Going Underground: The Potteries

The Potteries is a little-known world that encompasses the history of six towns and the conurbation in North Staffordshire. It is closely linked geographically and through its association with the ceramic industry. This book explores natural and man-made caves, canal and railway tunnels, hidden routes and cellars, and secret military installations, with a story to tell.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Beneath the surface of the Potteries, a hidden world unfolds, encompassing the rich history of the six towns that historically make up this region: Stoke, Burslem, Hanley, Fenton, Tunstall, and Longton. These towns are not only closely connected geographically but also through their deep association with the ceramic industry. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the area emerged as the largest pottery producer in the country, leaving an indelible mark on its landscape.

Throughout the area, one can discover a network of caves and underground tunnels, remnants of the Industrial Revolution. Man-made excavations beneath the towns reveal a fascinating tapestry of natural and artificial wonders. This book, penned by local historian Anthony Poulton-Smith, takes readers on an exhilarating tour of the Potteries towns and their immediate surrounding area underground. From exploring natural and man-made caves, canal and railway tunnels, hidden routes, and cellars with intriguing stories to tell, to traversing pathways from houses, churches, hotels, and pubs, and even uncovering secret military installations, this captivating exploration delves into the depths of the Potteries' underground realm.

The stories within these pages are a testament to the diverse and captivating nature of this region's history. They range from the bizarre and tragic to the awe-inspiring and mysterious, offering a captivating portrait of the Potteries underground. Whether you are a resident of the area or a curious explorer, this fascinating portrayal of the Potteries' hidden treasures will captivate your interest and deepen your understanding of this remarkable place.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 233 x 166 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398101753