Pilkington, who wrote in 1789, says, speaking of the manufactures of Chesterfield:—
“Nor should it be omitted, that a large quantity of coarse earthenware is manufactured here. In this business three potteries are worked, which afford employment to about sixty hands.”
Sir Richard Phillips, who wrote his “Tour” in 1828, says, speaking of Chesterfield:—
“There are some potteries in this neighbourhood which employ about 200 persons, at wages of from 10s. to 13s. per week, and for better workmen, from 18s. to 25s. The description of manufacture is exclusively brown ware, except in one instance, which includes black also. The number of potteries is ten, and the larger part is for home consumption, though a small proportion is sent to the Dutch market.”
Brampton.
The manufacture of brown ware at Brampton has probably been established a couple of centuries. In the early part of the present century there were here six earthenware manufactories, which were carried on by the following persons:—Mrs. Blake (this now forms part of the works of Mr. Matthew Knowles); Mr. William Briddon (now continued by his son); Mr. Luke Knowles (now forming part of Mr. Matthew Knowles’ works); Mr. Thomas Oldfield (now continued by his nephew, Mr. John Oldfield); Mr. John Wright (now discontinued; it stood on what is now the site of the present rectory of St. Thomas’s Church); and that of Edward Wright and Son (still carried on by the family). At the present time there are eight manufactories, which will be separately spoken of presently. At these, brown ware of a remarkably hard and durable quality, and stoneware of the most impervious character, are made in great perfection and in immense quantities. The clays principally used are “Stone Edge,” or “Lidd clay,” found at East Moor, or Wadshelf, about three miles away, and “Brampton clay,” found in the immediate neighbourhood.
Figs. 95 and 96.
Figs. 97 and 98.