Today I had the privilege of attending the launch of Fred Hughes’ new book, Stoke on Trent, The Story of a City 1925 to 2025, held at Stoke Minster as part of the city’s centenary. Fred invited me as his guest, and I recorded his speech so everyone who couldn’t be there can still hear his words in full.

In this episode, you can listen to Fred talk about the people, places and stories that shaped Stoke on Trent over the last century, the research behind the book, and what this milestone means for our city. It is a lovely chance to hear his reflections first hand.

Enjoy the recording and share it with anyone who loves our local history.

Did you know the UK’s first civilian ambulance service didn’t start in London, but right here in Burslem? In this episode, discover the incredible true story of Hiram Syson – a Crimean War veteran turned town hall caretaker – who quietly made medical history from the heart of the Potteries. Long before flashing lights and sirens, Hiram was carrying the injured to safety on a two-wheeled cart. This is the untold story of Stoke-on-Trent’s forgotten pioneer… and how Burslem became the birthplace of Britain’s ambulance movement.

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In 1781, 21-year-old Thomas Meakin from Rushton Spencer was declared dead and buried in the canal town of Stone. A year later, his coffin was reopened – and what they found inside became one of North Staffordshire’s most disturbing legends.

Did his employer, a respected apothecary, murder him? Did jealousy and social status play a role? And was Thomas really buried alive?

This true story spans two towns, a mysterious illness, and a loyal pony that refused to leave its master’s grave. With historical records, grave clues, and local lore, we explore what really happened – and why Thomas’s body was quietly moved to the isolated hilltop church of St Lawrence’s in Rushton Spencer, where his grave still stands today.

⚰️ Part true crime, part tragic history – this is a story you won’t forget.

Read the full article and watch the video here -

Support the show

If you love our local history, don't forget to follow me, check out more of my videos and my website www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk

And if you loved this episode and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee here - buymeacoffee.com/jennagoodwin