Staffordshire is renowned for its impressive industrial heritage and as one of the counties that drove the Industrial Revolution. In this book Helen Harwood looks at another aspect of the countyʼs history: its rich folklore, which is all too often overlooked by the standard histories and guides. Here are the myths, legends, superstitions and customs that are an intrinsic part of Staffordshireʼs character and cultural heritage. Among the items featured are the annual tradition of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, the legend of the Burslem witch and some of the lesser-known customs such as the Boy Bishop and the Mock Mayor. Readers are also taken to some curious and mystical locations, which provided the setting for some unusual tales and bizarre events. In recognition of the countyʼs industrial heritage the author highlights the old customs linked to pottery and mining. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book reveals some strange and surprising aspects of Staffordshireʼs history that will both enlighten and entertain readers.

Which colliery was known as the 'Fair Lady'? And where was the deepest mine shaft? These are just two of the many questions answered in this history of the Staffordshire coal mines and the collieries that were bedrocks of local communities. From their early beginnings in Roman times through to the growth of the Industrial Revolution, subsequent depressions and strikes until the last closures in the 1980s, Helen Harwood takes us on a journey through the history of the mines that shaped the county of Staffordshire through the ages. Coal heated our homes, powered the railways, and fuelled the pottery kilns and the steel foundries, and later the power stations. It was the industry generations depended upon and united the county in a shared experience of hard work and danger.

The county of Staffordshire has a rich and varied past which is reflected in its historic churches. Staffordshire has a varied landscape, from the conurbation of Stoke-on-Trent, the county town of Stafford and the cathedral city of Lichfield, to industrial towns such as Burton-upon-Trent, smaller market towns, agricultural land and the more sparsely populated areas of Cannock Chase and Peak District. In Churches of Staffordshire, author Helen Harwood explores a selection of the most interesting churches across the whole of the county, both well-known and those waiting to be discovered by a wider audience. The buildings range from rural and urban churches, dating from the mediaeval period to the modern age, covering various denominations, including the parish church of St Margaret’s, Wolstanton, whose tower is the oldest building in the area, Pugin’s Catholic churches including his ‘masterpiece’ at Cheadle and Coven Methodist chapel built in the 1830s which is one of the oldest Wesleyan chapels in the county. Each has their own interesting story to tell. This fascinating picture of an important part of the history of Staffordshire over the centuries will be of interest to all those who live in or are visiting this attractive county in England.