St John's Square, Burslem

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Date:December 1963

Description:This is a view of the west side of St John's Square in Burslem taken from the corner of Wm Clowes Street. Newcastle Street and Market Place are off to the right hand edge. The square has along history, identifiable on maps dating back to 1720. The square became one of the main retail and business areas in Burslem. Arnold Bennett used it widely in his novels and called it St Luke's Square.

On the left is the Georgian style Bull's Head. An inn existed here from the early 1830s and the name is thought to have come from the bull and bear baiting contests that were held in the square until outlawed in 1837. Next door is No 12 St John's Square, a three storey late Georgian building once known a "Slaters" after the name of the business (clockmaker's). There was once a round clock face between the upper windows. The taller building next door is the "Clock House" dated 1884. The black and white building beyond is the Duke William. It stands on the corner of the square and Newcastle Street. This building dates from the 1830s, although an inn had existed on the same site long before. The Duke William was one of five pubs listed in St John’s Square in the trade directory for 1818. Over the years it has been extended and rebuilt on at least three occasions and the present design of the pub is an example of what has been termed ‘Brewers' Tudor’. The Black & White cladding dates from this century.

Over the road is the Tudor Gothic style District Bank, later Nat West, building dating from 1870. This is grade II listed and the exterior has been renovated since the photograph was taken.

Finally on the right hand edge is another grade II building: the former Fountain Place works of Enoch Wood. The front is the partially rebuilt former warehouse, offices and showroom. Fountain Place has been converted into flats. he square has been partially pedestrianised with wider pavements and fewer vehicles.

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Creators: Mr Bert Bentley - Creator

Image courtesy of: Stoke on Trent City Archives.

Donor ref:SD1480/112-12 (204/35481)

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