Affectionately known as ‘The Potteries’, the city of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area is shaped by its proud history as the British home of ceramics.
Pottery has been made in and around Stoke since the mid 17th century. The industry grew dramatically, helped by the plentiful supply of clay and coal naturally found nearby. In the 18th century potter Josiah Wedgwood was a leading figure in the ceramics industry, and is a key reason Staffordshire gained a reputation as the home of pottery.
Wedgwood was born in the Stoke town of Burslem in 1730 and set up his factory there. He was given the title ‘Potter to Her Majesty’ after the cream-coloured earthenware he sent to Queen Charlotte was met with a
