Stoke on Trent and the surrounding area abounds in places and people of historical interest.
The city was the birthplace of Reginald Mitchell (1895 - 1937), designer of the World War II Spitfire aeroplane.
Among the most famous aircraft of all time, the Spitfire began operations before World War II and was one of the few pre-war types to remain in first-line service until the end of the war and beyond. As the war progressed, the Spitfire received heavier armament and more powerful engines until it was twice as heavy and powerful as the original mark. In all, 21554 were built in 24 different versions, including some 1220 Seafires fitted for aircraft carrier operation. Many people insist that the Spitfire is one of if not the main factor of how World War II was won.
Oliver Lodge
(1851 - 1940)
Born in Penkhull, Oliver Lodge was a complex mix of scientist, humanitarian, academic and spiritualist. The Professor of Physics and Mathematics at the University College of Liverpool was narrowly beaten to the discovery of electromagnetic waves by Hertz, but in 1894 became the first person to transmit a message by radio telegraphy. He later invented the spark plug, essential to the development of the internal combustion engine.
Captain E.J. Smith
(1850 - 1912)
Captain E.J. Smith of the ill-fated ocean liner 'The Titanic' was also a resident and was born in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
Robbie Williams
(1974 - present)
Born in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent on 13th February,1974 Robbie Williams was always confident and outgoing and it came as no surprise when fame eventually beckoned. His first shot at fame was as a member of the greatly successful boy pop band 'Take That'. However, Robbie decided that he could not express himself as part of a group and decided to go solo in 1995. Little did he know then how successful his solo career would become.
With hit after hit still being released, Robbie has claimed his place in the music industry hall of fame with such tracks as 'Angels', 'Let Me Entertain You', 'Millennium' and many more. His hugely successful albums 'Life Thru A Lens' and 'Hello...I've Been Expecting You' have won great acclaim.
Pop idol Robbie Williams continued his winning streak by taking two top awards for his songs. The singer picked up two Ivor Novello awards at a ceremony in London in May 1999 for Most Played Song and Songwriter of the Year - both of which he shared with co-writer Guy Chambers - to go with the three Brits he won in February of the same year.
Stoke-on-Trent City
Museum and Art Gallery
"The home of the famous owl"
At the City Museum and Art Gallery, the world's largest collection of English ceramics is housed. You'll also see what's probably Britains most famous pottery treasure, an owl that was thought to be junk, prior to its discovery on the BBC TV programme "Antiques Roadshow" and valuation at over £20,000. Maybe you'll find such a treasure in one of the many antique and secondhand shops in the area.
Sir Stanley Matthews (1915 - 2000)
A right winger and considered by many the greatest dribbler in the history of football, he was the first British footballer to be knighted (1965). Matthews began his professional career in 1931 and played at various times for Stoke City and Blackpool. By 1938 he was representing England in international matches, and, when he retired in 1965, he had played in 54 full international contests.
Matthews was a wonderful dribbler whose subtle body swerves, acceleration, and superb ball control unsettled virtually every defender he faced. In 1947 he moved to Blackpool and it was then he finally won a Football Association (FA) Cup winners medal, in 1953. At the age of 41, Matthews won the first-ever European Player of the Year award. In 1965 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming the first active football player ever to receive the honour. Widely respected as the perfect sportsman, Matthews was never cautioned by a referee throughout his 33-year career.
More than 35,000 fans attended Matthews's retirement game in 1965. So many of the world's top players came to the game to honour him that four teams formed and played two matches.
Arnold Bennett
(1867 - 1931)
Enoch Arnold Bennett was born on 27 May 1867 at 90 Hope Street, Hanley. He was the son of Enoch Bennett, a Burslem man who was at the time a pawnbroker, seeking to improve his station in the pursuit of a career in law (which he subsequently attained). He was the husband of Sarah Longson, a daughter of a Derbyshire family.
Arnold Bennett was the eldest of six surviving children. From the time Arnold was eight years old, the family changed residences from Dale Hall, Burslem to Middleport and eventually settled in a newly built house at 205 Waterloo Road, Burslem. He was educated at Swan Bank Wesleyan Chapel, Burslem, the Endowed school at the Wedgwood Institute in Queen Street and the Orme Middle School which was to become Wolstanton Grammar School.
Upon leaving school it was intended that Bennett should become a lawyer but already he had experienced the stirrings for journalism, social correspondence and short-story writing. In 1889 he left the Potteries for good to make his home in the capital where for a time he worked as a solicitors clerk. By 1893 he had become a journalist and within three years he was the editor of the London periodical Woman. Bennett`s first novel, "A Man From The North", was published in 1898 and foretold the writer's exploration of environmental biography which resulted in the creation of his fictional town Bursley. His written works contained lightly concealed descriptions of Burslem, forming a fictional gazetteer of this important Potteries town.
With "Anna Of The Five Towns", Bennett struck the theme which earned him respect as a novelist. In this book he wove into fiction, many factual aspects of his home town. The Five Towns` novels are important works of Edwardian English literature. Bennett`s novels are indeed greatly acclaimed in their sociological style and chronological detail. In terms of important themes and realistic telling, "Clayhanger" and "Old Wives Tale" rate as high as any fiction in the English Language and with the humorous novel, "The Card", justifiably place Bennett as the most celebrated and critically important man of letters to come from Staffordshire. His Journals were published posthumously.
The Gladstone Pottery Museum
For those interested in the pottery industry, the Gladstone museum shows the development of ceramics and you may even have the chance to throw a pot yourself.
Traditional English Architecture
Ford Green Hall is just one of many interesting buildings in the area. You'll also enjoy the half-timbered splendour of Little Moreton Hall, the grandeur of Weston Park and other impressive historic houses. We'll happily tell you more when you enquire at the Tollgate reception desk.
You can also read more about the History of Staffordshire, by clicking here.
Home of the Spitfire
Among the most famous aircraft of all time, the Spitfire began operations before World War II and was one of the few pre-war types to remain in first-line service until the end of the war and beyond. As the war progressed, the Spitfire received heavier armament and more powerful engines until it was twice as heavy and powerful as the original mark. In all, 21554 were built in 24 different versions, including some 1220 Seafires fitted for aircraft carrier operation. Many people insist that the Spitfire is one of if not the main factor of how World War II was won.
Oliver Lodge
Captain E.J. Smith
Robbie Williams
Stoke-on-Trent City
Sir Stanley Matthews
Arnold Bennett
The Gladstone Pottery
Traditional English Architecture