The Parish Registers Of Stoke Upon Trent Staffordshire 1629-1812

The Parish Registers of Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire (1629-1812) In 4 Volumes

Step back in time, beyond the smoke-laced skies of the Industrial Revolution and the clatter of the potter's wheel, to the very foundations of your family's story. Nestled within the pages of this meticulously compiled collection are the names, dates, and sacred events that shaped the lives of your ancestors in the heart of England's ceramic kingdom.

For over 180 years, from the twilight of the Tudor era through the English Civil War, the rise of the Georgian age, and the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, the parish priests of Stoke-upon-Trent faithfully recorded the milestones of life. Now, these invaluable records are brought together, offering you an unbroken link to the clay-stained hands and resilient spirits that called the Potteries home.

What You Will Discover Inside:

Baptisms (1629-1812): Trace the first moments of your ancestors' lives. Find the names of proud parents and godparents, and imagine the christenings that took place as the city's famed kilns began to fire.
Marriages (1629-1812): Witness the unions that forged new families and new dynasties. Discover the names of brides and grooms, from humble potters and canal workers to the aspiring merchants who would define an era.
Burials (1629-1812): Pay respects to those who came before. These solemn entries mark the end of a life, often with poignant details that connect you directly to the hallowed ground of Stoke's ancient churchyards.

More Than Just Names: A Journey into a World of Legend and Clay

These registers are more than a list of names; they are a portal to a world of industry, faith, and folklore. As you search for your kin, you are walking in the footsteps of giants—both literal and legendary.

Your ancestors lived in a land rich with stories. They would have known the tales whispered in the taverns and around the hearthside. Could your family have been part of the lore?

The Witch of Burslem: The registers span the era of the infamous Molly Leigh, the Burslem woman ostracised and condemned as a witch in the early 18th century. Her legend says she was buried with a stake through her heart and a hound chained to her grave to prevent her from escaping. Did your ancestors know her name? Were they among those who feared her, or perhaps, those who defended her? Her story, a chilling blend of fact and myth, is woven into the very fabric of the Potteries, and the names of her contemporaries are captured in these pages.

The Cursed Kilns and Haunted Potteries: The potters of Stoke were a superstitious lot. They spoke of "saggar maker's bottom knockers" and spirits that inhabited the bottle kilns, capable of ruining a firing with a mischievous whim. As you find the names of potters and their families, you can almost hear the crackle of the fire and the whispers of the ghosts who were said to haunt the works of Wedgwood, Spode, and Minton.

From Civil War to Canal Empire: Your ancestors may have lived through the turmoil of the Civil War, when Staffordshire was a hotbed of conflict. They witnessed the transformative power of the canals, which turned Stoke into a thriving industrial hub, connecting their humble wares to the entire world. Each entry is a testament to their survival and progress through these revolutionary times.

Who Is This For?

Family Historians with roots in Stoke-on-Trent or the wider Staffordshire area.
Descendants of the Potters seeking to connect with the artisans who built a world-renowned industry.
Local Historians and students researching the social fabric of the Potteries during its most formative period.
Anyone fascinated by the real stories behind the Industrial Revolution and the people who powered it.
Don't let your ancestors' stories remain buried in the archives. This is your key to unlocking a past filled with triumph, tragedy, industry, and intrigue.

Order your copy of The Parish Registers of Stoke-upon-Trent today and begin your journey into the heart of your Potteries heritage!