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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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

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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

Hidden underneath a large house in Stone, Staffordshire is what remains of Stone Priory. It is a significant historical monument, embodying the complex interplay of legend and historical fact.

For more details information, check out my blog post on the priory - https://www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk/secrets-of-stone-exploring-the-underground-ruins-of-a-medieval-priory/

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

Seighford Hall, a Grade II-listed building near Stafford, is a treasure trove of history. Its story spans more than 450 years, encompassing Tudor craftsmanship, ghostly encounters, industrial magnates, and even a stint as a nightclub. Today, the hall lies abandoned, but its legacy endures through its remarkable past.

Read more and watch the video here - https://www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk/what-happened-to-seighford-hall-a-staffordshire-estates-rise-and-fall/

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

Hidden in the heart of Upper Tean, Staffordshire, the Providence Independent Churchyard is a quiet but deeply significant historical site. I explore its fascinating story, from its roots in the late 18th-century nonconformist movement to its role as a community hub in the industrial era.

Discover the history of the Providence Independent Chapel, built in 1822, and its graveyard established in 1834. Learn how this chapel became a symbol of resilience and faith for the local community, providing a place for worship, education, and mutual aid.

While the chapel closed its doors in 1987 and has since been converted into homes, the churchyard remains a preserved piece of Tean’s history. It offers a glimpse into the lives of those who helped shape the village, making it an invaluable resource for historians and genealogists alike.

https://www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk/the-overlooked-history-of-providence-independent-churchyard-in-upper-tean/

📍 Location: New Road, Upper Tean, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DX

If you'd like to explore more about our local history, support my work, follow me, sign up for my newsletter, or even treat me to a brew, click here:

https://linktr.ee/theredhairedstokie

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

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the legendary Leopard Inn, Burslem, a once-thriving public house and hotel with a captivating past.

As we embark on this journey through time, we diligently trace the Leopard Inn's history, unearthing records and anecdotes that date back over 300 years or more. However, tragedy struck this iconic establishment when a devastating fire consumed it, forever altering its destiny. Together, we reflect on this loss and ponder what the future might hold for this beloved pub, which had become an integral part of the local community.

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If you'd like to explore more about our local history, support my work, follow me, sign up for my newsletter, or even treat me to a brew, click here:

https://linktr.ee/theredhairedstokie

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

Join me on a captivating journey as we delve into the remarkable life of Molly Leigh, the Burslem Witch. Uncover the true history of this extraordinary woman—a fiercely independent, wealthy landowner who defied societal norms in 18th-century England. We shed light on Molly's life, her alleged witchcraft, and the enduring legacy she left behind. Discover a story of strength, resilience, and the pursuit of personal freedom as we unravel the enigma of Molly Leigh, the trailblazing woman whose legend still echoes through the centuries.
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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