Fascinating folk
March 2023
Business and Industry
March focus James Brindley was a pioneering engineer which drove the nation’s industry forward in the late eighteenth century.
Newcastle had its own branch of Brindley’s Trent and Mersey Canal. It included Harecastle Tunnel between Kidsgrove and Tunstall. At over one and a half miles this tunnel was at the time of construction the longest in the country.
Newcastle industry was founded on coal and ironstone, hence the street name the ‘Ironmarket’. Many of the surrounding villages are mining communities. Francis Stanier was a local landowner and successful iron-master. Stanier took over the Silverdale Iron Company from partner Ralph Sneyd of Keele in 1851 and oversaw works in Silverdale, Knutton and Chesterton. He became Mayor of Newcastle in the same year. After his death his wife Mary took over the business
What's on
Fascinating folk of Newcastle film show: Women of the Potteries
Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Thursday 16 March 2023 - 2:30pm to 3:15pm
A special archive film show from Ray Johnson looking back at the women of the Potteries as part of business and enterprise month. More details to follow soon.
Book tickets
Women's history month talk: Ellen Tollet and Annabel Crewe
A special talk for women's history month by authors Mavis Smith and Peter Smith about Ellen Tollet of Betley Hall and Annabel Crewe of Madeley.
Ellen Tollet and Annabel Crewe wrote to each other between the 1830s and 1850s covering a range of personal, local and national events. The letters present the role of these privileged women in society and reference many of their famous friends including the Wedgwoods, Darwins, Clives and Nightingales. Mavis and Peter Smith will give a fascinating insight into these Victorian women and reflect on how they edited these letters into their book.
Thursday 23 March 2023 - 2:30pm to 3:15pm
Book tickets
Fascinating folk of Newcastle talk: James Brindley
Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP
Thursday 30 March 2023 - 2:00pm to 3:15pm
A special talk by Bernard Lovatt from Etruria industrial museum about James Brindley and his transformation of the business and industry of Newcastle and the Potteries. More details to follow soon.