Introduction

At first sight, nothing seems to distinguish the North Staffordshire villages of Knutton, Silverdale and Chesterton. They all have the appearance of residential, dormitory areas of that town. However, within the pages of this book, a rich store of photographs and information detailing the past point to a fascinating history.

The Historical Significance

These three villages in fact played a major part in the development of North Staffordshire's industrial strength in the nineteenth century. The area, once rich in the essential ingredients of industrial change - coal and iron - has developed in many ways over recent years.

Industrial Transformation

Almost all this heavy industry has now disappeared, but it is by no means forgotten. A detailed insight into the local history of this area, coupled with old and new photographs, enables the reader to understand the rich industrial past once experienced by the people of the three communities in their everyday lives.