Ten brand new heritage trail markers have launched across Stoke-on-Trent, guiding residents and visitors through centuries of pottery history. The wayfinding markers feature steel plinths with bronze casts of ceramic pieces, installed at key spots along the Living Heritage City Trail. The markers were officially unveiled at Spode Works on Tuesday 19 May, with the Lord Mayor and council leader backing the project to reconnect people with local history.
Each marker shines a light on the factories and potters that built Stoke's world-famous reputation. The trail maps out pottery glory between Stoke and Hanley, drawing attention to former factories and once-prominent potters now faded into obscurity. Professor Neil Brownsword from University of Staffordshire designed the trail to highlight the industrial hubs that shaped the city's landscape.
The markers double as gateways to digital histories, allowing visitors to dig deeper using an app launched earlier this year. Lord Mayor Cllr Steve Watkins said the project reminds us that "history surrounds us in everyday life - often in places we walk past without a second thought." The trail builds on momentum from Stoke's Centenary celebrations last year.
For local residents, the heritage trail offers a fresh way to explore Stoke-on-Trent's cultural richness on their doorstep. The markers are now positioned across the city, making it easier to discover the ceramics legacy that shaped the region. Visitors can follow the Living Heritage City Trail and use the digital app to learn more about each site's history.