Description:Horton Lodge was built by Stephen Chesters-Thompson in 1890. In 1894 it was bought by Mr W.A.M. Tellwright of Wolstanton, the owner of Sneyd Collieries. Between 1925 and 1948 it was the North Staffordshire Colliery Owners' Association Convalescent Home. It was then used by the Workers Educational Association for two years before being converted into a school for children with special needs.
Peter Ward of Aberdeen recalls:
I was an evacuee here in 1939. My memories of being an evacuee at the Miners' home are not extensive. I was in a dormitory with some other boys from Burnage High School in Manchester. The matron, I remember was a motherly lady who looked after us. I remember falling and cutting my knee and being taken to he Surgery to have it dressed by her.
There were a few convalescent miners there who were friendly. They seemed to spend much of their time playing cribbage, and occasionally billiards or snooker in the magnificent billiard room. I was taught how to play but never became very proficient!
After school in Leek Grammar School which we shared, I cycled back to the Home and could wander in the grounds and down to the lake.
I remember my time there was some affection.