J. H. Weatherby Falcon Works, Hanley - March/May 2012

The Falcon Works Hanley, was owned by J. H. Weatherby & Sons Ltd who established a works on site in 1891. The works originally specialized in earthenware but later went on to produce fine porcelain. The former extant hovel kiln most likely dates from the 1890s, although the inner kiln has undoubtedly been replaced many times since this date and is most likely mid 20th Century.

Originally the works had 5 kilns, but 3 where relocated to the south of the site in 1906 when the firm expanded. During this expansion the front range was added providing a new facade to the main street. Before the construction of the Potteries Way, the street was the main road north out of Hanley and was lined with many small potteries.

The firm continued to grow slowly between and after the wars, first branching into hotelwares, then later collectables. By the 1970s the firm’s expansion was hindered by planning control and by 2000 the works finally closed. At its height the works employed 200, by 2000 it employed 10.

It's a really good explore, plenty of ware and machinery to see. The building is in a state though and as previously reported the bottle kiln has sadly collapsed, this has been reported to the council, doubt they will do anything though.

If you're in the area it's definitely worth a look in and I'd probably say that now Tam's has been virtually emptied it's the best example of a pot bank in Stoke that I've been to. Still plenty of other pot banks around to look in though, so hopefully we will find some more good places!

It was an unusual explore with us ending up having to put a fire out after someone set fire to a pile of wood at our exit point.