Stoke

Last updated 16th, January, 2009

THE town of Stoke – or Stoke-upon-Trent to use its official name – is the administrative heart of the Potteries.

With six towns making up the city of Stoke-on-Trent, it’s no wonder visitors are sometimes left scratching their heads when they arrive in Stoke.

Anyone expecting to find a bustling city centre here will be sorely disappointed... because it’s in Hanley.

Yet confusion aside, Stoke has much to offer, including history, heritage and a real sense of community.

Pottery firm Spode has had a continued presence in the town since 1770 and its Church Street factory has remained an iconic location on the map for many a tourist or ceramics collector.

However, the site, which also includes a visitor centre and museum, has been a shadow of its former self in more recent times.

By May 2007 there were just 160 workers remaining at Church Street, and by October 2008 the company had gone into administration.

Only a stone’s throw from Spode is another big name in the world of pottery – Portmeirion. Some of the original bottle kilns which once dominated the city’s skyline can still be seen nearby, as well as part of Portmeirion’s original 1960s factory.

In 2008, the company had 460 employees in Stoke-on-Trent and recorded a 2007 turnover off £32 million. It is known for its classic Botanic Garden range, which became a signature collection during the 1970s.

Spode used the Trent and Mersey Canal to transport their goods, and the waterway runs through the town, as does the River Trent.

A short walk away stands the imposing Church of St Peter ad Vincula. The title of Stoke Mister was conferred on the church at a ceremony in May 2005 by the Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Revered Jonathan Gledhill.

It recognised the building as the largest and most important of its kind in Stoke-on-Trent and the venue for services of public importance. The funeral of Stoke City and Port Vale legend Sir Stanley Matthews was held there in 2000, while Josiah Wedgwood is buried in the churchyard. In fact, the Minster has memorials to the families which helped confirm the city as a centre for excellence in ceramics – Wedgwood, Minton and Spode.

Another Stoke landmark is the Victorian Minton Hollins building next to the A500, on Shelton Old Road, which was once the headquarters of the prestigious tile manufacturer.

In 2000 it became home to Caudwell Communications, run by mobile phone billionaire and former Michelin apprentice John Caudwell. It now houses the charity which bares his name, Caudwell Children.

Another impressive building stands on London Road. Stoke Library dates back to 1878 and is Grade-II listed.

Meanwhile, across the road from the Minster is the Civic Centre, where Stoke-on-Trent City Council is based. The council is aunitary authority and since 2002 has been run by a directly elected mayor. A referendum held back in 2001 decided that this model of local government would be introduced in Stoke-on-Trent.

Mike Wolfe was the city’s first elected mayor and he was defeated in a second election in 2005, to be replaced by Mark Meredith. However, the result of a landmark referendum in October 2008 means that from May 2009, the city council will be headed up by a leader and cabinet.

Many civic engagements take place at the neighbouring King’s Hall, on Kingsway, which dates back to 1911. The building is still famous for its Northern Soul all-nighters and it will double-up as Wigan Casino in upcoming film Souled Out, which celebrates the music scene.

Hanley might be the official centre of Stoke-on-Trent, but nightlife is thriving in the town of Stoke. The White Star and Famous Lion are both relatively new pubs, while venues like The Glebe are well established on the city’s social and music scenes.

Before 1997, away fans arriving to see their team take on Stoke City would get off the train at Stoke Station and make their way to the popular Victoria Ground. Visitors leaving the station would be greeted by the statue of Josiah Wedgwood, outside the imposing North Stafford Hotel, next to Staffordshire University’s Stoke campus.

Then, 11 years ago, The Victoria Ground was replaced by the Britannia Stadium, named after its sponsor, the Leek-based building society. One stand is known as the Boothen End – a reference to the terraced streets which neighboured the original ground.

Besides the mainline train station, Stoke is well-placed for getting around by road. Running through the middle of Stoke is the recently overhauled A500, which was built in the 1970s and is known as the D-road because of its shape. It is also close to the A50, A34 and M6.

Away from the traditional town centre and on the other side of the A500 lies the university complex which gives Stoke a large student population. The site is also home to the city’s only independent cinema, Stoke Film Theatre, which screens many arthouse and foreign films.

Major employers include Sainsbury’s distribution centre, Michelin at Campbell Road, and the Dunelm Mill warehouse.

Bargain hunters can pick-up thrifty deals in Stoke. A thriving indoor market takes place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and there is a good mix of independent and national chains.

Stoke is a good place if you’re looking for reasonably-priced furniture, with several shops offering wide selections, while high street stores include Sainsbury’s and Ethel Austin.

If you’re looking for open space, Hanley Park in nearby Shelton is one of Stoke-on-Trent’s Heritage Parks. Designed by Thomas Mawson, it was opened in 1897 and is now home to a number of community arts and music events.

More than £2 million has been spent improving the park and it has a Sports Zone and numerous play areas.