Broseley - Pottery

[bagpuss]

Hello all,

I wonder if someone would know how I can find out more about a Pottery which was in or around Broseley in the 1850's?

I have a relative who I have traced as being "Earthenware Manufacturer employing 24 men & boys" on the 1851 Census, his address is given as Jackfields, Broseley. 

Is there a Local Historical Society or similar in the area which might be able to point me in the right direction?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Sue   

[Bryan.]

Hi bagpuss

If you Google...you should find something there.

Bryan

[Lloydy]

This site may have some information
http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/d_collections.asp

or the Brosely Local History Society
http://www.broseley.org.uk/

China: Caughley and Coalport

As well as common domestic pottery Broseley became famous for the production of fine porcelains with blue and white decoration. The earliest china factory was located at Caughley at the end of Pound Lane, where a pottery had been  working since at least 1750 producing course and slip wares .

In 1772 Thomas Turner came from Worcester to run the factory where he experimented with new types of fabric and decoration.  By 1775 he was producing porcelain.  John Rose left Caughley in the 1790's and, with others, set up a pottery on land then being developed on the north bank of the river at Coalport. This venture developed into the Coalport China Works, famed for its output of highly decorative table and ornamental ware. The Caughley works was eventually taken over by the Coalport Company in 1799, probably because of the ill health of Turner . In 1821 the works were dismantled and the materials re-used  at Coalport.  The site was opencast for coal in 1964 destroying any archaeological remains, however there are remains of the saggar works which were located in a field just to the south of the works.

[bagpuss]

Hello there,

Thank-you Bryan and Lloydy, I'll check out your suggestions.


Many Thanks,
Sue   

[Dizzy Escape]

Hello, Sue.  Perhaps your ancestor was an employer of some of my ancestors who, in the 1851 & 61 Broseley Censuses, are variously listed as 'china potter mould maker', 'transferer to china printer' and 'china ground layers assistant'.  The family lived in Broseley but I suspect that they were employed with the majority of pottery workers over at Jackfield.  It's only a mile or so's walk over the hill.  The Jackfield works deserve a visit - I went there last summer and it's fascinating.