
 Dishes. 
 
 7 inches I 6 Seconds 1 
 
 8 in. 2 ditto 1 6 
 
 9 in. 2 6 ditto 2 
 
 10 in. 3 6 ditto 2 6 
 
 11 in. 4 6 ditto 3 6 
 
 12 in. 6 6 ditto 4 6 
 
 Tureens. 
 
 Best Seconds 
 
 Large 3 6 2 6 
 
 Middle 2 9 2 
 
 Small 2 16 
 
 Best Stoolpans. Seconds. 
 
 12 inch 14 10 
 
 11 in. 1 2 10 
 
 10 in. 11 9 
 
 9 in. 9 6 
 
 8 in. 7 4 
 
 Sauce Boats. 
 
 Best Seconds 
 
 s. d. s. d. 
 
 Large 2 6 2 
 
 Mixt 2 19 
 
 Less 19 16 
 
 Less 16 13 
 
 Smallest 13 10 
 
 Twyflers. 
 
 Best 1 4 
 
 Seconds 1 
 
 Thirds 9 
 
 None less than 7 
 
 Best Plates 2 
 
 Best Seconds 1 9 
 
 Worser ditto 1 6 
 
 A degree worser 1 3 
 
 Ditto ditto 1 
 
 None Sold under 9d. and not 
 
 to be Pick'd, but Took as they 
 
 are put together. 
 Cups & Saucers Holland Size. 
 Mid. White best 10 seeds. 8 
 Small ditto ditto 9 ditto 7 
 Middle Blue do. 1 2 ditto 10 
 Small ditto do. 1 ditto 8 
 Three to Piece ware Best 1 4 
 seconds Is. 
 
 London Size Cups & Saucers 
 Blue and White Best 1 4 
 Ditto Seconds 1 
 
 Holland Ware best 1 10 
 
 Ditto Ditto seconds 1 6 
 Covered Toys 6 seconds 4 
 Handled ditto 4 ditto 2 J 
 
 Cups & Saucs. 3 ditto 2 
 
 Only twelve to doz. 
 
208 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Butter Tubs and Stands. 
 Large Best 9d. Seconds 6d. 
 Middle do. 7d. ditto 4d. 
 Small do. 5d. ditto 3d. 
 
 London Size Cups & Saucers, Best Is. Seconds 9d. 
 Irish Size, Ditto and ditto ditto Is. 2d. ditto lOd. 
 
 Sortable white ware, Best Is. 6d. seconds Is. 2d. 
 Covered ware ditto 2s. ditto Is. 6d. 
 Inlett Teapots ditto 2s. b'd. ditto Is. 9d. 
 Sortable Blue Flower'd, Best Is. lOd. seconds Is. 6d. 
 No Sortable under 8d. nor Cups and Saucers under 6d. 
 To allow no more than 5 per cent for Breakage, and 5 per 
 cent for ready money. 
 
 To sell to the Manufacturers of Earthenware at the above 
 Prices, and to allow no more than seven and a half per cent, 
 beside Discount for Breakage and Prompt Payment. 
 
 The manufacturers now experienced a share of the de- 
 mand for Pottery by the Continental markets ; and some 
 of them visited Holland and Germany, where they obtained 
 such patronage, as convinced them their manufacture was 
 becoming an important Branch of the National commerce. 
 Foreign Connections always introduce improvement in the 
 manners of the parties, and also in the articles fabricated ; 
 the results of differing opinions, and varied tastes ; which 
 ultimately cause other desires and opinions. Hence great 
 alterations in the shapes of the Articles made, and many 
 new ones were now introduced ; and Agents were fixed at 
 most of the places where merchants resorted to purchase 
 British Manufactures. 
 
 The chief manufacturers of the improved kinds of 
 Pottery in Hanley, at this time were Mr. Palmer, Mr. 
 Chas. Chatterley, Mr. William Mellor, and Dr. Sam. 
 Chatterley. The two former made Cream Colour, with 
 fluid glaze, and also the dry bodied pottery, then acquiring 
 celebrity. The others are known for the black pottery ; 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 209 
 
 Dr. Chatterley making excellent Black Egyptian, chiefly 
 for Tea and CofFee Pots; and Mr. Mellor for the Black 
 glazed or Shining Black, for the same Purposes, and 
 kitchen vessels; and also the beautiful Oreeti Glazed Pot- 
 tery, subsequently in great demand for garden pots, &c. 
 Messrs. John and Rich. Mayer, were making salt glaze 
 Pottery at this time — -but only their name remains ; the 
 site of their Manufactory and Residences being now partly 
 occupied by Hanley Market-Place. 
 
 A person in Hanley has had more than sixty years in 
 her possession a Specimen of Mr. Palmer's ware. It is a 
 Bread Basket, 15 inches long, 8 wide, and 5 deep ; formed 
 to resemble a kind of reticular vessel, the corded part being 
 preserved, and the intervals cut out to form the net- work. 
 It is without any appearance of crazing ; the glaze is. 
 grayish, and has a surplus of lead. Many extremely 
 beautiful Articles made by Mr. Chatterley yet remain. 
 We have had two Candlesticks, near 60 years made, one 
 of bisquet, finely ornamented ; the other glazed, the column 
 very neatly fluted, the circle beneath the bowl well 
 turned, and ornamented with rosettes. A fine vase of 
 extremely white bisquet, pearl I believe, has some blue 
 fern leaf ornaments, on the lower parts, and the cover; 
 and the bands have scrolled work in them. The Blue is 
 very fine, and particularly strong in quality. 
 
 Mr. C. Chatterley was among the first who fixed an 
 agent in Holland. The late Elijah Mayer, Esq., was. 
 some years Mr. C.'s representative there. After some 
 time carrying on the manufacture to great advantage, he- 
 admitted as a partner his Brother Ephraim, who survived 
 him, and secured the property to the two orphans left by 
 Mr. C. — The manufactory was continued by Mr. E. C. 
 
^210 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 until about 1797, when he transferred its business to his 
 Nephews, James and Charles Whitehead, Sons of Mr. 
 Whitehead of the Old Hall, one of the early and most 
 ■eminent Salt Glaze Potters. 
 
 The Manufacturers of the district generally were now 
 excited to unremitted exertions, and these with their 
 previous knowledge, produced those various improvements 
 which have brought the Pottery into repute. The su- 
 perior kinds now became the medium of ornamental 
 devices ; at first in mere outline, and blue painted, rude 
 and coarse ; then in imitation of the foreign China, and 
 gradually improved to fine and delicate designs. A speci- 
 men is preserved of a quart mug, with a bluish glaze, 
 which was painted by Dan. Steele, in Blue, and well 
 exhibits the defective nature of the process at that time. 
 
 Biit the improvements in the quality of the Pottery, 
 and also in demand for it, caused equal attention to excel 
 in the Blue Pamting on the Salt Glaze, and a desire to 
 produce enamelled on the Cream Colour. The artists 
 then in the district acquired additional skill ; and many 
 young women, of good families, were taught the Art ; 
 which is now an important branch of the Manufacture. 
 From different Porcelain manufactories in other parts 
 of the kingdom, came Blue Painters and Enamellers, 
 who increased the celebrity of the Productions. Upon 
 the dessert and tea services they copied the designs of 
 the richest Japan and China Porcelain; they also orna- 
 mented the relief ornaments of the other articles' of 
 taste and fancy. For many months no research availed 
 to ascertain by whom, or the exact time when, the method 
 of Gilding in prepared Gold, was introduced ; though 
 specimens exist made near fifty years ago, but the gilder 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 211 
 
 and enameller could not be ascertained. At length a few 
 days prior to this part going to press, we ascertained that 
 the merit is due to Mr. John Hancock, of Etruria. In 
 the early practice of Blue Painting, the Colours were 
 prepared by merely grinding with a muUer on a stone, 
 the zaflfres, and the Crystals of Cobalt first brought into 
 this Country by Mr. Mark Walklett, and Mr. John 
 Blackwell, of Cobridge, exceeding fine in quality, and 
 readily used as above. But, the demand increasing, we 
 are informed, that Mr. Cook worthy (already mentioned,) 
 who had been a Painter, and also a Chemist and Druggist, 
 at Bristol, happening to meet an old acquaintance, Roger 
 Kinnaston, also a painter, in very reduced circumstances, 
 fully instructed him in the process of preparing a Blue 
 from zaffres ; and also the whole Recipe for extracting 
 the pure metal from Cobalt ores. At first, the ore was 
 •calced in the forebung of the Potter's Oven ; but, about 
 1772, Mr. K. had an air furnace set up at Cobridge, 
 where for some time, he pursued the making of Blue. 
 All the advantage Mr. K.'s family derived from the 
 practice, was a mere livelihood. In the hands of a prudent 
 person, the instruction of Mr. Cookworthy had kindly 
 given, would have proved an invaluable source of opulence ; 
 many preparers of Blue, in our day, being possessed of 
 considerable wealth ; but with Mr. Kinnaston, it was 
 merely subservient to gratifying his Bacchanalian pror 
 pensities. He sold copies of the recipe for trifling sums, 
 £10. or £19,. ; and after living in indolent ebriety, he 
 died without honour and in a state of poverty. 
 
 We do not apologize for introducing mention of the 
 following gentleman, altho' not a Staffordshire Manu- 
 facturer ; but he was the first who practised Blue Printing, 
 and doubtless the first who manufactured a complete 
 
212 RISE AND PROGRESS OF 
 
 Table Service, (Dinner,) ornamented by that process. 
 Thte late Mr. John Turner, of Caughley, Salop, having 
 acquired competent knowledge of the processes of the 
 manufacture, and some celebrity as an artist, at the 
 Porcelain Manufactory, at Worcester; on the expira- 
 tion of the terra of his engagement, commenced the 
 manufacture of Porcelain at a place named Caughley, 
 near Broseley, Salop. The excellence of his ware, and 
 the elegance and novelty of his patterns and shapes, gained 
 him such a share of patronage, that he rapidly arrived 
 at comparative opulence. In 1780, he completed the 
 first Blue Printed Table Service made in England, for 
 Whitmore, Esq., father of the present Member for Bridg- 
 north. The pattern was called Nankin; and had much 
 similarity to the Broseley Tea Pattern, which in 1782, 
 was copied from a Nankin pattern, and by Mr. Turner 
 adapted to Tea Services. Thos. Minton, Esq., of Stoke, 
 assisted in the completion of the Table Service, and 
 named the other Broseley, by way of compliment to the 
 adjacent town. 
 
 The great demand for Blue Painted and Enamelled 
 Pottery, caused an attempt to facilitate the process, 
 by forming the outline on the ware, from a Glue Bat, 
 similarly to Black Printing, which could be readily filled 
 in by the painter. This was first practised by William 
 Davis, for Mr. W. Adams, Cobridge ; and from him Mr. 
 Daniel Steele, obtained his knowledge of the process. 
 Davis had learned engraving and copper-plate printing, 
 at Worcester ; and had practised Blue Painting and Black 
 Printing in Shropshire, from which he came to the Pot- 
 teries. The method of printing with glue bats was 
 also practised by Harry Baker, for Mr. Baddeley, of 
 Shelton; about 1777, and very little progress was made 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 213 
 
 in the practise for some time. The next stage in its 
 improvement was employing paper and transferring it 
 to the Pottery; but in this the printer proceeded very 
 differently from the present method. The paper was 
 different in texture and quality, and was applied in a 
 dry state. The Plates were so extremely strong that 
 no delicate shades were preserved. The specimens have 
 scarcely anything deserving the name of a fine part. 
 And unless the printer was very expert in removing 
 the paper from off the plate the instant it came from 
 between the rollers, the greatest difficulty resulted ; and 
 while much loss in paper and colour occurred to the 
 master, the workman both lost his labour for, that im- 
 pression, and had additional trouble to clean the plate 
 prior to taking off another. The larger plates were in 
 two parts, and the impressions were taken at two dis- 
 tinct times; and lately might have been found among 
 the oldest Blue Printed ware, twenty inch dishes, painted 
 at twice, because the paper could not be extracted off 
 the whole at once with adequate rapidity. The method 
 of damping paper adopted by Copper-plate printers, sug- 
 gested another improvement; and various essays were 
 made by different persons, with different degrees of suc- 
 cess. Mr. John Baddeley, of Shelton, some time employed 
 Mr. Thomas Radford to print Tea Services by an im- 
 proved method of transferring the impression to the 
 bisquet ware ; which was attempted to be kept secret, 
 but was soon developed ; and the glaze prevented the 
 beautiful appearance which attached to the Black printed. 
 This caused J. Greatbatch to improve the Pottery and 
 the Glaze ; and, for Mr. R. Baddeley he formed an ex- 
 cellent body, with a glaze, containing some growan stone 
 in both, with a little cobalt in the frit which formed 
 the glaze. 
 
214 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 The elder Mr. Turner first employed a Blue Printer, 
 who used wet Paper. His name was Wm. Underwood, 
 from Worcester ; and he lived to a very advanced age. 
 The pattern Mr. Turner used was the willow, designed 
 by him from two Oriental Plates, still preserved and ex- 
 hibited to the Author by Mr. W. Turner. The border re- 
 mains, but the other parts are varied a little : the Cottage 
 is altered in shape, and the Figures are less in the copy 
 than in the originals. The workmen who then made^wr 
 Soup Tureens from two moulds in a day, was considered 
 a fair workman, and received wages of ten to twelve 
 shillings weekly; but now, 1819, a mere common work- 
 man will use six moulds, and finish sixteen or eighteen 
 daily. Mr. Myatt's thrower, the late Wm. Bridgwood, of 
 Lane End, was expected to average jvfteen score dozens 
 daily, for which his remuneration was jifteen shillings 
 weekly, house rent free, fire, and the keep of a cow. 
 
 Several other Manufacturers now commenced manufac- 
 turing Blue Printed Pottery. The late Mr. Jas. Gerrard 
 with Mr. Jas. Keeling, of New Street, Hanley, introduced 
 some improvements in the processes. About 1783, James 
 Richards, John Ainsworth, and Thos. Lucas, an engraver, 
 left the service of Mr. Turner, at Caughley, and engaged 
 with the Staffordshire Manufacturers ; Richards and Lucas 
 with the first Mr. Spode (hereafter mentioned ;) and Ains- 
 worth with the first Mr. John Yates, of Shelton. These 
 two printers first introduced the Composition called Oils, 
 and the method of washing the paper off" the bisquet 
 pottery, and hardening on the colours previous to the 
 immersion in the fluid glaze. 
 
 Mr. William Smith, an engraver of considerable 
 ability, resident in Liverpool, was engaged to engrave 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 215 
 
 new plates in a superior style for Mr. R. Baddeley, of 
 Shelton ; and the excellence of the pottery, with the 
 elegance of the embellishments from plates of finer execu- 
 tion, rendered him unrivalled for some time. But as the 
 method of printing was very injurious to the plates, and 
 by waste of paper and colours, much diminished the pro- 
 fits of the Master, Mr. Smith engaged Thomas Davis, of 
 Worcester, to print for Mr. Baddeley, and he intro- 
 duced other improvements in the operations. The Blue 
 Painters experienced such a diminution of employment 
 and remuneration, that they employed every artifice to 
 prevent its success, but without avail ; for the novelty and 
 elegance of the Pottery secured the demand, which has 
 continued to increase ; and in this day, 1829, few manu- 
 facturers do not practise the art ; and many have several 
 presses constantly employed in Blue Printing. 
 
 After (the first) Mr. Josiah Spode left the employment 
 of Mr. Whieldon, at Fenton, he was employed along with 
 the late Mr. Charles Harvey, in the manufactory of Mr. 
 Banks, (who resided at Stoke Hall,) on White Stone 
 Ware, and for Cream Colour, Scratched and Blue Painted. 
 But Messrs. Baddeley and Fletcher discontinuing making 
 Porcelain, at Vale Lane, Shelton, Mr. Spode commenced 
 manufacturing the pottery most in demand. — Cream 
 Colour, and Blue Painted, White ware ; and his pro- 
 ductions were of tolerable excellence. His family remained 
 resident at Stoke ; and Messrs. Banks and Turner separat- 
 ing and Mr. Banks relinquishing business in a short 
 time afterwards, Mr. S. engaged the manufactory, (which 
 subsequently he purchased,) and there manufactured 
 also Black printed, and Black Egyptian. About 1784, 
 he introduced the manufacture of Blue Printed into 
 Stoke; on the improved methods successfully adopted 
 
216 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 by Mr. Ralph Baddeley, of Shelton. The Patterns 
 were — for Table Services what is now called the Old 
 Willow, with a border of a willow and a dagger; and 
 for Tea Services the Broseley, from the Pattern used at 
 Caughley. The engraver was named Lucas, and his first 
 printer was named Richards, from Caughley. Specimens 
 of this ware, shew the great strength of the ehgraving> 
 and consequent deep blue of the ware. The first trans- 
 ferrer Mrs. Mary Broad, of PenkhuU, (recently buried at 
 Stoke,) informed us that she remembered the first dish 
 printed in Blue, at Stoke, being long carefully preserved 
 as a specimen. — He continued to extend his business until 
 his death, in 1797 or 8 ; and from persons well acquainted 
 with him we learn, that with his wealth, increased his 
 kindness as a master, and benevolence to the wretched 
 and indigent ; and that when he was passed " the bourne 
 whence no traveller returns," his loss was regretted, as a 
 liberal master, a munificent benefactor, and above all, a 
 truly honest man. 
 
 In 1779, his elder Son (the second Josiah Spode, Esq.) 
 married the eldest daughter of Mr. John Barker, of the 
 Row Houses, Fenton Culvert, with whom he received, in 
 the whole, a dowry of =£"500. The parents judging this a 
 proper opportunity to establish a regular London business, 
 alike advantageous to themselves and the newly married 
 pair, the younger Mr. Spode therefore commenced as a 
 Dealer in Earthenware ; and subsequently also of Glass 
 and Porcelain ; and the assiduity he manifested, to gratify 
 the varying tastes and wishes of purchasers in kinds, 
 quality, and shapes of the various articles, soon gained 
 him extended connections, while the excellent Blue Printed 
 pottery (recently introduced,) supplied by the father, ob- 
 tained such preference as to produce a considerable increase 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 217 
 
 of business. Early in 1797, a very short time prior to the 
 death of his father, the younger Mr. Spode experienced a 
 bereavement, conceivable by those only who have been 
 similarly bereft, — the loss of an affectionate and beloved 
 wife, in child-bearing of a daughter. He never again 
 married ; but to his latest hour cherished the remembrance 
 of her virtues, and remained consoled for his loss sustained, 
 by the virtues of her offspring. 
 
 Mr. Spode now wholly resided at Stoke, to superintend 
 the manufactory. His Blue Printed ware was the best 
 manufactured ; his Cream Colour, excellent ; and both re- 
 main in high estimation ; and the various Di-y body wares 
 are of superior quality, and the articles made by most ex- 
 perienced and ingenious artists. Each year witnessed his 
 persevering attention, and his generosity kept pace with his 
 prosperity. In one year, prior to the demise of his father, 
 the clear profits of the London business alone exceeded 
 £13,000. The connections gradually increased, after he 
 settled here ; and his satisfaction with the attention to his 
 interest by a confidential servant in town, was evinced, by 
 a most substantial mark — a present of ^£"1000 ; and as a 
 further reward for his assiduity and integrity, by a 
 share in the London Business; still enjoyed by his son. 
 
 About 1800, Mr. Spode commenced the manufac- 
 ture of Porcelain, in quality superior to any previously 
 made in England, and in imitation of that made at 
 Sevres, which it equalled, if it did not surpass, in 
 transparency. For entering on this Manufacture with 
 every reasonable prospect of success, Mr. S, was well 
 capacitated, by the extensive knowledge he possessed 
 relative to those subjects apparently best adapted for 
 public demand, and which seem calculated to ensure quick 
 and profitable returns. At this period, the London 
 
218 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Dealers were supplied from Worcester, Derby, and 
 Caughley, with the best British Porcelain; having rich 
 embellishments upon most beautiful patterns of the various 
 Articles. He therefore now incited the ingenuity of his 
 modellers and other plastic artizans, to produce varied 
 shapes of the articles already in use ; and to design other 
 new articles, for the approbation of persons of taste. The 
 Bone Body Porcelain, which is very transparent, he brought 
 to considerable perfection. He also first used Feldspar, 
 which by being very carefully prepared, increased the 
 excellence of his Porcelain; which in 1821, he further 
 improved in both body and glaze. His enameller, Mr. 
 Henry Daniel, here first introduced, in 1802, the present 
 method of ornamenting Porcelain, in raised unburnished 
 gold, much similar to embossed dead gold, orjrosted work^ 
 on plate. A Porter Cup then made, is a fine specimen, of 
 Mr. Spode's Porcelain, and of the artist's ability. The 
 excellent quality of the Porcelain, the taste and elegance 
 manifested in the patterns or shapes, and the beautiful 
 designs so exquisitely enamelled, insured him, in a com- 
 paratively short time, a valuable extension of connections. 
 These will convey his name to posterity as entitled to 
 grateful admiration, and long vie with every similar effort 
 in the plastic art, whether produced by the skill of 
 foreigners or the genius of Englishmen. 
 
 His Majesty George IV., while Prince of Wales, 
 being on a journey of pleasure to Liverpool, in 1806, 
 in company with his Royal Brother, the Duke of 
 Clarence, visited the Marquis of Stafford at Trentham, 
 on the way; where many of the Nobility joined the 
 company. Having often intimated a wish to wit- 
 ness the manipulations and processes of the Porcelain 
 Manufacture, the opportunity was embraced, and their 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 219 
 
 Royal Highnesses with the Nobility and suite visited the 
 establishment at Stoke. Mr. Spode had so arranged, that 
 all the persons employed, of both sexes, were in their best 
 attire, to manifest their respectful and loyal attachment 
 to the Heir Apparent, and the Family on the throne ; and 
 as the Royal and Noble visitors passed thro' the different 
 apartments, the appearance and demeanour of the working 
 classes, drew forth repeated eulogiums. The Large ware- 
 house, (117ft. long,) was then visited, where were ar- 
 ranged every variety of Pottery and Porcelain, in the 
 most elegant and curious productions, manufactured by Mr. 
 S., whose loyalty and respect were so highly appreciated by 
 the Royal visitor, that Mr. S. received the appointment of 
 " Potter to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales." 
 
 At the commencement of 1823, Mr. Spode was engaged 
 to manufecture a splendid Porcelain Vase, valued at £100,. 
 as a present from the Middleton Hill Mine Company to his 
 Majesty. This was completed in April, and was exhibited 
 several days in the large China Warehouse of the manufactory, 
 to some thousands of visitors. Its chasing and enamelling are 
 executed in the first style of the Art ; and the whole is con- 
 spicuous for its unblemished beauty, the purity and delicacy 
 of the material, the simplicity of the style, and the splendour 
 of its ornaments. In July, the same year, Mr. Spode com- 
 pleted for the Hon. East India Company's Factory at Canton, 
 a most splendid Table Service of Porcelain, of thirteen kumdred 
 pieces, valued at £400. to replace the service destroyed by the 
 Fire. The Porcelain was of the finest body made at the manu- 
 fectory, alike distinguished for its beautiful Parian whiteness, 
 and delicate transparency. The larger articles are perfect in 
 the manu&cture, and prove that perseverance has overcome 
 the difficulties formerly regarded as insurmountable in pro- 
 ducing large specimens of the best Porcelain. The first style 
 of embellishment has not been employed, but a second grade ;. 
 yet the appearance is rich and splendid, and equal to any spe- 
 cimens of Dresden Porcelain. Would it have been believed 
 thirty years ago, that China would receive again specimens of 
 her chief manufacture, from England, where in the course of 
 less than one generation, it has been brought to a state of 
 
«20 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 perfection, almost if not wholly equal to that of the Chinese 
 and Japanese, and certainly superior in ornament to any made 
 in Europe. Thus within little more than the life of man, how 
 great has been the progress of the Art of Pottery. Such an 
 article, as in our day would be made by numbers of workmen 
 for a mere trifle ; and for the low price of one shilling, in a 
 much superior style, was once a subject at which the Beau 
 Monde were called to wonder and admire. An elegant Teapot, 
 of Pottery, gracing the side board of Lady Isabella Montague, 
 was the genius of inspiration, anticipating new honours for 
 our country, in Sir Chas. Hanbury William's Poem 'Isabella;' 
 where after describing her Ladyship's morning occupations, 
 and visitors ; he introduces one of her admirers, a Mr. Bate- 
 man, from Staffordshire : — 
 
 ' To please the noble Dame, the courtly Squire, 
 
 Produced a Teapot made in Staffordshire.' 
 
 So Venus look'd, and with such longing eyes. 
 
 When Paris first produced the golden prize. 
 
 ' Such works as this, (she cries,) can England do ? 
 
 It equals Dresden, and excels St. Cloud. 
 
 All modern China now shall hide its head. 
 
 And e'en Chantilly must give o'er her trade ; 
 
 For Lace, let Flanders bear away the bell ; 
 
 In finest Linen, let the Dutch excel ; 
 
 For prettiest Stuff's let Ireland first be named ; 
 
 And for best fancied Silks, let France be famed ; 
 
 Do thou, thrice happy England, still prepare 
 
 Thy Clay, and build thy fame on Earthenware.' 
 
 The several Slabs, about l6 by 12 inches on the superfi- 
 cies, which were deposited in the respective Corner Stones of 
 Stoke New Church, (viz. one of the Best Porcelain, glazed, 
 on which, in addition to the bas relief Inscription, is a Land- 
 scape, in the finest style of enamelling, with an excellent 
 drawing of Stoke Old Church, the Winton's Wood Field, 
 Hanley Church Steeple, and other conspicuous objects ; with 
 a very elegant embossed border richly gilded and enamelled ; 
 laid in the Stone of the North East comer, after the very Rev. 
 the Dean of Lichfield, had placed the stone ; one of rick Brown 
 Porcelain, with embossed border and foliage, in the South 
 East corner Stone, laid by Mr. Spode ; one of Jasper similarly 
 ■ornamented, in the Chancel Stone, laid by Mr. Tomlinson, 
 the Patron ; one of the Patent Stone Porcelain, in the South 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 221 
 
 West Comer Stone, laid by the senior Churchwarden Mr. J.. 
 Spode ; and one of the best Blue printed Pottery in the North 
 West Corner Stone, laid by Mr. Kirkham ;) were manufac- 
 tured by Mr. Spode, to transmit to generations far remote, 
 invaluable memorials of the perfection to which the Potter's 
 Art in this neighbourhood had arrived in the early part of the 
 nineteenth century ; of which they are characteristic Speci- 
 
 We have already mentioned, that Mr. S. contributed 
 the liberal sum of ^500, towards erecting the Parish New 
 Church, at Stoke, but he did not live to see it covered in ; 
 his death occurring in July, 1827. Possessed of the highest 
 excellence of character in the relations of civil and social 
 life, volumes concerning his worth were indicated by the 
 grief- worn cheeks of the spectators at his Funeral Obsequies. 
 
 While the Printer was arranging the Types of this part, 
 and almost of this identical page, the Author received the 
 distressing intelligence that (the third) JOSIAH SPODE, 
 Esq. had suddenly expired. His invaluable worth as a 
 Friend unaffected hy the caprices of fortune, and his in- 
 tegrity as a Tradesman of the highest class, are not sur- 
 passed by any survivor ; as is well known to those persons 
 best acquainted with him. The numerous personal and 
 pecuniary sacrifices he made to aid the sufferimg Poor in 
 times of peculiar distress, will cause his memory to be em- 
 balmed by all who can and dare extol real philanthropy ,- 
 and to the Author his demise is an almost irreparable loss. 
 
 About 1800, Mr. Benj. Adams, of Tunstall, was suc- 
 cessful in the manufacture of Jasper, and which would 
 have been more highly esteemed had it been alone before 
 the public ; but, in this, as well as most other instances, 
 the imitation very rarely equals the original. This Jasper 
 is deficient in the brilliancy of tint, fineness of grain, and 
 
^22 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 ■excellence of workmanship, obvious to every beholder, of 
 that fabricated at Etruria, and that by Mr. Turner. We 
 have not been successful in obtaining any personal notice 
 of Mr. Adams. 
 
 Messrs. John and Wm. Turner, (sons of Mr. Turner, 
 before noticed,) of Lane End, for some years with consider- 
 able success continued the manufacture of the excellent 
 Pottery for which their father was celebrated. Mr. 
 Turner succeeded in making a Shining Blue glazed Pottery, 
 similar to that of the Japanese Porcelain ; an imitation of 
 which had been attempted by Mr. Cookworthy ; and was 
 pronounced by Mr. Wedgwood, as a desideratum. The 
 specimen preserved is a pint Cup, which, had the ability 
 •of the Gilder been as well employed in preparing his gold, 
 as in the execution of the Pattern, would have equalled 
 any of the rich Gilding at this day of the Artists em- 
 ployed by Mr. Spode, Messrs. Daniels, Messrs. Ridgways, 
 ■or Mr. Minton. Their Jasper was second to none but 
 Mr. Wedgwood's, and they were not despicable rivals 
 as potters, and in the respectability of their foreign 
 connections. The Black Egyptian made by Mr. Turner 
 as the plinths for his Jasper Ornaments, will bear the 
 polish of the lapidary's wheel, to a degree of exquisite 
 fineness, only to be credited by the persons who have 
 inspected the specimens. 
 
 One Cup made by them for the late Viscount Creamhorn, 
 has never been equalled in the district ; tho' formed of the 
 common Clay of Lane End. This was once produced by the 
 late Jacob Warburton, Esq., at a meeting of Potters, to shew 
 to what a degree of perfection even common pottery may be 
 ■carried. It became so estimable in the opinion of its owner, 
 that to prevent the possibility of injury, he had a proper sized 
 mahogany box made for its reception, and in the door is a 
 pane of glass, thro' which alone he permits it to be inspected. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 223 
 
 Their principal modeller was Mr. Jas. Luckock, a 
 person of great skill, and most extensive acquirements as 
 an Artist. But their further progress was prevented, and 
 themselves completely ruined, by the political convulsions 
 in France, at the era of the reign of terror ; their principal 
 market was destroyed, their property confiscated, and 
 themselves unexpectedly reduced, from a near prospect 
 of great affluence to a state of comparative indigence. 
 Mr. W. Turner happened to be in Paris when the reign 
 of terror was most awful ; and the application for Moneys 
 due to him, was returned by incarceration and several 
 examinations — not very pleasant to the free-born English- 
 man. — Indeed, he acknowledges, that he owes his liberty, 
 and most probably his life, to the interference of the 
 present Marquis of Stafford ; whose Physician, Dr. James, 
 and Secretaries, Messrs. Erskine and Hutchinson, were 
 most busily employed to obtain his liberty. And, when, 
 subsequently, the gen d'arrnes brought his Passport, 
 he witnessed the infatuation of a bastard freedom, in 
 the most haughty rejection of the douceur Mr. Turner 
 liberally offered to the bearer of so welcome a docu- 
 ment. 
 
 In 1784, Mr. E. Wood commenced business at Burslem, 
 and continues to the present time. At that time, the best 
 mould ma,ker and tureen maker in that part, was John 
 Proudlove, who was hired by Mr. W. for three years, at 
 twelve shillings per week. This gentleman has justly 
 obtained the character oi Father of the Pottery. We can 
 .say of him, what is not known to apply to any other Gentle- 
 man in the district ; that ' he has earned his daily bread by 
 working" in every branch of the Manvfa^twre' There are 
 still remaining proofs of his skill in the more ingenious 
 departments ; and his ability as a Modeller and Sculptor, 
 
224 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 has long been widely indicated in the very correct Bust he 
 produced of the late Rev. John Wesley. At this day, his 
 manufacture embraces almost every kind of article required 
 by the European and Trans- Atlantic Markets; and his 
 large establishments present the philosophic inquirer with 
 all the processes and manipulations of the Art, in the most 
 improved methods, on a scale of magnificent grandeur. By 
 his acuteness and philosophic comprehension, which rank 
 him among the chief mechanical geniuses of this age, he 
 has so increased the power, successfully obviated the difficul- 
 ties and inconveniences attending the operation, and so 
 well accommodated to peculiar circumstances the construc- 
 tion of the Steam Engine, at the Bichers Colliery, as to 
 effect an astonishing economy in steam and fuel, while pre- 
 serving the Power so requisite for the operations. The 
 Newspapers of December, 1827, stated that Mr. Warner, of 
 Loughborough, had offered his Engineer £\000 to divulge 
 his discovery of a method of doubling' the power of the 
 Steam Engine. What merit then attaches to Mr. Wood's 
 leaving his discovery accessible to all mechanical geniuses. 
 
 The explosive Steam's dense Columns here aspire. 
 Like gathering Clouds, wing'd by Caloric ire ; 
 Thro' Valves alternate, over and below. 
 To fill each vacuum, they swiftly go ; — 
 Resistless to the Valves' successive calls. 
 The well-packed Piston slides 'twixt iron walls ; 
 The balanced beam with quick librations, moves 
 The Sun and Planet Wheels' revolving grooves ; 
 Until the expanded Vapour, as a drop 
 Sinks, by the gelid stream's effective stop. 
 
 About this time Mr. Robert Wilson, of Hanley, 
 at the manufactory previously occupied by Mr. Palmer, 
 a short distance above the Church, brought to perfec- 
 tion that kind of Pottery, which had long prevented 
 the general use of Porcelain, and from its composition 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 225 
 
 was called Chalk Body ; of very excellent quality for 
 fineness of grain, and smooth beautiful glaze, of a fine 
 cream colour, but not so durable as some of the other 
 kinds of pottery. For some years this kind obtained the 
 preference in the Dutch Market ; and the manufacture 
 was very advantageous to the parties, who realized con- 
 siderable property by it ; but the improved quality and 
 mode of ornament of the Blue Printed in the present day, 
 has superseded most, if not the whole of this kind. 
 
 About 1793, Mr. Thomas Minton connected himself 
 with a Mr. Pownall and Joseph Poulson, and at Stoke 
 commenced the manufacture of Blue Printed Pottery, of 
 much excellence of quality, and with additional elegance- 
 of Patterns, which speedily secured considerable celebrity. 
 A few years afterwards, the manufacture of Porcelain was; 
 connected with the other, and has been attended with, 
 success. The manufactory is now the property of Mr. M. 
 alone. The Porcelain there fabricated possesses great; 
 excellence for fine texture and elegant ornaments; and' 
 his Blue Printed Pottery was, in 1826, so much improved 
 in its various properties, as to place it at the summit of 
 the scale of excellence, and secure for it an unprecedented 
 share of patronage. Mr. Minton has been closely con- 
 nected with most of the improvements of the last forty 
 years; and we have already mentioned his excellent 
 character as a Parent and a Gentleman. 
 
 About 1795, a new kind of Pottery, a dry body,, 
 or without glaze or smear, was introduced into the 
 market by Messrs. Cheatham and Woolley, of Lane 
 End. It is to the White Pottery, what Jasper is to 
 the Coloured. Not being afiected by change of tem- 
 perature, but very fine in grain, durable in quality,. 
 
226 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 and of a most beautiful and delicate whiteness, it received 
 the name it still bears, of Pearl, from Mr. J. Spode, at 
 that time resident in London. It is used, like Jasper, for 
 the finest description of ornaments ; and is in general 
 estimation among all ranks of society. Very few of the 
 different attempts made to produce Pearl of equal excel- 
 lence to the inventors, have been attended with any success. 
 
 About 1802, Mr. Wm. Brookes, engraver, then of 
 Tunstall, now of Burslem, suggested to Mr. J. Clive, a 
 new method of ornament by Blue Printing. The border 
 of the plate was engraved from a beautiful strip of Border 
 for Paper Hangings of Rooms ; and many of the manu- 
 facturers approved of the alteration. The New Hall 
 Company instantly adopted it for some of their tea ser- 
 vices. The following improvements is likewise by the 
 same person ; — a certain ornamental border is employed 
 for all the plates, whatever be their size ; but every plate 
 has a different Landscape, or Group of Flowers, for the 
 dishes, soups, plates, &c. Indeed, the finest Oriental Scenery 
 has recently been transferred to Pottery, by Mr. James 
 Keeling, of Hanley. In the latter part of 1828 he pro- 
 duced a most beautiful dinner service, ornamented with 
 views from the Illustrations of Mr. Buckingham's Travels 
 in Mesopotamia ; and the principal manufacturers fol- 
 lowed by completing Services of interesting Views of 
 remarkable subjects in Turkey, Persia, and Hindostan. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 227 
 
 CHAP. X. 
 
 INTRODUCTION OF LUSTRE. AND IMPROVEMENTS, IN POTTERY 
 
 AND PORCELAIN SUBSEaUENT TO 1800. 
 
 The general voice of the district is in favour of Mr. 
 John Hancock, now residing at Etruria, and a person of no 
 mean talents as enameller, (while employed by Mr. H. 
 Daniel, and Mr. John Brown, Enamellers, at Hanley,) 
 having first produced the Lustre. ' We have heard it 
 asserted, that he only introduced here the practice of what 
 had been some time before invented at Derby ; which 
 certainly is possible ; but the total silence of Derby tradi- 
 tion, discourages the assumption. Mr. Hancock appears 
 to have made the process of Lustring of little value to him- 
 self; for the recipe could be obtained from him by any 
 person, for a small sum of money. Hence the great number 
 of persons engaged in the branch ; and the varied excellence 
 •of their productions. The Lustre of our day is a good red 
 clay body, with a fine brown glaze ; upon which is laid, for 
 Gold Lustre, a very thin coating of a chemical mixture con- 
 taining a small quantity of Gold in solution; — also of 
 Copper, for Copper Lustre. The Steel Lustre employs 
 oxide of Platinum in the same mixture instead of gold ; 
 and when Silver Lustre is made, a further coating of 
 platinum worked in water only, is laid on the Steel Lustre. 
 The ware is then fired, and will be good or bad as the glaze 
 and the metals are so. The first maker of the Silver Lustre 
 properly so called, was Mr. John Gardner, (now employed 
 by J. Spode, Esq.) when employed by the late Mr. Wolfe, 
 
228 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 of Stoke ; and the next were, Mr. G. Sparkes, of Slack 
 Lane, Hanley ; and Mr. Horobin, of Tunstall, (now of Lane 
 End.) A person named Mr. John Ainsley, recently dead, 
 introduced it at Lane End ; and since 1804, it has been 
 practised with varied success, thro' the whole of the 
 district. The Gold Lustre is regarded as having been first 
 produced by a Burslem Artist named Hennys, then resident 
 in London ; where for some years he thus ornamented the 
 Chalk body ware made by Mr. Wilson, of Hanley. This 
 Lustre is the solid kind. The method of preparing a 
 Gold Lustre which could be applied by the Pencil, is very 
 different every way; and was discovered by Mr. James 
 Daniel, of Pleasant Row, Stoke. 
 
 Mr. John Hancock was, for some time prior to 
 1800, employed by Messrs. Turner, of Lane End ; and 
 while there, introduced the method of gilding with 
 hurnished Gold. The practice originated in a conver- 
 sation with Mr. William Smith, Slack Lane, Hanley, 
 (who possessed the secret of Water Gilding, practised 
 in Birmingham,) that suggested the application of gold 
 in a liquid state, in place of the leaf gold used upon 
 size; on the attempt being made, the success surpassed 
 all expectations. Some persons attributed the inven- 
 tion to Mr. Henry Daniel ; who certainly has claims 
 for many important improvements in the Enamelling 
 Departments ; but so far from arrogating the merit 
 to himself, he very explicitly avowed his complete 
 ignorance of the person by whom the invention was 
 made, as well as when or where it occurred ; and 
 only by mere accident was the fact ascertained ; Mr. 
 Philemon Smith remembered having heard the subject 
 mentioned, and referred us to the person, to whom 
 the merit is due; and Mr. Turner verified the acx30unt. 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 229 
 
 In 1800, Mr. W. Turner having amused himself with 
 examining by chemical analysis the different strata per- 
 forated in sinking a new shaft of a Coal Pit at Milfield 
 Gate, discovered, in what is called the Taberner's (or Little) 
 Mine, a mineral, which by calcination becomes a pearl 
 white, yet, imlike other minerals, does ' not shrink by the 
 most ardent temperature to which it has been subjected — 
 130° of Wedgwood's p3rrometer. This is now called Patent 
 Stone, in consequence of the brothers Tui-ner having ob- 
 tained Letters Patent for manufacturing, with it as one 
 material, a real Porcelain, wholly differfent from any pre- 
 viously manufactured. The stone is very different from 
 the Iron Stone ; and therefore the present Patent Ironstone 
 China must not be confounded with the other Patent 
 Porcelains, Champion's and Turners'. The late J. Spode, 
 Esq., purchased the right to manufacture this patent Stone 
 Porcelain ; and a fine specimen of it has already been 
 noticed, p. 220. 
 
 Mr. Fletcher, of Edinburgh, of sporting celebrity, 
 having given an order to a tradesman at Edinburgh, for 
 a very large Punch Bowl, the order had been forwarded 
 to different celebrated Potters, and remained not executed. 
 Application was ultimately made to Mr. Turner, whose 
 throwers attempted by different processes to accomplish the 
 object; but is was only fully and satisfactorily got into 
 form, by the ingenuity of Mr. William Massey, the Modeller, 
 now resident at Stoke. It holds twenty-two Gallons Im- 
 perial Measure ; and is now preserved in the Museum at 
 Edinburgh. On its outside is a kind of tablet, on which 
 are beautifully enamelled, a Chinese Town, and the Names 
 of the Persons and Place, as well as the date. The late 
 John Daniel, Esq., mentioned this specimen in terms of 
 the most glowing description. 
 
230 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 Early in the present century, Capt. Winter having- 
 boasted that the Articles of his manufactiare, at Tun- 
 stall were tlie only true Porcelain made in Staffordshire, 
 experienced no little chagrin, on ascertaining that his 
 ware would fuse at a heat much below that usually re- 
 quired to fire Mr. Turner's, and that while his contracted 
 in the same manner as other productions of the district, 
 Mr. Turner's retained its size unaffected in shape or 
 expansion; at which fact. Dr. Hope, of Edinburgh, ex- 
 pressed his surprize, in language most complimentary. 
 But, at the time when most benefit might have accrued 
 to Mr. Turner, in consequence of the celebrity which 
 his Porcelain had acquired, the late Mr. Hardwood, 
 of Newcastle, Steward of the late Marquis of Stafford, 
 interdicted any further supplies of the stone indispensably 
 requisite, under the pretext that the Marquis was offended 
 at the Patent having been obtained, and would not en- 
 courage any motiopoly ! 
 
 Singular, indeed, that the manufacture of Porcelain 
 Under one Patent, should be prevented in such an authorita- 
 tive and aristocratic manner, (tho' probably the ostensible 
 denouncer was wholly ignorant of the procedure of his- 
 agent,) while another person secured great advantages. 
 But the Marquis might have been incited to this procedure, 
 by a remembrance of the opposition Messrs. Turner's father 
 had manifested towards the extension of the Patent Term 
 to Mr. Champion. 
 
 In 1810, Mr. Peter Warburton, for the New Hall 
 Company, took out a Patent for Printing Landscapes 
 and other designs, from Copper Plates, in Gold and 
 Platinum, upon Porcelain and Pottery. The appear- 
 ance is extremely beautiful ; but a great oversight 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 231 
 
 in the first introduction of the method, has prevented 
 its acquiring the celebrity to, which it is entitled. The 
 Copper Plates employed were those previously used for 
 Black Printing, engraved in a very fine manner, and not 
 containing sufficient oil to receive adequate strength of 
 the pulverized gold. One or two Specimens, from very 
 coarse plates, possess great beauty and elegance. There 
 is every probability that this branch of ornamenting will 
 again be introduced for the bottoms of tea saucers, and 
 sides of the cups. 
 
 In 1821, Messrs. Ridgway, of Cauldon Place, Shelton, 
 introduced a Porcelain of Bone Body, with a new glaze, 
 that surpassed every other kind then produced. And to 
 its excellent quality was added entirely original models of 
 the several articles of Dinner and Dessert Services ; (also 
 subsequently used for Blue Printed Pottery,) much resem- 
 bling the beautiful ornamental Pieces used for Silver Plate, 
 with gadroon edge, and tasteful appendages. On the 
 Table Services first coming into the market, the elegance 
 of the vessels, and excellent quality of the Porcelain, and 
 the Stone China, received general approbation, and ob- 
 tained unprecedented preference. Other manufacturers 
 speedily followed their steps, and improvement has suc- 
 ceeded improvement, in quality and ornament, to the 
 present day. In 1828, Messrs. Ridgway again placed 
 themselves at the summit of the scale of excellence, in 
 regard to their Porcelain, which is certainly not excelled, 
 if it be even equalled, by any of the European Manufac- 
 tories. And, with the elegant forms and ornaments, well 
 repays the inspector's investigations. 
 
 About 1822, Mr. Henry Daniel, the enameller, already 
 mentioned, commenced the manufacture of a different kind 
 
232 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 of Porcelain, at Stoke ; and in 1826, the Stone China, at 
 Shelton ; the shapes and patterns being of the improved 
 kind, so much preferred by the public. But, in addition 
 to the various methods of enamelling then practised, he 
 introduced the practice of laying grownds, of different 
 colours, and ornamenting them with gilding, both bur- 
 nished, and embossed, o\Jrosted work as applied to plate. 
 His efforts have been very successful ; and the Porcelain 
 fabricated at the manufactory of H. and R. Daniel, will 
 bear a comparison for excellence, and elegance of ornament, 
 with that of any other manufacturer. 
 
 Early in 1827, Messrs. Daniel completed for the Earl 
 of Shrewsbury, different services of Porcelain of the most 
 brilliant and costly kind ever manufactured in the district, 
 and probably more than twice the value of any private 
 order ever received here. The extent of the order con- 
 vincing the manufacturers, that it was his Lordship's 
 noble and patriotic purpose to stimulate their ingenuity, 
 in making the several articles as specimens of the perfec- 
 tion to which the Porcelain manufacture is arrived ; they 
 acted under this incitement, and the result was, that 
 the productions would well compare with the choicest 
 specimens of European Porcelain. The Table Services 
 embraced every species of article to which modem luxury 
 has assigned a purpose and a name ; and on their several 
 grounds of Pink and of Green, the highest style of 
 embellishment which ingenuity could devise and Art 
 execute was employed to produce a splendid yet tasteful 
 tout ensemble. The centres of the plateaus have three 
 large Vases, modelled with a degree of excellence in 
 execution, and of justness in design, that are alike credit- 
 able to the ability of the workman and the principals, ajid 
 well adapted to secure the meed of praise from all per- 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 233 
 
 sons capable of judging of the intrinsic merits of these 
 splendid specimens ; and in the elegance of their orna- 
 ments in the several departments of chasing, gilding, 
 flower, landscape, and figure enamellings, we are not 
 aware that they have ever been even equalled, not to 
 say excelled, on British Porcelain. 
 
 Designs for these, to meditation's eyes. 
 Great Nature most redundantly supplies, — 
 Of Models best ! her presence is the source. 
 Whence Genius draws augmented fire and force ; 
 Of Teachers best ! her precepts give the powers, 
 Whence, to Perfection, Art by Practice soars. 
 
 Twelve smaller Vases, executed in a similar style, are 
 supporters to the former. And, devoid of extraneous 
 appendage, in the centre of each border or piece, is the 
 Coronet of the Noble Earl, with the motto ' Prest IfAc- 
 complir ; ' the inciting Spirit of the Order, which was most 
 speedily executed. The Dessert Services were altogether 
 original in the shapes, and presented a most splendid and 
 elegant succession of novel and ingenious devices and orna- 
 ments, and the Tea Services are of .the newest patterns, on 
 which very beautiful. subjects of Natural History, in flowers, 
 birds, and foliage, are enamelled with the strictest attention 
 to accuracy and nature ; and with the richest embellish- 
 ments the ingenuity of the Artists could introduce. A 
 ToiLETi'E Service, en suite, for every Dressing Room of 
 Alton Abbey, in Maroon, or Green, Pink, and Blue, richly 
 gilded, also are a part of the order. The Dejeune Service 
 embraces every Article that the refinements of taste and 
 fashion have agreed to connect with this morning repast ; 
 and also the proper Ornaments for the Boudoir, of the 
 most chaste description ; all under the particular direc- 
 tions, and agreeably to the taste, of the noble Countess. 
 The ground is a deep Maroon, with embossed and chased 
 
234 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 dead gold foliage, thro' which are traced a series of the 
 finest designs, so as to appear white in the mass qf gold, 
 and add to the brilliance of the whole ; the edges are strong 
 gold richly burnished; and in the centre is the Earl's 
 Coronet, and a beautiful ellipse of burnished Gold. — On 
 the view of the whole we were equally gratified at the high 
 degree of perfection to which the Art has risen, and the 
 patriotism of the Individual in thus patronizing the manu- 
 facture of the district almost adjoining his own residence. 
 
 Messrs. James and W. Handley, then of Shelton, about 
 the same time introduced a Porcelain from feldspar chiefly, 
 of very excellent quality ; and of this they made several 
 Vases, much larger in size, and truly elegant and original 
 in design, than any before produced. The application 
 was disregarded ; else we should willingly have introduced 
 the particulars. 
 
 In the latter part of 1828, Messrs. Alcock and Steven- 
 son, of Cobridge, published a series of Busts of the most 
 eminent characters of the present time, executed in the 
 best manner of the Art, in regard to accuracy of delinea- 
 tion and taste and elegance of Workmanship. Many of 
 them being exquisitely finished in dead gold, they are a 
 very chaste, elegant, and beautiful ornament equally for 
 the drawing room or the library. 
 
 Very recently several of the most eminent Manufac- 
 turers have introduced a method of ornamenting Table 
 and Dessert Services, similarly to Tea Services, by the Black 
 Printers using red, brown, and green colours, for beautiful 
 designs of flowers and landscapes ; on Pottery greatly im- 
 proved in quality, and shapes formed with additional taste 
 and elegance. This pottery has a rich and delicate appear- 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. -235 
 
 ance, and owing to the Blue Printed having become sO' 
 common, the other is now obtaining a decided preference 
 in most genteel circles. 
 
 It is well known, the' apparently little regarded, that 
 the common or coarse Red Pottery, of which are formed 
 many utensils for cooking food used by the lower grades in 
 the community, is covered with a very pernicious glaze 
 formed by either litharge, or the Potter's lead ore. When 
 vessels of this kind are employed in either baking or boiling 
 food, it is now ascertained, that the lead glaze is very soluble 
 during the time of heat, and that it intermixes with animal 
 fat, or the acid juices of fruits, or vinegar when cold, and 
 that it is partially soluble even when any of these remain 
 awhile in the vessels cold ; its effects are thus very dele- 
 terious, producing visceral disorders, among the labour- 
 ing classes, for which they are not able to assign any 
 cause ; but for whose alleviation they have recourse to 
 ardent spirits, and thus superinduce the habit of dram 
 drinking. Job Meigh, Esq., having discovered and made 
 public a glaze free from all these bad properties, and 
 wholly superseding the application of oxide of lead for 
 the vitrified surface ; and also the body of a better kind 
 of coarse Pottery ; by whose introduction and use by 
 the common coarse ware potters, the source of injury 
 to the health and morals of the lower classes would be 
 removed, and yet they be served with vessels innocent 
 yet more durable; the Society of Arts, at their Annual 
 Meeting in 1822, honoured Mr. Meigh with their Gold 
 Medal; and, in presenting it, His Royal Highness the 
 Duke of Sussex highly complimented Mr. M. for hi& 
 patriotism; and expressed his hope that the valuable 
 discovery would be immediately adopted by those who 
 made such ware; and thereby preclude further danger 
 
^36 RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 
 and injury to the health of his Majesty's subjects, from 
 the poisonous glaze ; and he requested Mr. M. to accept 
 his personal thanks. The Glaze is made in this manner : — 
 
 Red Marl is ground in water until there is formed 
 a mixture, of the consistence of thick cream ; into this, 
 the vessels, when well dried, but not yet baked, are 
 first immersed, for the purpose of filling up all the pores 
 in the surfaces ; they are again well dried, and then are 
 dipped into the Glaze, formed by grinding together in 
 water to the consistence of thick cream, equal quantities 
 •of Feldspar, Glass, and black oxide of Manganese ; (the 
 last being omitted when the hue is needed of a whitish 
 drab or grey.) The vessels are next dried well, and 
 baked as usual. The composition for the better kind 
 ■of common Ware, is 4 parts common Marl, 1 part Red 
 Marl, and 1 part brick clay ; and the Pottery thus made 
 is harder, less porous, and better adapted for common 
 purposes. 
 
 Thus have we endeavoured to trace the various stages 
 of Improvement in the Places and Manners of the Potters, 
 and the practices of their Art, whose Origin, Progress, 
 and present Perfection, have been exhibited, it is 
 hoped, free from exaggeration. We have noticed that 
 the most remarkable eiforts of ingenuity have resulted 
 from the intercourse of persons peculiarly circumstanced ; 
 and are most vigorous when incited by the emulations, 
 the oppositions, and the friendships, formed while pur- 
 suing the same means for personal aggrandizement. How 
 much their rivalships, their jealousies, and even their anti- 
 pathies, have contributed to the advancement of the 
 Art, it might not be prudent to mention, even was the 
 fact fully comprehended. But doubtless to these are 
 
STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES. 237 
 
 owing the foundation and completion of that excellent 
 superstructure, which, operating thro' successive ages, has. 
 at length assumed a station in the Commercial World, 
 never contemplated by the early Potters. If we have not 
 been equally happy in the denouement in every instance,, 
 let the reader remember that to understand all the circum- 
 stances of so intricate a subject, requires more time and 
 ability, as well as industry, than are possessed by most 
 writers. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 It only remains to solicit indulgence for any inadver- 
 tencies, and Corrections, for an Appendix, from every friend 
 who can supply them. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 REFERENCE TO SUBJECTS. 
 
 Agreement, (Old,) 15.8 
 Alumina, 87, 158 
 Annesley, 37 
 Aqueduct, 60 
 Arezzo, 89 
 Art of Pottery, 97 
 
 Baddeley Hedge Grit, 101 
 Barberini Vase, 190 
 Bell Works, 184 
 Berlin Porcelain, 198 
 Bethesda Chapel, 45 
 Bicher's Colliery, 31 
 Biddeford Clay, 121 
 Biddulph, 37 
 Big House, 31, l62 
 Bitstone Ware, 14 
 Black Marl, 162 
 
 Pottery, 121 
 
 Printing, 192 
 
 River Ware, 9S 
 
 Block Cutters, 150 
 Blue Painting, 127 
 
 Porcelain, 84 
 
 Printing, 64 
 
 Glazed Pottery, 222 
 
 Boiled Plaister, l64 
 Bone Body, 218 
 Boulder Stones, 145 
 
 Bradwell Pottery, 38, 118, 
 
 121 
 British Pottery, 95 
 British School, 42 
 Broadfield Colliery, 71 
 Bronchocele, 12 
 Brown Ware, 109 
 Bucknall, 37, 132 ' 
 Burnished Gold, 228 
 Burslem, 26 
 Butter Pots, 123 
 
 Cameos, 150 
 Canals, 33, 61 
 Can Marl, 109, 162 
 Cannel, 22 
 Car, 124 
 Casting, 146 
 Catholic Chapel, Old, 37 
 Cauldon Place, 47 
 Chalk Body, 225 
 Change of Style, 137 
 Chatterley, 38 
 Chelsea Porcelain, l67 
 China, 84, 118 
 Churches New, 34, 57 
 Cinnerian Vases, 83, 96 
 Clays, 99, 149 
 Cliffe ViUe, 38 
 
240 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Coals, 4, 124 
 
 Cobridge, 36 
 
 Copperas Laboratory, 49 
 
 Cream Colour, 141, l65, 176 
 
 Crouch Ware, 110, 126 
 
 Dale Hall, 33 
 Dipped Pottery, 68 
 Dresden Porcelain, 197 
 Diy Bodies, 160 
 
 Embossed Gold, 218 
 Enamelling, 178 
 Engine Lathe, 175, 188 
 Etruria, 46, 89 
 
 Feldspar, 64 
 Fenton, 67, 71 
 Flash, 19 
 
 Flint, 64, 141, 129 
 Flowerers, 177 
 Fluid Glaze, 165 
 
 Gallery of Paintings, 46 
 Gas works, 49 
 Gilding (Leaf) 193 
 Glaze, 18, 45, 110, l65 
 Golden Hill, 22, 72 
 Granite, 90 
 Green Field, 20 
 
 Lane, 25 
 
 Growan Stone, 160 
 
 Handling & Trimming, 145 
 
 Hanley, 37, 44, 137 
 
 Highgate, 19 
 
 Honey Wall, 60 
 
 Hostin Mill, 18 
 
 Hot Lane, 36 
 
 Hulton Abbey, 1 34 
 
 Indenture, Old, 151 
 Iniirmary, 13 
 
 Iron Stone China, 70 
 Ivy House Mill, 143 
 
 Jasper, 186 
 
 Kaolin, 84, 198 
 Keel, 38 
 Kidsgrove, 23 
 Knutton, 38 
 
 Landscapes Engraved 226 
 Lane Delph, 70, 141 
 Lane End, 72 
 Latebrooke, 23 
 Lawton, 17 
 Longport, 33 
 Longton, 38, 70 
 Lustre, 227 
 
 Manor House, Fenton, 67 
 Markets, 13 
 
 Mechanics' Institution, 15 
 Methodist Chapels, 18, 68 
 Mole Cob, 101 
 Moulds, 146 
 Mount, The, 66 
 
 Newcastle, 17, 65 
 New Field, 20 
 New Hall, 44, 201 
 Norton, 135 
 
 Over Time, 1 74 
 
 Paper Mill, 43 
 Peacock Coal, 43 
 Pearl, 225 
 PenkhuU, 60, 65 
 Petuntse, 84, 90 
 Plaster Moulds, 150 
 Porcelain, 86, 121, 201, 220, 
 229 
 1 Post, 176 
 
INDEX. 
 
 241 
 
 Potter's Meetings, 140 
 Printing Black, 192 
 Blue, 193 
 
 Queen's Ware, 186 
 
 Rail Roads, 40, 60 
 Red Porcelain, 118 
 Street, 17, 118 
 
 Saggers, 107, 162 
 Salt Glaze, 108, l66 
 
 Water, 157 
 
 Shelton, 37 
 
 Sherratt's Iron Works, 47 
 
 Silex, 87, 159 
 
 Slip Kiln, 147 
 
 Smithfield, 20 
 
 Splendid Vase, 219 
 
 Steam Engines, 31, 62, 224 
 
 Stoke, 51, 60 
 
 Old Church, 130 
 
 Sunday Schools, 18, 23, 34 
 Sun Kiln Potteries, 98 
 Stilts, 148 
 Stampers, 142 
 
 Teapot, Eulogy on, 220 
 Thursfield, 38 
 Tiles, 109 
 
 Tough Tom Moulds, 150 
 Transferrer, 65 
 Triangles, 148 
 Tunnels, 23 
 Tunstall, 17, 38 
 Turning Lathe, 102, 110 
 
 Wages, (1717, & 1766,) 150, 
 
 153 
 Washes, 127, 147 
 White Stone Ware, 44, 166 
 
242 
 
 INDEX, 
 
 REFERENCE TO PERSONS. 
 
 Adams, 28, 41, 6l, 175, 179 
 
 221 
 Aikin, J., 178 
 Aitkens, R. E., 42 
 Alcock, S., 37 
 Aldereea, J. & T., 175 
 Allen, T., 69 
 Astbury, J., tjQ, 119, 143 
 
 Bacchus, 69 
 
 Baddeley, 47, 145, I6I, 199 
 
 Bailey, 76 
 
 Baker, 68 
 
 Banks, 172 
 
 Barker, 70, 156, 173 
 
 Batkin, 76 
 
 Bedson, 143 
 
 Beech, 22 
 
 Bentley and Wear, 46 
 
 — — 184 
 
 Bird, 63, 157 
 
 Bishop, 49 
 
 Booth, 18, 36, 176 
 
 Boughey, 37, 130 
 
 Boulton & Robinson, 40 
 
 Bourne, 41, 68, 74, 143 
 
 Boyle, 61 
 
 Breeze, 20 
 
 Bridgwood, 75 
 Brindley, 144 
 Broad, 65, 117, 181 
 Broade, 68 
 Brookes, 174, 226 
 
 Carey, 70 
 
 Cartwright, 69, 105 
 Champion, 18, 203 
 Chatterley, 41, 137 
 Cheatham, & Co., 225 
 Child, 18, 21 
 Clarke, 130 
 Clews, 37 
 Clowes, 18 
 
 Cookworthy, 121, 198 
 Cope, 62 
 Cormie, 31 
 Cox, 40 
 
 Daniel, 36, 143, 163, 218 
 Davenport, 35 
 Dillon, 37 
 Doody, 65 
 
 Edwards, 47, l67, 170 
 Elers, 111, 117 
 Elkins, 71 
 
INDEX. 
 
 243 
 
 Entrecolles, 85, 195 
 
 Fenton, 48, 66, 125 
 Fletcher, ISO, 181 
 Fortestef, 61, t5, 170 
 Foudrinier, 43 
 
 Gallemore, 143 
 Garner, 77, 173 
 Ginder, 70, 141 
 Goodfellow, 17 
 Godwin, 31 
 Greatbatch, 156, 180 
 Gresley, 29 
 
 Hales, 36, 62 
 HaU, 17, 31 
 Hancock, 68, 227 
 Heath, 126 
 Heathcote, 140 
 Hicks, 47, 144, l6l 
 Hilditch, 175 
 Hollins, 41 
 Hughes, 76 
 Hulme, 75 
 
 Johnson, 172 
 
 Keeling, 18, 226 
 
 Leigh, 148 
 Littler, 168, 198 
 Lockett, 75 
 Lownds, 22 
 
 Machin, 31, 131 
 Marsh, 31, 72, 121 
 Mason, 69 
 
 Mayer, 43, 61, 75, 117, 157 
 Mear, 17 
 Meigh, 44, 45 
 Middleton, 41, 145 
 Miles, 109 
 
 Minton, 16, 61, 225 
 Mitchell, 152 
 Murhall, 136 
 Myatt, 72 
 
 Neale, 127 
 Nevill, 38 
 
 Oliver, 20 
 
 Palmer, 127 
 Parker, 45 
 
 Phillips, 35, 171, 175 
 Pratt, 68, 70, 127 
 Prince, 175 
 
 Rathbone, 17 
 Reaumur, 195 
 Repton, 57 
 Rich, 110 
 Ridgway, l6, 43 
 Riley, 32, 106, 121 
 Robinson, 177 
 Rogers, 28, 36 
 
 Sans, 108 
 
 Shaw, 75, 146, 175 
 
 Sherratt, 144 
 
 Simpkin, 75 
 
 Smith, 20, 42, 68 
 
 Spode, 16, 61, 156, 217, 219 
 
 Stevenson, 37 
 
 Stirrup, 175 
 
 Stubbs, 35 
 
 Taylor, 148, 181 
 
 Toft, 108 
 
 Toilet, 140 
 
 Tomlinson, 57, 64 
 
 Trubshaw, 57, 60 
 
 Turner, 16, 75, 172,|222, 229 
 
 Twemlow, 140 
 
 Twyfordy J 19 
 
244 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Warburton, 18, 82, 177, 202 
 
 Ward, 33 
 
 Wedgwood, 16, 30, 50, 124, 
 
 149, 150, 157, 168, 180, 
 
 195 
 Whieldon, 29, 67, 156 
 
 WiUet, 136 
 
 Williamson, 35 
 
 Wilson, 40, 129, 224 
 
 Wolfe, 63 
 
 Wood, 16,30, 31,76, 121,150, 
 
 171, 189, 223 
 
 ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY PRESS. 
 
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 Contents. 
 
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 should prove useful." — Manchester Guardian. 
 
 VEGETABLE FATS AND OILS : Their Practical Preparation, 
 Purification and Employment for Various Purposes, their Properties, 
 Adulteration and Examination. A Handbook for Oil Manufacturers 
 and Refiners, Candle, Soap and Lubricating Oil Makers, and the Oil 
 and Fat Industry in General. Translated from the German of Louis 
 Edgar ANDiis. With 94 Illustrations. Price 10s. 6d. ; Germany, 
 12 mks. ; France and Belgium, 13 frs. ; Colonies, 12s. post free. 
 
 ContentSm 
 
 Statistical Data. General Properties of the Vegetable Fats and Oils. Estimation of the 
 Amount of Oil in Seeds. Table of Vegetable Fats and Oils, with French and German 
 Nomenclature, Source and Origin and Percentage of Fat in the Plants from which they are 
 Derived. The Preparation of Vegetable Fats and Oils: Storing Oil Seeds; Cleaning the Seed.' 
 Apparatus for Grinding Oil Seeds and Fruits. Installation of Oil and Fat Works. Ex- 
 traction Method of Obtaining Oils and Fats. Oil Extraction Installations. Press Moulds. 
 Non-drying Vegetable Oils. Vegetable Drying Oils. Solid Vegetable Fats. Fruits Yielding 
 Oils and Fats. Wool-softening Oils. Soluble Oils. Treatment of the Oil after Leaving 
 the Press. Improved Methods of Refining with Sulphuric Acid and Zinc Oxide or Lead Oxide. 
 Refining with Caustic Alkalies, Ammonia, Carbonates of the Alkalies, Lime. Bleaching Fats 
 and Oils. Practical Experiments on the Treatment of Oils with regard to Refining and 
 Bleaching. Testing Oils and Fats. 
 
 Press Opinions. 
 
 " Concerning that and all else within the wide and comprehensive connexion involved, thi& 
 book must be invaluable to everyone directly or indirectly interested in the matters it treats 
 of." — Commerce. 
 
 " The proprietors of the Oil and Colourman's Journal have not only placed a valuable and 
 highly interesting book of reference in the hands of the fats and oils industry in general, but 
 have rendered no slight service to experimental and manufacturing chemists." — Manufacturing- 
 Chemist. 
 
 LUBRICATING OILS, FATS AND GREASES : Their Origin, 
 Preparation, Properties, Uses and Analyses. A Handbook for Oil 
 Manufacturers, Refiners and Merchants, and the Oil and Fat Industry 
 in General. By George H. Hurst, F.C.S. Price 10s. 6d. ; Germany, 
 12 mks. ; France and Belgium, 13 frs. ; Colonies, 12s., post free. 
 
Contents. 
 
 Chapters I., Introductory. Oils and Fats, Fatty Oils and Fats, Hydrocarbon Oils, Uses 
 of Oils. — 11., Hydrocarbon Oils. Distillation, Simple Distillation, Destructive Distillation, 
 Products of Distillation, Hydrocarbons, Paraffins, Olefins, Naphthenes.— IH., Scotch Shale 
 Oils. Scotch Shales, Distillation of Scotch Oils, Shale Retorts, Products of Distilling Shales, 
 Separating Products, Treating Crude Shale Oil, Refining Shale Oil, Shale Oil Stills, Shale 
 Naptha Burning Oils, Lubricating Oils, Wax. — IV., Petroleum. Occurrence, Geology, Origin, 
 Composition, Extraction, Refining, Petroleum Stills, Petroleum Products, Cylinder Oils, Russian 
 Petroleum, Deblooming Mineral Oils. — V., Vegetable and Animal Oils. Introduction, 
 Chemical Composition of Oils and Fats, Fatty Acids, Glycerine, Extraction of Animal and 
 Vegetable Fats and Oils, Animal Oils, Vegetable Oils, Rendering, Pressing, Refining, Bleaching, 
 Tallow, Tallow Oil, Lard Oil, Neatsfoot Oil, Palm Oil, Palm Nut Oil, Cocoanut Oil, Castor 
 Oil, Olive Oil, Rape and Colza Oils, Arachis Oil, Niger Seed Oil, Sperm Oils, Whale Oil, Seal 
 Oil, Brown Oils, Lardine, Thickened Rape Oil.— VI., Testing: and Adulteration of Oils. 
 Specific Gravity, Alkali Tests, Sulphuric Acid Tests, Free Acids in Oils, Viscosity Tests, Flash 
 and Fire Tests, Evaporation Tests, Iodine and Bromide Tests, Elaidin Test, Melting Point of 
 Fat, Testing Machines. — VII., Lubricating Greases. Rosin Oil, Anthracene Oil, Making 
 Greases, Testing and Analysis of Greases.— VIII., Lubrication. Friction and Lubrication, 
 Lubricant, Lubrication of Ordinary Machinery, Spontaneous Combustion of Oils, Stainless 
 Oils, Lubrication of Engine Cylinders, Cylinder Oils.— Appendices. A. Table of Baume's 
 Hydrometer— B. Table of Thermometric Degrees— C. Table of Specific Gravities of Oils.— 
 Index. 
 
 Press Opinions. 
 
 " This is a clear and concise treatment of the method of manufacturing and refining lub- 
 ricating oils. . . . The book is one which is well worthy the attention of readers who are users 
 of oil." — Textile Recorder. 
 
 " The book is well printed, and is a credit alike to author, printer and publisher." — Textile 
 Mercury. 
 
 " Mr. Hurst has in this work supplied a practical treatise which should prove of especial 
 value to oil dealers and also, though in a less degree, of oil users."— Textile Manufacturer. 
 
 " A mere glance at the table of contents is sufficient to show how various are the conditions 
 to which these materials have to be applied, how much knowledge is required for the selection 
 of the right kind for each particular purpose, and how by processes of mixture or manufacture 
 the requisite qualities are obtained in each case." — Manchester Guardian 
 
 " This valuable and useful work, which is both scientific and practical, has been written with 
 a view of supplying those who deal in and use oils, etc., for the purpose of lubrication with some 
 information respecting the special properties of the various products which cause these various 
 oils to be of value as lubricants,"— /«rf«5^nes and Iron. 
 
 "We have no hesitation in saying that in our opinion this book ought to be very useful to 
 all those who are interested in oils, whether as manufacturers or users of lubricants, or to those 
 chemists or engineers whose duty it may be to report upon the suitability of the same for any 
 particular class of work." — Engineer. 
 
 " The author is widely known and highly respected as an authority on the chemistry of oils 
 and the technics of lubrication, and it is safe to say that no work of similar interest or equal 
 value to the general oil-selling and consuming public has heretofore appeared in the English 
 language. "^Drug's, Oils and Paints, U.S.A. 
 
 " It will be a valuable addition to the technical library of every steam user's establishment." 
 — Machinery Market. 
 
6 
 
 From a Teacher of Technical Classes. 
 
 " I consider Hurst's ' Lubricating Oils ' and Andes' ' Vegetable Oils ' to be admirably suited 
 both for the student and the business man. It has given me great pleasure to recommend them 
 to my own people and to inquirers who have asked me from time to time to recommend a good 
 text-book and to my friends in the trade who want something written in a practical style. — Yoiirs 
 faithfully, John Wilson, Teacher of Class on Oils and Fats at the Borough Polytechnic 
 Institute. 
 
 " 27th September, i8g8." 
 
 THE MANUFACTURE OF VARNISHES, OIL REFINING 
 AND BOILING, AND KINDRED INDUSTRIES. Describing 
 the Manufacture of Spirit Varnishes and Oil Varnishes ; Raw Materials : 
 Resins, Solvents and Colouring Principles ; Drying Oils : their Pro- 
 perties, Applications and Preparation by both Hot and Cold Processes; 
 Manufacture, Employment and Testing of Different Varnishes. Trans- 
 lated from the French of Ach. Livache. Greatly Extended and 
 Adapted to English Practice, with numerous Original Recipes. By 
 J. G. McIntosh, Lecturer on Oils, Colours and Varnishes. Price 
 12s. 6d. France and Belgium, 16 frs. ; Colonies, 14s., post free. 
 
 Contents. 
 
 I. Resins : Gum Resins, Oleo Resins and Balsams, Commercial Varieties, Source, Collection^ 
 Characteristics, Chemical Properties, Physical Properties, Hardness, Adulterations, Appro- 
 priate Solvents, Special Treatment, Special Use. — II. Solvents : Natural, Artificial, Manufac- 
 ture, Storage, Special Use. — III. Colouring : Principles, (i) Vegetable, (2) Coal Tar, (3) Coloured 
 Resinates, (4) Coloured Oleates and Linoleates.— Gum Running: Furnaces, Bridges, Flues, 
 Chimney Shafts, Melting Pots, Condensers, Boiling or Mixing Pans, Copper Vessels, Iron 
 Vessels (Cast), Iron Vessels (Wrought), Iron Vessels (Silvered), Iron Vessels (Enamelled), 
 Steam Superheated Plant, Hot-air Plant. — Spirit Varnish Manufacture : Cold Solution Plant, 
 Mechanical Agitators, Hot Solution Plant, Jacketted Pans, Mechanical Agitators, Clarification 
 and Filtration, Bleaching Plant, Storage Plant. — Manufacture, Characteristics and Uses of the 
 Spirit Varnishes yielded by : Amber, Copal, Dammar, Shellac, Mastic, Sandarac, Rosin, Asphalt, 
 India Rubber, Gutta Percha, Collodion, Celluloid, Resinates, Oleates. — Manufacture of Varnish 
 Stains. — Manufacture of Lacquers. — Manufacture of Spirit Enamels. — Analysis of Spirit Var- 
 nishes. — Physical and Chemical Constants of Resins. — Table of Solubility of Resins in different 
 Menstrua, — Systematic qualitative Analysis of Resins Hirschop'& tables. — Drying Oils : Oil Crush- 
 ing Plant, Oil Extraction Plant, Individual Oils, Special Treatment of Linseed Oil, Poppyseed 
 Oil, Walnut Oil, Hempseed Oil, Llamantia Oil, Ja'panese Wood Oil, Gurjun Balsam, Climatic 
 Influence on Seed and Oil. — Oil Refining: Processes, Thenard's, Liebig's, Filtration, Storage, 
 Old Tanked Oil,— Oil Boiling: Fire Boiling Plant, Steam Boiling Plant, Hot-air Plant, Air 
 Pumps, Mechanical Agitators, Vincent's Process, Hadfield's Patent, Storer's Patent, Walton's 
 Processes, Continental Processes, Pale Boiled Oil, Double Boiled Oil, Hartley and Blenkinsop's 
 Process. — Driers: Manufacture, Special Individual Use of (i) Litharge, (2) Sugar of Lead, (3) 
 Red Lead, (4) Lead Borate, (5) Lead Linoleate, (6) Lead Resinate, (7) Black Oxide of Man- 
 ganese, (S) Manganese Acetate, (q) Manganese Borate, (10) Manganese Resinate, (iz) Manganese 
 Linoleate, Mixed Resinates and Linoleates, Manganese and Lead, Zinc Sulphate, Terebine, 
 Liquid Driers.— Solidified Boiled Oil.— Manufacture of Linoleum.— Manufacture of India 
 Rubber Substitutes.— Printing Ink Manufacture.- Lithographic Ink Manufacture. — Manufacture 
 of Oil Varnishes. — Running and Special Treatment of Amber, Copal, Kauri, Manilla.— Addition 
 of Oil to Resin. — Addition of Resm to Oil. — Mixed Processes. — Solution in Cold of previously 
 fused Resin.— Dissolving Resins in Oil, etc., under pressur e.— Filtration.— Clarification.- 
 Storage.— Ageing.— Coachmakers' Varnishes and Japans.— Oak Varnishes.— Japanners' Stoving 
 Varnishes.— Japanners' Gold Size.— Brunswick Black. — Various Oil Varnishes.— Oil-Varnish 
 Stains.— Varnishes for "Enamels".— India Rubber Varnishes.— Varnishes Analysis: Pro- 
 cesses, Matching.—Faults in Varnishes : Cause, Prevention.— Experiments and Exercises. 
 
 Press Opinions. 
 
 " There is no question that this is a useful hook.^'— Chemist a/nd Druggist. 
 
 " The different formulse which are quoted appear to be far more ' practical ' than such as are 
 usually to be found in text-books ; and assuming that the original was published two or three 
 ^ears ago, and was only, slightly behindhand in its information, the present volume gives a fair 
 insight into the position of the varnish industry." — The Ironmonger. 
 
Letter from the Teacher of a Technical Ctassm 
 
 "As a teacher I have often been consulted as to the best' work on Varnish Manufacture and 
 kindred industries, and have been at a loss in recommending a really practical one. It is 
 therefore with pleasure that I can now testify as to the merits of the book on these subjects by 
 A. Livache and .G. Mcintosh recently published by Messrs. Scott, Greenwood & Co. In my 
 opinion no varnish maker ought to be without it; moreover, it is the best text-book that could 
 be put into the hands of trade students or beginners. It has also the merits of being 
 thoroughly up-to-date and of possessing a remarkably comprehensive index. I can con- 
 scientiously recommend it to my students and trade friends.— Charles Harrison, Lecturer on 
 the Manufacture of Painters' Oils, Colours and Varnishes, Borough Polytechnic, Boroueb 
 Road, S.E. • t> / . & 
 
 "2zrd May, i8gg." 
 
 THE CHEMISTRY OF ESSENTIAL OILS AND ARTIFI- 
 CIAL PERFUMES. By Ernest J. Parry, B.Sc. (Lond.), F.I.C., 
 F.C.S. lUustrated with 20 Engravings. 400 pp. Price 12s. 6d. ; 
 Abroad, 14s., strictly net, post free. 
 
 ContentSm 
 
 Chapters I., The General Properties of Essential Oiis.— II., Compounds occurring- 
 in Essential Oils.— III., Ttie Preparation of Essential Oils.— IV., The Analysis of 
 Essential Oils.— V., Systematic Study of the Essential Oils.— VI., Terpeneless Oils. — 
 VII., The Cheniistry of Artificial Perfumes.— Appendix : Table of Constants. 
 
 Press Opinions. 
 
 "At various times monographs have been printed by individual workers, but it may safely 
 be said that Mr, Parry is the first in these latter days io deal with the subject in an adequate 
 manner. His book is well conceived and well written. . . . He Is known to have sound practical 
 experience in analytical methods, and he has apparently taken pains to make himself au fait 
 with the commercial aspects of the subject." — Chemist and Druggist. 
 
 " We can heartily recommend this volume to all interested in the subject of essential oils, 
 horn the scientific or the commercial standpoint." — British and Colonial Druggist. 
 
 " There can be no doubt that the publication will take a high place in the list of scientific: 
 text-books."— I,£»Mton Argus. 
 
 " A most useful appendix is inserted, giving a table of constants for the more important: 
 essential oils. . . . This, in itself, is of sufficient importance and use to warrant the publicationi 
 of the book, and, added to the very complete classification and consideration of the essential 
 oils which precedes it, the volume becomes of great value to all interested." — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 " Mr. Parry has done good service in carefully collecting and marshalling the results of the 
 numerous researches published in various parts of the world." — Pharmaceutical Journal. 
 
 COLOUR: A HANDBOOK OF THE THEORY OF COLOUR. 
 
 By George H. Hurst, F.C.S. With 10 coloured Plates and 72 Illus- 
 trations. Price 7s. 6d. ; Abroad, 9s., post free. 
 
 Contents, 
 
 Chapters I., Colour and its Production.— II., Cause of Colour in Coloured Bodies. — 
 III., Colour Plienomena and Tlieories.— IV., Tlie Physiology of Light.— V., Contrast. 
 —VI., Colour in Decoration and Design.— VIL, Measurement of Colour. 
 
8 
 
 Press Opinions. 
 
 " This is a workmanlike technical manual, which explains the scientific theory of colour in 
 terms intelligible to everybody. ... It cannot but prove both interesting and instructive to all 
 classes of workers- in colour."— ^cofswAH. 
 
 " Mr. Hurst's Handbook on the Theory of Colow will be found extremely useful, not only to 
 the art student, but also to the craftsman, whose business it is to manipulate pigments and 
 dyes."— Nottingham Daily Guardian. 
 
 " It is thoroughly practical, and gives in simple language the why and wherefore of the many 
 colour phenomena which perplex the dyer and the colourist," — Dyer and Calico Printer. 
 
 " We have found the book very interesting, and can recommend it to all who wish to master 
 the different aspects of colour theory, with a view to a practical application of the knowledge so 
 gained." — Chemist and Druggist. 
 
 " It will be found to be of direct service to the majority of dyers, calico printers and colour 
 mixers, to whom we confidently recommend it." — Chemical Trade Journal. 
 
 " This useful little book possesses considerable merit, and will be of great utility to those for 
 •whom it is primarily intended." — Birmingham Post. 
 
 THE LEATHER WORKER'S MANUAL. Being a Com- 
 pendium of Practical Recipes and Working Formulae for Curriers, 
 Bootmakers, Leather Dressers, Blacking Manufacturers, Saddlers, 
 Fancy Leather Workers, and all'Persons engaged in the IHanipulation 
 of Leather. By H. C. Standage. Price 7s. 6d. ; Abroad, 9s., strictly 
 net, post free. 
 
 Contents. 
 Chapters I., Blackings, Polishes, Glosses, Dressings, Renovators, etc., for Boot and Shoe 
 Leather. — 11., Harness Blackings, Dressings, Greases, Compositions, Soaps, and Boot-top 
 Powders and Liquids, etc., etc.— IIL, Leather Grinders' Sundries.— IV., Currier's Seasonings, 
 Blacking Compounds, Dressings, Finishes, Glosses, etc.— V., Dyes and Stains for Leather.— 
 VI., Miscellaneous Information.— VII., Chrome Tannage.— Index. 
 
 " The book being absolutely unique, is likely to be of exceptional value to all whom it con- 
 cerns, as it meets a long-felt want." — Birmingham Gazette. 
 
 Books on Pottery, Glass, etc. 
 
 THE MANUAL OF PRACTICAL POTTINO, Price 17s. 6d. ; 
 Colonies and Continent, 18s., post fr3;. 
 
 Contents. 
 
 Introduction. The Rise and Progress of the Potter's Art.— Chapters I., Bodies. China 
 and Porcelain Bodies, Parian Bodies, Semi-porcelain and Vitreous Bodies, Morter Bodies, 
 Earthenwares Granite and C.C. Bodies, Miscellaneous Bodies, Sagger and Crucible Clays, 
 Coloured Bodies, Jasper Bodies, Coloured Bodies for Mosaic Painting, Encaustic Tile Bodies, 
 Body Stains, Coloured Dips.— II., Qlazes. China Glazes, Ironstone Glazes, Earthenware 
 Glazes, Glazes without Lead, Miscellaneous Glazes, Coloured Glazes, Majolica Colours. — III., 
 Odd and Cold Colours. Gold, Purple of Cassius, Marone and Ruby, Enamel Colour Bases, 
 Enamel Colour Fluxes, Enamel Colours, Mixed Enamel Colours, Antique and Vellum Enamel 
 Colours, Underglaze Colours, Underglaze Colour Fluxes, Mixed Underglaze Colours, Flow 
 Powders, Oils and Varnishes.— IV., Means and Methods. Reclamation of Waste Gold, The 
 
Use of Cobalt, Notes on Enamel Colours, Liquid or Bright Gold.— V., Classification and 
 Analysis. Classification of Clay Ware, Lord Playfair's Analysis of Clays, The Markets of the 
 World, Time and Scale of Firing, Weights of Potter's Material, Decorated Goods Count.— 
 VL, Comparative Loss of Weight of Clays.— VII., Ground Felspar Calculations.— VIII., The 
 Conversion of Slop Body Recipes into Dry Weight.— IX., The Cost of Prepared Earthenware 
 Clay.—X., Forms and Tables. Articles of Apprenticeship, ^Manufacturer's Guide to Stock- 
 taking, Table of Relative Values of Potter's Materials, Hourly Wages Table, Workman's 
 Settling Table, Comparative Guide for Earthenware and China Manufacturers in the Use of 
 Slop Flint and Slop Stone, Foreign Terms applied to Earthenware and China Goods, Table 
 for the Conversion of Metrical Weights and Measures on the Continent of South America. 
 
 CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY : Being some Aspects of Technical 
 Science as Applied to Pottery Manufacture. Edited by Charles F. 
 BiNNS. Price 12s. 6d. ; Colonies and Continent, 14s., post free. 
 
 Contents. 
 
 Prelace.— Introduction.— Chapters I., The Chemistry of Pottery— II., Analysis and Syn- 
 thesis.— III., Clays and their Components. — IV., The Biscuit Oven. — V., Pyrometry. — VI., 
 Ghzes and their Composition.— VII., Colours and Colour-making —Index. 
 
 COLOURING AND DECORATION OF CERAMIC WARE. 
 
 By Alex. Brongniart. With Notes and Additions by Alphonse 
 Salvetat. Translated from the French. The writings of Brongniart 
 marked an epoch in ceramic literature, and are now for the first time 
 offered in book form in English. Any potter or workman who is in any 
 way interested in ceramic ware, glazes or enamels will find this work 
 a perfect mine of information. Hundreds of receipts for making and 
 applying colours, glazes and enamels, firing, etc. Bound in Cloth. 
 200 pages. Price 7s. 6d., strictly net, post free. 
 
 HOW TO ANALYSE CLAY. Practical Methods for Practical 
 Men. By Holden M. Ashby, Professor of Organic Chemistry. Price 
 2s. 6d., strictly net, post free. 
 
 THE ART OF RIVETING GLAS5, CHINA AND EARTHEN- 
 WARE. By J. HowARTH. Price Is. ; by post, Is. 2d. 
 
 PAINTING ON GLASS AND PORCELAIN AND ENAMEL 
 PAINTING. A Complete Introduction to the Preparation of all the 
 Colours and Fluxes used for Painting on Porcelain, Enamel, Faience 
 and Stoneware, the Coloured Pastes and Coloured Glasses, together 
 with a Minute Description of the Firing of Colours and Enamels. On 
 the Basis of Personal Practical Experience of the Condition of the Art 
 up to Date. By Felix Hermann, Technical Chemist. With 18 Illus- 
 trations. Second, greatly Enlarged, Edition. Price 10s. 6d. ; Ger- 
 many, 12 mks. ; France and Belgium, 13 frs., post free. 
 
10 
 
 Contents. 
 
 History of Glass Painting.— Chapters I., The Articles to be Painted: Glass, Porcelain,. 
 Enamel, Stoneware, Faience. — II., Pigments: i, Metallic Pigments: Antimony Oxide, Naples. 
 Yellow, Barium Chromate, Lead Chromate, Silver Chloride, Chromic Oxide. — III., Fluxes: 
 Fluxes, Felspar, Quartz, Purifying Quartz, Sedimentation, Quenching, Borax, Boracic Acid, 
 Potassium and Sodium Carbonates, Rocaille Flux. — IV., Preparation of the Colours for Glass- 
 Painting.— V., The Colour Pastes.— VI., The Coloured Glasses.— VII., Composition of the 
 Porcelain Colours. — VIII., The Enamel Colours: Enamels for Artistic Work. — IX., Metallic 
 Ornamentation ; Porcelain Gilding, Glass Gilding, — X., Firing the Colours : i, Remarks on 
 Firing: Firing Colours on Glass, Firing Colours on Porcelain; 2, The Muffle. — XI., Accidents- 
 occasionally Supervening during the Process of Firing. — XII., Remarks on the Different 
 Methods of Painting on Glass, Porcelain, etc. — Appendix : Cleaning Old Glass Paintings. 
 
 Press Opinions, 
 
 " A reliable treatise on the preparation of the colours and fluxes, with exhaustive quantitative 
 recipes, and minute descriptions of the firing of colours and enamels, is of no small technical 
 importance, and emanating from so distinguished an authority as Felix Hermann, Brongniart's 
 successor in the direction of the Sevres manufactory, merits the earnest study of all engaged in. 
 the porcelain and kindred industries in England. ... In every district of England where art 
 porcelain and glass is manufactured this treatise should be widely circulated, and its contents, 
 made familiar to all engaged, in whatever capacity, in the trade." — Leeds Mercury. 
 
 ** The whole cannot fail to be both of interest and service to glass workers and to potters. 
 generally, especially those employed upon high-class work." — Staffordshire Sentinel. 
 
 A Reissue of THE HISTORY OF THE STAFFORDSHIRE 
 POTTERIES; AND THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE 
 MANUFACTURE OF POTTERY AND PORCELAIN. With 
 References to Genuine Specimens, and Notices of Eminent Potters. 
 By Simeon Shaw. (Originally Published in 1829.) Price 7s. 6d., 
 strictly net, post free ; Abroad, 9s. 
 
 Contents. 
 
 Introductory Chapter showing the position of the Pottery Tr^de at the present time 
 (1899).— Chapters I., Preliminary Remarks.— II., The Potteries, comprising Tunstall, 
 Brownhills, Greenfield and New Field, Golden Hill, Latebrook, Green Lane, Burslem, 
 Longport and Dale Hall, Hot Lane and Cobridge, Hanley and Shelton, Etruria, Stoke, Penk- 
 huU, Fenton, Lane Delph, Foley, Lane End.— III., On the Origin of the Art, and its 
 Practice among the early Nations.— IV., Manufacture of Pottery, prior to 1700. — V,, The 
 introduction of Red Porcelain by Messrs. Elers, of Bradwell, 1690.— VI., Progress of 
 the Manufacture from 1700 to Mr. Wedgewcod's commencement in 1760. — VII., Introduc- 
 tion of Fluid Glaze. Extension of the Manufacture of Cream Colour. — Mr. Wedgwood's. 
 Queen's Ware.— Jasper, and Appointment of Potter to her Majesty.— Black Printing.— VIII.,. 
 Introduction of Porcelain. Mr. W. Littler's Porcelain.— Mr, Cookworthy's Discovery of 
 Kaolin and Petuntse, and Patent.— Sold to Mr. Champion— resold to the New Hall Com.— 
 Extension of Term.— IX., Blue Printed Pottery. Mr. Turner, Mr. Spode (i), Mr. Baddeley, 
 Mr. Spode (2), Messrs. Turner, Mr. Wood, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Minton.— Great Change in 
 Patterns of Blue Printed.— X., Introduction of Lustre Pottery. Improvements in Pottery 
 and Porcelain subsequent to 1800. 
 
11 
 
 Books on Textile Subjects. 
 
 THE TECHNICAL TESTING OF YARNS AND TEXTILE 
 
 FABRICS, with Reference to Official Specifications. Translated 
 from the German of Dr. J. Herzfeld. With 69 Illustrations. Price 
 10s. 6d. ; France and Belgium, 13 frs. ; Colonies, 12s., post free. 
 
 Contents. 
 Yarn Testing:. HI., Determining the Yarn Number.— IV., Testing the Lengtii 
 of Yams,— v., Examination of the External Appearance of Yarn.- VI., Determining: 
 the Twist of Yarn and Twist.— VII., Determination of Tensile Strength and 
 Elasticity.— VIII., Estimating the Percentage of Fat in Yarn.- IX., Determination 
 of Moisture (Conditioning).— Appendix. 
 
 Press Opinions. 
 
 " The author has endeavoured to collect and arrange in systematic form for the first time all 
 the data relating to both physical and chemical tests as used throughout the whole of the 
 textile industry, so that not only the commercial and textile chemist who has frequently to 
 reply to questions on these matters, but also the practical manufacturer of textiles and his 
 subordinates, whether in spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing, are catered for. . . . The 
 book is profusely illustrated, and the subjects of these illustrations are clearly described."— 
 Textile Manufacturer, 
 
 " This is probably the most exhaustive book published in English on the subject dealt with. 
 . . . We have great confidence in recommending the purchase of this book by all manufacturers 
 of textile goods of whatever kind, and are convinced that the concise and direct way in which it 
 is written, which has been admirably conserved by the translator, renders it peculiarly adapted 
 for the use of English readers." — Textile Recorder. 
 
 " A careful study of this book enables one to say with certainty that it is a standard work on 
 the subject. Its importance is enhanced greatly by the probability that we have here, for the 
 first time in our own language, in one volume, a full, accurate, and detailed account, by a prac- 
 tical expert, of the best technical methods for the testing of textile materials, whether in the 
 raw state or in the more or less finished product." — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 " It would be well if our English manufacturers would avail themselves of this important 
 addition to the extensive list of German publications which, by the spread of technical infor- 
 mation, contribute in no small degree to the success, and sometimes to the supremacy, of 
 Germany in almost every branch of textile manufacture." — Manchester Courier. 
 
 DECORATIVE AND FANCY TEXTILE FABRICS. With 
 Designs and Illustrations. By R. T. Lord. A Valuable Book for 
 Manufacturers and Designers of Cuipets, Damask, Dress and all 
 Textile Fabrics. Price 7s. 6d. ; Other Countries, 9s., post free. 
 
 Contents. 
 
 Chapters I., A few Hints on Designing Ornamental Textile Fabrics. — II., A few Hints on 
 Designing Ornamental Textile Fabrics (continued).— III., A few Hints on Designing Orna- 
 mental Textile Fabrics (continued). — IV., A few Hints on Designing Ornamental Textile 
 Fabrics (continued).— V., Hints for Ruled-paper Draughtsmen.— VI., The Jacquard Machine.— 
 VII., Brussels and Wilton Carpets.— VIII., Tapestry Carpets.— IX., Ingrain Carpets.— X. 
 Axminster Carpets. — XL, Damask and Tapestry Fabrics. — XII., Scarf Silks and Ribbons. — 
 XIII., Silk Handkerchiefs.— XIV., Dress Fabrics.— XV., Mantle Cloths.— XVI., Figured Plush. 
 —XVII., Bed Quilts.— XVIII.— Calico Printing. 
 
12 
 
 Press Opinions. 
 
 " The book is to be commended as a model manual, appearing at an opportune time, since 
 every day is making known a growing desire for development in British industrial art."— 
 Dundee Advertiser. 
 
 " Those engaged in the designing of dress, mantle tapestry, carpet and other ornamental 
 textiles will find this volume a useful work of reference."— Z-eeds Mercury. 
 
 " The writer's avocation is that of a designer tor the trade, and he therefore knows what he 
 is writing about. ... The work is well printed and abundantly illustrated, and for the author's 
 share of the work we have nothing but commendation. It is a work which the student designer 
 will find thoroughly nseial."— Textile Mercury. 
 
 " Designers especially, who desire to make progress in their calling, will do well to take the 
 hints thrown out in the first four chapters on ' Designing Ornamental Textile Fabrics '."— 
 Nottingham Daily Guardian. 
 
 " The book can be strongly recommended to students and practical men."— TmWs Colorist. 
 
 POWER=LOOM WEAVING AND YARN NUMBERING, 
 
 according to various Systems, with Conversion Tables. An Auxiliary 
 and Text-book for Pupils of Weaving Schools, as well as for self- 
 instruction and for general use, by those engaged in the Weaving 
 Industry. Translated from the German of Anthon Gruner. With 
 Coloured Diagrams. Price 7s. 6d. ; Abroad, 9s., strictly net, post 
 free. 
 
 Contents. 
 
 I., Power=Loom Weaving in General. Various Systems of' Looms. — II., Mounting 
 and Starting the Power- Loom. English Looms. — Tappet or Treadle Looms. — Dobbies. — 
 III., General Remarks on the Numbering, Reeling and Packing of Yarn.— Appendix.— 
 Useful Hints. Calculating Warps.— Weft Calculations.— Calculations of Cost Price in Hanks. 
 
 Press Opinions. 
 
 " This work brings before weavers who are actually engaged in the various branches of 
 fabrics, as well as the technical student, the different parts of the general run of power-looms in 
 such a manner that the parts of the loom and their bearing to each other can be readily under- 
 stood. . . . The work should prove of much value, as it is in every sense practical, and is put 
 before the reader in such a clear manner that it can be easily understood." — Textile Industries, 
 
 "The work has been clearly translated from the German and published' with suitable 
 illustrations. . . . The author has dealt very practically with the subject." — Bradford Daily 
 Telegraph. 
 
 " The book, which contains a number of useful coloured diagrams, should prove invaluable 
 to the student, and its handy form will enable it to become a companion more than some cum- 
 •brous work." — Cotton Factory Times, 
 
 " The book has been prepared with great care, and is most usefully illustrated. It is a capital 
 text-book for use in the weaving schools or for self-instruction, while all engaged in the weaving 
 industry will find its suggestions helpful." — Northern Daily Telegraph. 
 
 THE COLOUR PRINTING OF CARPET YARNS. A Useful 
 Manual for Colour-Chemists and Textile Printers, by David Paterson, 
 F.C.S. 132 pp. Illustrated. Price 7s. 6d. ; Abroad, 8s., strictly net, 
 post free. 
 
13 
 
 Contents. 
 
 Chapters I., Structure and Constitution of Wool Fibre.— II., Yarn Scouring.— III., Scouring 
 Materials.— IV., Water for Scouring.— V., Bleaching Carpet Yarns.— VI., Colour Making for 
 Yarn Printing.— VII., Colour Printing Pastes.— VIII., Colour Recipes tor Yarn Printing.— 
 IX., Science of Colour Mixing.— X., Matching of Colours.— XI., " Hank " Printing.— XII., 
 Printing Tapestry Carpet Yarns.— XIII., Yarn Printing.— XIV., Steaming Printed Yarns.- 
 XV., Washing of Steamed Yarns.— XVI., Aniline Colours suitable for Yarn Printing.- 
 XVII., Glossary of Dyes and Dye-wares used in Wood Yarn Printing. — Appendix. 
 
 Books on Plumbing. 
 
 EXTERNAL I*LUMBINQ WORK. A Treatise on Lead Work 
 
 for Roofs. By John W. Hart, R.P.C. Price 7s. 6d., post free ; Other 
 Countries, 8s. 
 
 List of Chapters. 
 
 Chapters I., Cast Sheet Lead.— II., Milled Sheet Lead.— III., Roof' Cesspools.— IV., Socket 
 Pipes.— v.. Drips.— VI., Gutters.— VII., Gutters (continued).- VlII., Breaks.- IX., Circular 
 Breaks.— X., Flats.— XI., Flats (continued).— XII., Rolls on Flats.— XIII., Roll Ends.— XIV., 
 Roll Intersections.— XV., Seam Rolls.— XVI., Seam Rolls (continued).— XVII., Tack Fixings. 
 —XVIII., Step Flashings.— XIX., Step Flashings (continued).— XX., Secret Gutters.— XXI., 
 Soakers.— XXII., Hip and Valley Soakers.— XXIII., Dormer Windows.— XXIV., Dormer 
 Windows (continued).— XXV., Dormer Tops.— XXVI., Internal Dormers.- XXVII., Skylights. 
 —XXVIII., Hips and Ridging.— XXIX., Hips and Ridging (continued).— XXX., Fixings for 
 Hips and Ridging.— XXXI., Ornamental Ridging.— XXXII., Ornamental Curb Rolls.— XXXIII., 
 Curb Rolls.— XXXIV., Cornices.— XXXV., Towers and Finials.— XXXVI., Towers and Finials 
 (continued).— XXXVII., Towers and Finials(continued).— XXXVIII.. Domes.— XXXIX.,Domes 
 (continued).— XL., Ornamental Lead Work.— XLL, Rain Water Heads.— XLIL, Rain Water 
 Heads (continued).^XLIII., Rain Water Heads (continued). , 
 
 Press Opinions. 
 
 " The publication of this book will do much to stimulate attention and study to external 
 plumbing work, for it is a book which we can heartily recommend to every plumber, both old 
 and young, who desires to make himself proficient in the several branches of his trade. We 
 can heartily recommend the book to plumbers and architects." — Sanitary Record. 
 
 " This is an eminently practical and well-illustrated volume on the management of external 
 lead work." — Birmvngham Daily Post, 
 
 " It is thoroughly practical, containing many valuable hints, and cannot fail to be of great 
 benefit to those who have not had large experience." — Sanitary Journal. 
 
 " With Mr. Hart's treatise in his hands the young plumber need not be afraid of tackling 
 outside work. He would do well to study its pages at leisure, so that he may be ready for it 
 when called upon." — Ironmongery. 
 
 " Works on sanitary plumbing are by no means rare, but treatises dealing with external 
 plumbing work are sufiiciently scarce to ensure for Mr. Hart's new publication a hearty recep- 
 tion." — The Ironmonger. 
 
 HINTS TO PLUMBERS ON JOINT WIPING, PIPE 
 BENDING AND LEAD BURNING. Second Edition, Revised 
 and Corrected. By John W. Hart, R.P.C. Over 300 pages, lUu 
 trated. Price 7s. 6d. ; Other Countries, 8s., post free. 
 
14 
 
 List of Chapters. 
 
 x.y Introduction. — Chapters L, Pipe Bending. — 11., Pipe Bending (continued). — III., Pipe 
 Bending (continued),— IV., Square Pipe Bendings.— V., Half-circular Elbows.— VI., Curved 
 Bends on Square Pipe.— VII., Bossed Bends.— VIII., Curved Plinth Bends.— IX., Rain-water 
 Shoes on Square Pipe.— X., Curved and Angle Bends.— XL, Square Pipe Fixings.— XII., Joint- 
 wiping.- XIII., Substitutes for Wiped Joints.— XIV., Preparing Wiped Joints.— XV., Joint 
 Fixings.— XVI., Plumbing Irons.— XVII., Joint Fixings.— XVIII., Use of " Touch" in Solder- 
 ing.— XIX., Underhand Joints.— XX., Blown and Copper 6it Joints.— XXI., Branch Joints.— 
 XXII., Branch Joints (continued).~XXIII., Block Joints.— XXIV., Block Joints (continued).— 
 XXV., Block Fixings.— XXVI , Astragal Joints— Pipe Fixings.— XXVII., Large Branch 
 Joints.— XXVIIIr, Large Underhand Joints.— XXIX., Solders.— XXX., Autogenous Soldering 
 or Lead Burning. 
 
 Press Opinions. 
 
 " Rich in useful diagrams as well as in hints." — Liverpool Mercuiy^ 
 
 " A well got-up and well-done practical book. It is freely illustrated and is a reliable help in 
 respect of some of the most awkward work the young plumber has to perform." — The Ironmonger. 
 
 " The papers are eminently practical, and go much further into the mysteries they describe 
 than the title ' Hints' properly suggests." — Scotsman. 
 
 " The articles are apparently written by a thoroughly practical man. As a practical guide 
 the book will doubtless be of much service." — Glasgow Herald, 
 
 " So far as the practical hints in this work are concerned, it will be useful to apprentices and 
 students in technical schools, as it deals mainly with the most important or difficult branches of 
 the plumber's craft, viz., joint wiping, pipe bending and lead burning. ... * Hints ' are the 
 most useful things to an apprentice, and there are many in this work which are not to be found 
 in some of the text-books." — English Mechanic. 
 
 " It is a book for the intelligent operative first of all, not a mere manual of instruction 
 for the beginner, nor yet a scientiiic treatise on the whole art of sanitary plumbing. The 
 special subject with which it deals is joint-making, the most important branch of the operative's 
 work, and into this topic the author goes with a thoroughness that is full of suggestion to even 
 the most experienced workman. There is no one who has to do with plumbing but could read 
 the book with profit." — Ironmongery. 
 
15 
 WORKS IN PREPARATION 
 
 ENAMELS AND ENAMELLING. 
 
 A HISTORY OF DECORATIVE ART. For Designers, 
 Decorators and Workmen. 
 
 HOUSE PAINTING AND DECORATING. A Handbook for 
 Painters and Decorators. 
 
 THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF DIPPING, BUR- 
 NISHINQ AND BRONZING BRA5S WORK. 
 
 SCIENCE OF COLOUR MIXING AND MATCHING. A 
 
 Manual intended for the use of Students of Colour Chemistry, Dyeing 
 and Textile Printing. 
 
 WAXES. 
 
 IRON CORROSION AND ANTI-CORROSIVE PAINTS. 
 
 By L. E. Andes. [Nearly ready. 
 
 AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY. 
 
 THE MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES OF EVERY DES= 
 CRIPTION. 
 
 THE ART AND PRACTICE OF BLEACHING. 
 
 THE MANUFACTURE OF LEATHER. Translated from the 
 French of M. Villon. [In the Press. 
 
 GLUE MANUFACTURE AND GLUE TESTING. 
 
 [In the Press. 
 
 TESTING AND VALUATION OF RAW MATERIALS 
 USED IN PAINT MANUFACTURE. 
 
 A TREATISE ON THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY. By 
 
 Emille Bowny. 
 
 MINING SAFETY APPLIANCES. 
 
16 
 TERRA-COTTA, BRICKS AND POTTERY FOR BUILDING 
 
 PURPOSES. 
 TECHNOLOGY OF PETROLEUM. By Neuburger and 
 
 NOALHAT. 
 
 REISSUE OF SIMEON SHAW'S " CHEMISTRY OF 
 POTTERY ". (First Published in 1837.) 
 
 THE CULTURE OF HOPS. 
 
 THE RONTJEN RAYS IN MEDICAL PRACTICE. 
 
 CONTINENTAL PATENTS FOR GAS APPARATUS. 
 
 SULPHATES OF IRON AND ALUMINIUM AND ALUM 
 INDUSTRY. By L. Geschwind. 
 
 SCOTT, GREENWOOD & OO. 
 
 are Publishers of the following old-established and well-known 
 Trade Journals : — , 
 
 THE OIL AND COLOURMAN'S JOURNAL. The Organ 
 of the Oil, Paint, Drysaltery and Chemical Trades. Home Subscrip- 
 tion, 7s. 6d. per year; United States, $2; Other Countries, 10s. per 
 year. 
 
 THE POTTERY GAZETTE. For the China and Glass Trades. 
 Home Subscription, 7s. 6d. per year ; United States, $2 ; Other Coun- 
 tries, 10s. per year. 
 
 THE HATTERS' GAZETTE. Home Subscription, 6s. 6d. per 
 year ; United States, $2 ; Other Countries, 9s. per year. 
 
 THE DECORATORS' GAZETTE AND PLUMBERS' 
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 Other Countries, 9s. 
 
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