The city of Stoke-on-Trent is the biggest area of pottery manufacture anywhere in the world. Excavations reveal that they have been making pottery here since Roman times though it wasn’t until the 18th century that the business was formalised and industrialised. Josiah Wedgwood first started working as an independent potter in Stoke in 1759 and it wasn’t long before marques such as Royal Doulton, Minton, Spode and Copeland followed.
Josiah wasn’t just an important figure in the pottery industry; he played a key role in the early part of the Industrial Revolution as a member of Birmingham’s influential Lunar Society. He is buried in the Church of St. Peter ad Vincula, where there is also a memorial to him.
Waterworld is a popular water theme park situated in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent. It is home of the country's first indoor water roller coaster, amongst 16 other water-based attractions. There is a collection of museums in Hanley: the City Museum concerns itself with local history and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Bethseda Street features exhibits on archaeology, ceramics, art and natural history.
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Liverpool was awarded the European Capital of Culture 2008. The vibrant city is renowned for its arts & culture and is home to numerous museums & galleries including a branch of the Tate Gallery. Read more ...
