Burslem

Burslem is a town in Staffordshire, England, and one of the six towns that form the city of Stoke-on-Trent. It lies within the northern part of the Potteries, the historic area known for its ceramic industries.

Historically, Burslem developed as a market town and became a major center of pottery production from the 17th century onward. The town and surrounding settlements supported numerous potteries and associated industries, contributing to Stoke-on-Trent’s reputation as a center of ceramic manufacture. The area earned a long-standing association with pottery and is often described as the “Mother Town” of the Potteries.

In the 20th century, administrative changes led to the creation of the City of Stoke-on-Trent. In 1910, Burslem became part of the newly formed county borough that united the six towns. Today, Burslem remains a distinct urban center within the city, known for its market activity, street pattern, and historic architecture.

The town center includes a traditional market area and preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings, with Burslem Park serving as a notable civic green space. Modern Burslem maintains a mix of residential neighborhoods, local shops, and community facilities, while continuing to reflect its industrial heritage and its role within the wider Stoke-on-Trent conurbation.