Join me as I explore the abandoned Middleport Pottery factory and museum in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, a site rich in history and heritage. Home to the famous Burleigh pottery (formerly "Burgess and Leigh") since 1889, Middleport Pottery is now a popular visitor destination, managed by Re-Form Heritage. Fun fact: this iconic location was also featured on the hit TV show Peaky Blinders!
In this video, we'll uncover the fascinating story behind the historic bottle ovens, once vital to the pottery-making process, and learn about the tough working conditions of those who operated them. We’ll also explore the world's largest collection of pottery moulds stored right here at Middleport, and the Great Dane boat that played a key role in transporting these renowned ceramics.
You’ll also get a brief glimpse of the nearby Gladstone Pottery Museum, offering another piece of Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery legacy.
From the craftsmanship of Burleigh pottery to the history of the workers and factories that shaped the city, this journey into Middleport and its surroundings offers a deep dive into the heart of Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial past.