Burslem is reclaiming a piece of its history. Plans have been unveiled for the Kilngate Memorial, which will honour 59 Royal Doulton workers who died in the First and Second World Wars. The memorial once stood on the factory site in Stoke but was lost when the works closed and the area was redeveloped. It will now be positioned in central Burslem to face Nile Street, the route workers would have walked as they departed for service.
This memorial marks the beginning of a larger remembrance project in Stoke. The Kilngate Memorial is the first of two planned memorials that will eventually recognise more than 1,600 of Burslem's fallen. The second memorial, called Burslem Remembers, is scheduled to be unveiled in 2025. Both projects have been made possible through a community-led initiative backed by St Modwen and Miller Homes.
The memorials have brought together skilled local craftspeople and dedicated researchers. Sculptor Andy Edwards, who created the iconic Lemmy statue, is among those involved in the project. Volunteer researchers spent over a year uncovering the stories behind the names of those being remembered across Stoke's Burslem community.
Councillor Steve Watkins emphasised the importance of the memorials, stating they ensure "future generations understand the contribution and sacrifice made by local people." The project represents a significant moment for Stoke, restoring recognition to workers whose sacrifices had been largely forgotten following industrial changes in the area.
Residents wanting to learn more about the memorials and the stories they tell can visit www.honouringtheroyaldoultonfallen.co.uk. The unveiling of the Kilngate Memorial brings Burslem one step closer to fully honouring its fallen across both world wars.