Exploring the History of North Staffordshire: Bk. 1 : An Illustrated Guide by Paul Snowdon

"Exploring the History of North Staffordshire" is the wonderful creation of Staffordshire artist, Paul Snowdon. It is a masterpiece of illustration and map drawing. In eight short walks interspersed with seven pictorial features, the book explores areas of North Staffordshire's remarkable history, from the medieval origins of Trentham Gardens through village and canal walks, to the great engineering challenges of the industrial Potteries. Everything in this magnificent book is by hand-illustrations, portraits, maps and the text which runs through the pages like a thread. "Exploring the History of North Staffordshire" is an expression of one artist's love of this fascinating area, as well as a useful practical and informative guide. Every part of this book is hand drawn by Staffordshire artist Paul Snowdon; in over 100 illustrations, portraits and maps with explanatory hand written text, we are guided through a series of experiences reflecting he many facets of North Staffordshire's rich history. Eight short walks form the backbone of the book, exploring a diverse range of themes from village walks (Barlaston/Wedgwood and Cheddleton), historic urban walks (Stoke and Burslem), rural strolls (the Caldon Canal above Endon), and exploration of great engineering feats (Kidsgrove and the Harecastle Tunnels, Knypersley and Head of the Trent), and a remarkable history stroll linking green spaces between Etruria and Hanley Park. Features also cover diverse subjects, from the medieval origins of Trentham Gardens, and Ford Green Hall, through historic rural spaces such as Apedale Country Park, Greenway Bank Country Park, Mow Cop Castle and Rudyard Lake, to the Potteries Railway Loop, now largely transformed into a greenway.