Hit the British Ceramics Lottery in Stoke-on-Trent ()
Without a doubt, one of the most treasured souvenirs of your time in Europe is a piece, or maybe a few hundred pieces, of new dishes for your kitchen and dining room
If you are lucky enough to be stationed in the U.K, then be prepared to start a ceramics collection!
Some of the world’s finest bone china and porcelain (Royal Doulton or Wedgwood, anyone?) are produced a mere three-hour drive west of RAF Lakenheath in the industrial cities of Stoke-on-Trent.
Located in central England along the winding River Trent, Stoke-on-Trent is a city that is actually comprised of six separate towns. In 1910, the towns of Burslem, Tunstall, Fenton, Hanley, Longton and Stoke were officially unified into a single city.
With an overabundance of clay and coal, these villages became known as “The Potteries” in the 18th century. Stoke-on-Trent was the perfect location for making beautiful and practical earthenware. In 1759, Josiah Wedgwood opened up his world-renowned factory and the legendary pottery was born. A few decades later, Josiah Spode added a bone ash and kaolin compound to the soft-paste porcelain, effectively inventing modern-day bone china — some of the finest and strongest in the world. By the early 1800s, English potters adopted Spode’s methods and became the main manufacturers of fine china.
Visit the Ceramics Factories
Because the factories were spread across the different towns, you’ll want to plot your course before you head out. Start the day at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery for an in-depth and interactive history of English pottery and the area.
Then head to one of the many factories around the area.
It is also enjoyable to head to one of the many discount shops in the area. You can peruse discontinued patterns, find a rare treasure hiding on the shelves or pick up the perfect English tea set. In the towns of Stoke-on-Trent, you are bound to find a new favorite piece of pottery to bring home.
