Museums, archives and heritage in Staffordshire

Staffordshire, county in west-midlands of England; bounded NW. and N. by Cheshire, NE. and E. by Derbyshire, SE. by Warwickshire, S. by Worcestershire, and W. by Shropshire; greatest length, N. and S., 50 miles; greatest breadth, E. and W., 34 miles; area, 748,433 acres, population 981,013. Staffordshire lies in the basin of the Trent, which traverses the county from NW. to SE., receiving the Sow (with its tributary the Penk), Tame, Blythe, and Dove. Except in the north, which is chiefly wild moorland, the surface is generally level or gently undulating. About three-fourths of the surface is arable, but much of the soil is of a cold clayey nature; the best land is in the south. Along the banks of the streams are many rich meadows. The new red sandstone occupies the whole of the centre of the county, but in the N. and S. are 2 valuable coal fields – the Pottery coal field and the Dudley coal field, the latter of which is celebrated for the extraordinary thickness of one of its seams, for the excellence of its coal for ironmaking, and the number and richness of its iron ores. Its mineral wealth has given Staffordshire rank as the third county in England for manufacturing industry, North Staffordshire being the chief seat of the earthenware manufacture in the kingdom, and South Staffordshire one of the chief seats of the iron manufacture. The whole county is covered with a network of railways and canals. Staffordshire contains 5 hundreds, 247 parishes, and parts of 5 others, the parliamentary and municipal boroughs of Hanley, Newcastle under Lyme, Stafford, Stoke upon Trent, Walsall, West Bromwich, and Wolverhampton [Wolverhampton and Wednesbury became part of the West Midlands in 1974], the parliamentary borough of Wednesbury, the municipal boroughs of Burslem, Lichfield, and Longton, and parts of the municipal boroughs of Burton on Trent and Tamworth. It is mostly in the diocese of Lichfield.

– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)

Ancient High House

Greengate Street

Stafford ST16 2JA

01785 619131

www.staffordbc.gov.uk

Built in around 1595 for the wealthy Dorrington family, the ornate timber framed building is reputed to be the largest surviving timber framed town house in England from the Tudor period. In 1986 the house opened as a museum and now provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who have lived there over the centuries.

Apedale Valley Light Railway

Apedale Country Park, Loomer Road, Chesterton

Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 7LB

0845 094 1953

www.avlr.org.uk

The Trust currently operates the Apedale Valley Light Railway and is constructing a new museum to display its collection of industrial narrow gauge equipment.

Audley & District Family History Society

20 Hillside Avenue, Endon

Stoke-on-Trent ST9 9HH

www.acumenbooks.co.uk/audleynet/famhist/index.htm

Audley parish is situated in the rolling hills of North Staffordshire and has a long and interesting history, including farming and a period of intensive coal mining. Since 1986 the Audley and District Family History Society has been working to make records available for Audley and its adjoining parishes.

Biddulph & District Genealogy & Historical Society

134 Mow Lane, Gillow Heath, Biddulph

Stoke-on-Trent ST8 6RJ

www.bdghs.org.uk

Local and family history society. Meetings held once a month in local library.

Boscobel House & The Royal Oak – English Heritage

Brewood

Bishops Wood ST19 9AR

01902 850244

goo.gl/pfG1wv

Built in about 1632, Boscobel House, originally a timber-framed farmhouse, was converted into a hunting lodge by John Giffard of Whiteladies. The Giffard family were Roman Catholics, at a time when the religion suffered persecution, and tradition holds that the true purpose of Boscobel was to serve as a secret place for the shelter of Catholics in times of need. Following the execution of King Charles I in 1649, his eldest son made a brave though misguided attempt to regain the throne. In 1651 his hopes were crushed at Worcester in the final conflict of the Civil War. Young Charles was forced to flee for his life. He sought refuge at Boscobel, hiding first in a tree which is now known as The Royal Oak and then spending the night in a priest-hole in the house’s attic. Boscobel remained a working farm and visitors today can also see the dairy, farmyard, smithy, gardens, and a descendant of The Royal Oak. White Ladies Priory, another of Charles’s hiding places, is a short walk away.

Ceramica

Market Place, Burslem

Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DS

01782 832001

www.ceramicauk.com

Ceramica revitalises the Old Town Hall of Burslem into unique visitor attraction expoloring the past and future of the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent.

Cheddleton Flint Mill & Museum

Leek Road

Cheddleton Near Leek ST13 7HL

01782 502907

www.people.exeter.ac.uk/akoutram/cheddleton-mill

Cheddleton Flint Mill consists of a complex of buildings including two separate water mills, a miller’s cottage, two flint kilns, a drying kiln and outbuildings. The Caldon Canal, which would have supplied the mill by narrow boat, passes by.

Churnet Valley Railway

Cheddleton Station, Station Road

Cheddleton ST13 7EE

01538 360 522

www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

An Act of Parliament formed the North Staffordshire Railway in 1846. The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that passes through beautiful countryside known as Staffordshire’s ‘Little Switzerland’.

Claymills Pumping Engines Trust

Meadow Lane, Stretton

Burton upon Trent DE13 0DA

01283 509929

www.claymills.org.uk

Preserved Victorian sewage pumping station. We have 4 beam engines, 5 Lancashire boilers, steam driven workshop, Blacksmiths’s forge, early electrical dynamo house and numerous small engines.

Erasmus Darwin House

Beacon Street

Lichfield WS13 7AD

01543 306260

www.erasmusdarwin.org

Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin, was a philosopher and pioneer in science, technology and medicine. His work was of national and international significance but has been little known until recently.

Etruria Industrial Museum

Lower Bedford Street, Etruria

Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7AF

01782 233 144

www.stokemuseums.org.uk

Etruria Industrial Museum is the last steam-powered potters’ mill in Britain. The mill is ‘in steam’ seven times a year when the 1903 boiler is fired and historic machinery can be seen working.

Ford Green Hall

Ford Green Road, Smallthorne

Stoke on Trent ST6 1NG

01782 233195

www.stokemuseums.org.uk

Ford Green Hall is a 17th century timber-framed farmhouse complete with period garden. An award-winning museum, the hall offers visitors a fascinating insight into the life of the 17th century.

Foxfield Steam Railway

Caverswall Road Station, Blythe Bridge

Stoke-on-Trent ST11 9EA

01782 396210

www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk

The Foxfield Light Railway is one of the UK’s earliest heritage railways. The line was built in the 1890s and unlike many lines which follow valleys, the Foxfield Railway maintains a 5½ mile round journey which boldly crosses open moorland, hills and woodland.

Gladstone Pottery Museum

Uttoxeter Road, Longton

Stoke on Trent ST3 1PQ

01782 237777

www.stokemuseums.org.uk/visit/gpm

As if frozen in time, Gladstone remains the only complete Victorian pottery factory from the days when coal-burning ovens made the world’s first bone china. Traditional skills, original workshops, the cobbled yard and huge bottle kilns create an atmospheric time warp which has no equal.

Collections: ‘Flushed with Pride’: our sanitaryware gallery tells the story of the toilet from the 1840s slum to the toilets of the future. Tile Gallery: Gladstone is home to one of the finest collections of decorative tiles in Britain. Trace the development of tiles from medieval monasteries to the space shuttle. The Doctor’s House: Hear some gruesome details of the illnesses and disease that plagued the Potteries.

Hanley Library

Bethesda Street

Stoke On Trent ST1 3RS

www.library.pitt.edu/bradford

Our reading room is open to all members of the public without charge. An Archive Service reader’s ticket is required for use of the reading room.

Izaak Walton’s Cottage

Worston Lane, Shallow Ford, Nr. Stone

Stafford ST15 0PA

01785 760278

www.staffordbc.gov.uk

Izaak Walton, author of the ‘Compleat Angler’, owned this charming cottage that nestles in the tiny hamlet of Shallowford, between Stafford and Eccleshall. His charming thatched 16th century half-timbered cottage will be of interest to anglers and non anglers alike. It offers a marvellous insight into the history of fishing and the literary talent of Stafford’s famous son.

James Brindley Mill & Museum

Mill Street

Leek ST13

Tourist Information Centre 01538 483741

www.brindleymill.net

Brindley’s Mill has all the charm associated with a building of the period and illustrates James Brindley’s trademark design. The mill building houses a museum designed to enhance the interest of your visit. Displays illustrate the life and work of James Brindley and the history of milling, while preserving the atmosphere of a working corn mill.

Lichfield Cathedral

19A The Close

Lichfield WS13 7LD

01543 306100

www.lichfield-cathedral.org

When Bishop Chad of Mercia died in 672, pilgrims began to come to his shrine in Lichfield. In 700, Bishop Hedda built a new church to house his bones.

Lichfield Heritage Centre

Market Square

Lichfield WS13 6LG

01543 256611

www.lichfieldheritage.org.uk/key_info.htm

Research into Lichfield’s fascinating social history over the last 150 years through over 6000 photographs; negatives; newspapers; reports; leaflets and other interesting memorabilia from the past. Internet linked to Staffordshire County Council`s archives on www.staffspasttrack.org.uk which includes 100 photographs from our own collection relating to Lichfield.

Lichfield Record Office

The Friary

Lichfield WS13 6QG

01543 510720

www.staffordshire.gov.uk/archives

Lichfield Record Office is part of the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Archive Service, and is the record office for the Diocese of Lichfield, the City of Lichfield and the surrounding area. Our collections include records of the Diocese of Lichfield, local government, nonconformist churches, public institutions such as courts and schools, charities, businesses, and local clubs and societies.

Middleport Pottery

Port Street Middleport, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST6 3PE, United Kingdom

Stoke on Trent ST6 3PE

01782 499766

www.middleportpottery.co.uk

Middleport Pottery, home to Burleigh ware is the last working Victorian Pottery in the UK. It was acquired by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust in June 2011 and is now a wonderful visitor attraction.

Mill Meece Pumping Station Preservation Trust

Mill Meece Pumping Station, Cotes Heath

Near Eccleshall ST21 6QU

01785 617171

www.millmeecepumpingstation.co.uk

Mill Meece steam engines once pumped clean drinking water to the people of Stoke-on-Trent until they were retired from service in 1979. They are now steamed regularly for the public to enjoy. The two steam engines have been preserved in situ and are the only pair of their type still capable of being steamed.

Museum of Cannock Chase

Valley Road, Hednesford

Cannock WS12 1TD

01543 877666

www.wlct.org/museumofcannockchase

The museum has five formal display galleries. The Local History Gallery – Tracing the Chase; The Miner’s Cottage – depicting life at the turn of the 20th century; Toys and Games Past and Present – Relive your childhood memories; Seven Centuries of Coal – find out about Cannock’s industrial heritage; The 1940s Room – domestic life during the Second World War.

Museum of the Staffordshire Yeomanry – Queen’s Own Royal Regiment

Greengate Street

Stafford ST16 2HS

01785 240204

goo.gl/PaHkrS

The collection covers the history of this County Yeomanry Cavalry Regiment from its formation in 1794 to 1945. Special emphasis is laid on the World War 2 period where the Yeomanry fought at El Alamein and later took part in the D Day landings and the crossing of the Rhine (in swimming tanks).

Newcastle Borough Museum & Art Gallery

Brampton Park

Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 0QP

01782 619705

www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/museum

Hidden in Brampton Park less than half a mile from the town centre lies Newcastle-under-Lyme’s local history museum featuring over 800 years of borough history. Alongside our temporary exhibitions programme we have galleries depicting the rich and diverse history of the area using our amazing collections.

Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, The

Bethesda Street, Hanley

Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3DW

01782 232323

www.stokemuseums.org.uk

Travel back in time and discover the history of the the Potteries, including the world’s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics. See Reginald Mitchell’s World War 2 Spitfire and all sorts of art and craft.

Raven Mason Collection of Porcelain & Ironstone China at Keele University

The Raven Trust at Keele University, John Raven Room, Keele Hall, Keele University

Keele ST5 5BG

01782 584169

www.keele.ac.uk/depts/uso/pr/RavenMason

This important ceramic collection was lovingly created by brothers Ronald William and John Mason Raven; it is housed in Keele Hall within the University. It contains many important pieces outlining the development of Mason ceramics in Staffordshire from the beginning of the 19th century.

Redfern’s Cottage: Museum of Uttoxeter Life

34-36 Carter Street

Uttoxeter ST14 8EU

01889 576176

redfernscottage.org

This 17th century timbered framed cottage is situated in the historic market town of Uttoxeter. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the town within the setting of an historic house with a beautiful courtyard garden.

Rudyard Lake Steam Railway

Rudyard Station

Nr Leek ST13 8PF

01538 306704

www.rlsr.org

The Rudyard Lake Steam Railway is just North of Leek in Staffordshire. The lake railway uses miniature narrow gauge steam locomotives on its trains to give a 3-mile return trip along the side of Rudyard Lake.

Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

Breadmarket Street

Lichfield WS13 6LG

01543 264972

www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk

The museum stands in the centre of the historic city of Lichfield, which remained close to Johnson’s heart throughout his life. Best known for his Dictionary of the English Language, Johnson spent the first 27 years of his life in the large, imposing house which overlooks Market Square, frequently returning until shortly before his death in 1784.

Shire Hall Gallery

Market Square

Stafford ST16 2LD

01785 278345

www.staffordshire.gov.uk/has

The Shire Hall Gallery is the largest venue in Staffordshire dedicated to visual arts and crafts. Situated in a fascinating Grade II listed building (formerly used as the Crown Court) the Shire Hall Gallery offers visitors a mixture of old and new. Stafford’s Shire building has had several forms – the present building in the Market Square was constructed in 1793. As well as a permanent crime and punishment display in Court One, the gallery has a regularly changing programme of temporary exhibitions which focus on contemporary visual art and craft.

Shugborough Estate – National Trust

Milford, nr Stafford

nr Stafford ST17 0XB

01889 881388

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate

Leave the 21st century behind and step into the real working environments of the complete working historic estate. Shugborough is a rare example of the survival of a complete estate, with all major buildings including mansion house, servants’ quarters, model farm and walled garden See, feel, hear and smell history as our costumed ‘first person’ characters take you on a journey into the inner workings of a large country estate and bring real working environments to life.

Stafford Castle

Newport Road

Stafford ST16 2DJ

01785 257698

www.staffordbc.gov.uk

This prominent vantage point and strategic site was quickly recognised by the Normans, who built a huge timber fortress here by 1100 AD. Originally built by Robert de Toeni (later known as Robert of Stafford), in the Norman period, Stafford Castle has dominated the local skyline for over 900 years. The visitor centre brings Stafford Castle to life.

Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Archive Service

Staffordshire Record Office, Eastgate Street

Stafford ST16 2LZ

01785 278379

www.staffordshire.gov.uk/archives

Burton:

Burton Family and Local History Centre, Burton Library, Riverside, High Street

Burton upon Trent DE14 1AH

01283 239556

Lichfield:Lichfield Record Office, The Friary

Lichfield WS13 6QG

01543 510720

Stoke on Trent:Stoke on Trent City Archives, City Central Library, Bethesda Street, Hanley

Stoke on Trent ST1 3RS

01782 238420

William Salt Library:

Eastgate Street

Stafford ST16 2LZ

01785 278372

Archives & Heritage comprises the Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Archive Service and the County Museum Service. Together we care for the historic archives of Staffordshire and Stoke and the museum collection for the County of Staffordshire. Our Archives Service can help you to find out more about the history of your family or your local community. The William Salt Library collections represent an outstanding resource for the study of local and family history in Staffordshire and are available for consultation by the public in our reading rooms free of charge.

Staffordshire Arts & Museum Service

Shugborough Estate, Milford

Stafford ST17 0XB

01889 881 388

www.staffordshire.gov.uk/sams

Staffordshire Arts and Museum Services is made up of The Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford and the County Museum housed at Shugborough Hall just outside Stafford centre. The Shire Hall Gallery is a contemporary art Gallery showing temporary exhibitions. The County Museum houses collections connected to Staffordshire.

Staffordshire County Museum

Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service, Shugborough

Milford ST17 0XB

01889 881388

goo.gl/Yb8z5G

Housed in the Servants’ Quarters at the Shugborough Estate, the County Museum features the restored Victorian kitchen, laundry and brewhouse, as well as galleries and temporary exhibitions illustrating Staffordshire life over the past 200 years.

Staffordshire Regiment Museum

Whittington Barracks

Lichfield WS14 9PY

01543 434394

www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com

Situated on the A51 between Lichfield and Tamworth, next to Whittington Barracks, the museum tells the story of the present day Staffordshire Battalion of the Mercian Regiment and its predecessors from 1705. There are frequent special exhibitions and events in the museum and/or its extensive grounds.

Tamworth Castle

The Holloway, Ladybank

Tamworth B79 7NA

01827 709626

www.tamworthcastle.co.uk

A visit to Tamworth Castle takes you back in time and offers a perfect blend of fascinating history, regular live entertainment events and a stunningly complete building. As you explore the castle you can see for yourself the maze of intact rooms, halls and chambers that still echo with events from Saxon beginnings, Norman dynasties, Tudor grandeur and great family influences.

Tutbury Castle

Castle St Tutbury

Burton Upon Trent DE13 9JF

01283 812129

www.tutburycastle.com

Situated in the heart of England, Tutbury Castle sits on wooded slopes overlooking the winding River Dove, with spectacular views across the plain of the Dove to the beautiful Derbyshire hills. Its commanding view and natural defensive position makes this an obvious site for a castle. Now the castle is host to a variety of events from theatre to ghost hunts.

Wall Roman Site

Watling Street

Nr Lichfield WS14 0AW

0870 333 1181

goo.gl/pTi3Vy

Wall was an important staging post on Watling Street, the Roman military road to North Wales. It provided overnight accommodation for travelling Roman officials and imperial messengers.

Wedgwood Museum & Visitor Centre

Wedgwood Drive, Barlaston

Stoke on Trent ST12 9ER

01782 371900

www.wedgwoodmuseum.org.uk

The Wedgwood Museum contains the world’s greatest collection of Wedgwood ceramics, ranging from a unique collection of Josiah Wedgwood’s original trials for the perfection of Queen’s Ware, later delivered in the form of a 900+ piece dinner service to Catherine the Great of Russia in 1774, to a rare 5 foot high Exhibition Vase, decorated by Emile Lessore, the only one of its kind in Britain.