Families are being invited to take a step back in time this Sunday (18th July) by exploring the colourful history of Etruria and discovering the role it’s canal system played in attracting industry to Stoke-on-Trent.
Visitors can join Glenn Airey from the Etruria Industrial Museum on the walk which includes a circuit of the Etruria junction leading up to the site of the old Wedgwood factory and on to Etruria Hall and Festival Park.
The walk is one of a series of similar events taking place over the next few months and will give an insight into the industrial and social history of the area from the 1760s to the present day. Places visited will include the site of the first hospital in North Staffordshire, the scene of an 18th century food riot and Etruria Wharf; the busiest local canal port in the 19th century.
The walk, which covers both the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canals, has been organised by British Waterways as part of the ‘Canals in the Community’ programme in partnership with Etruria Industrial Museum.
Canals for the Community Project Officer Louise North said:
“We are very lucky that our city has such an interesting and colourful past and this walk will give a real insight into the rich industrial heritage of Stoke-on-Trent. By taking to the towpath people will be able to view the city, and it’s history, from a very different perspective”.
The one and a half hour walk is free of charge and will leave Etruria Industrial Museum at 1.30pm. Free tea and coffee will be provided.
For more information on the Canals for the Community project go to www.waterscape.com/features-and-articles/features/canals-for-the-community-a-project-for-stoke-on-trent