Description:The first pottery on this site was established by Thomas Bond. he was declared bankrupt two years later and the pottery was purchased by John Tunnicliff. In about 1851 the business was taken aover by Salt & Swan who began the manufacture of sanitary ware. In 1867 the pottery was purchased by the Rev. Edward Johns. Under his management the company grew and continued to trade as Edward Johns & Co. after his death in 1893, and throughout much of the 20th century. 'Armitage Ware' became an internationally known brand. The company merged with Shanks in 1969 to form the Armitage-Shanks Group.