Ralph Wedgwood announces advances in Earthenware - from the Enoch Wood Scrapbook
After "fourteen years Labourious and Expensive Experiment," Ralph Wedgwood proudly announces a breakthrough in the manufacture of earthenware.
Pottery manufacturers are invited to inspect the results ...
Reform! Reform! The Bill will Pass! - A political notice from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
When Josiah Wedgwood II ran for Parliament in the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme, his major selling point was "reform."
Forward-thinking, "reforming" politicians were campaigning for changes to the ...
Repairs to Newcastle Street - A document from the Enoch Wood Scrapbook
This notice from John Riley, surveyor, calls for a meeting on Monday 20 June, 6pm, at the Legs of Man Inn, to discuss repairs to the road between Burslem and Longport, now known as Newcastle Street.
Roadworks ...
Report of the Committee of Police - from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
This notice summarises the resolutions of a general meeting in the Potteries.
Local men are calling for a local police force to be established in the area.
They resolve that a committee of local ...
Resolutions of a meeting of the inhabitants of Lane End - from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
In 1795 the people of Lane End had reached the end of their tether over suspicions that they were being ripped off.
Disputes arose at market as some dishonest traders knowingly used false weights and ...
Resolutions of Burslem Parish Officers - from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
This notice warns the people of Burslem about Sabbath-breaking, or misconduct on a Sunday.
Drunkenness, Tippling, Gaming...
The alleged wrong doings are described here in the following way:
"...the ...
Road repairs - A document from the Enoch Wood Scrapbook
In the early 1800s, local wealthy men and / or trusts took responsibility for the upkeep of the roads.
When a group of Burslem's "principal inhabitants" met at the Legs of Man Inn on 20 June 1803, ...
Roads - A document from the Enoch Wood Scrapbook
In 1795, plans were underway to introduce a mail coach service that would serve the Potteries.
There was one problem; the coach needed roads of a higher standard than were available.
Enoch Wood, ...
Robbery - from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
Notices like this one would have been a common sight in Burslem in the summer of 1812.
A reward of 5 guineas was on offer to anybody who could identify the person who "feloniously stole" a broad spade, ...
Robbery and Murder - notice from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
On 5 April 1813 at 7.30pm, Ralph Bowers of the Dolphin, in Shelton, was returning home across the fields from Lane Delph.
A violent and bloody attack
At Botteslow Green he was supposedly assaulted ...
Rules, Orders, Articles and Regulations Made and to be Observed by the Associated Coal Miners' Union Society in the County of Stafford - document from the Enoch Wood Scrapbook
During the 1830s, tensions ran high in the mining industry as colliery owners accused miners of "adminstering illegal oaths" and forming an early trade union.
For this very offence, four Dorset labourers ...
Selection of Music - Hymn sheet from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
This document contains information about the ANNUAL SERMON, FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL taking place at the Methodist chapel in Tunstall on May 14th 1809.
The document outlines the date, time, ...
Society for Destroying Peace, Liberty and Property particularly against Republicans and Levellers - A defaced notice from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
Pamphlets and posters were a common sight in the 18th century - but just as they were easy to find, they were also simple to alter.
This notice originally advertised a "Society for Protecting Peace, ...
Song for the North Staffordshire Electors - Broadside ballad from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
At election time in the early 1800s, the colour blue was used to stand for hope, faith in God and sincerity.
It was also becoming more associated with the reforming 'Whig' Liberals of the time.
The ...
Staffordshire Pottery Manufacturers discuss Crime on the Canals - Document from the Enoch Wood Scrapbook
At the meeting described in this pamphlet, pottery manufacturers complained that their wares were regularly stolen in transit on the canals - despite precautions taken by some carriers.
This problem, ...
Support Mr. Wedgwood! Details of a meeting at Burslem Town Hall, 1831.
When Burslem's most influential citizens wished to gather at the Town Hall to discuss politics, they had to seek the permission of the local High Constable.
Permission granted
Here the Constable ...
T. Rowntree's New Invented Churn - Advertisement from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
A New Invention and some Bold Claims
Advertisement for a new kind of milk churn consisting of two almost horizontal cylinders on a stand.
The manufacturer explains the advantages of using this churn ...
T.I. Plucknett's Mowing and Reaping Machine - an advertisement from the Enoch Wood scrapbook
In an age before tractors or even steam engines were used in farming, every advance in agricultural technology promised a better, more profitable crop.
The makers of T.I. Plucknett's mowing and reaping ...