Did You Know the UK’s Ambulance Service Started in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent?
Did you know the UK’s first civilian ambulance service didn’t start in London, but right here in Burslem? In this episode, discover the incredible true story of Hiram Syson – a Crimean War veteran turned town hall caretaker – who quietly made medical history from the heart of the Potteries. Long before flashing lights and sirens, Hiram was carrying the injured to safety on a two-wheeled cart. This is the untold story of Stoke-on-Trent’s forgotten pioneer… and how Burslem became the birthplace of Britain’s ambulance movement. Support the showIf you love our local history, don't forget to follow me, check out more of my videos and my website www.theredhairedstokie.co.ukAnd if you loved this episode and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee here - buymeacoffee.com/jennagoodwin
--------
--------
The Terrifying Tale of Thomas Meakin, Buried Alive in Staffordshire
In 1781, 21-year-old Thomas Meakin from Rushton Spencer was declared dead and buried in the canal town of Stone. A year later, his coffin was reopened – and what they found inside became one of North Staffordshire’s most disturbing legends.Did his employer, a respected apothecary, murder him? Did jealousy and social status play a role? And was Thomas really buried alive?This true story spans two towns, a mysterious illness, and a loyal pony that refused to leave its master’s grave. With historical records, grave clues, and local lore, we explore what really happened – and why Thomas’s body was quietly moved to the isolated hilltop church of St Lawrence’s in Rushton Spencer, where his grave still stands today.⚰️ Part true crime, part tragic history – this is a story you won’t forget.Read the full article and watch the video here - Support the showIf you love our local history, don't forget to follow me, check out more of my videos and my website www.theredhairedstokie.co.ukAnd if you loved this episode and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee here - buymeacoffee.com/jennagoodwin
--------
--------
Secrets of Stone, Staffordshire: Exploring the Hidden Underground Remains of a Medieval Priory
Hidden underneath a large house in Stone, Staffordshire is what remains of Stone Priory. It is a significant historical monument, embodying the complex interplay of legend and historical fact.For more details information, check out my blog post on the priory - https://www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk/secrets-of-stone-exploring-the-underground-ruins-of-a-medieval-priory/Support the showIf you love our local history, don't forget to follow me, check out more of my videos and my website www.theredhairedstokie.co.ukAnd if you loved this episode and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee here - buymeacoffee.com/jennagoodwin
--------
--------
What Happened to Seighford Hall? A Staffordshire Estate’s Rise and Fall
Seighford Hall, a Grade II-listed building near Stafford, is a treasure trove of history. Its story spans more than 450 years, encompassing Tudor craftsmanship, ghostly encounters, industrial magnates, and even a stint as a nightclub. Today, the hall lies abandoned, but its legacy endures through its remarkable past. Read more and watch the video here - https://www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk/what-happened-to-seighford-hall-a-staffordshire-estates-rise-and-fall/Support the showIf you love our local history, don't forget to follow me, check out more of my videos and my website www.theredhairedstokie.co.ukAnd if you loved this episode and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee here - buymeacoffee.com/jennagoodwin
--------
--------
The Overlooked History of Providence Independent Churchyard in Upper Tean
Hidden in the heart of Upper Tean, Staffordshire, the Providence Independent Churchyard is a quiet but deeply significant historical site. I explore its fascinating story, from its roots in the late 18th-century nonconformist movement to its role as a community hub in the industrial era.Discover the history of the Providence Independent Chapel, built in 1822, and its graveyard established in 1834. Learn how this chapel became a symbol of resilience and faith for the local community, providing a place for worship, education, and mutual aid.While the chapel closed its doors in 1987 and has since been converted into homes, the churchyard remains a preserved piece of Tean’s history. It offers a glimpse into the lives of those who helped shape the village, making it an invaluable resource for historians and genealogists alike.https://www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk/the-overlooked-history-of-providence-independent-churchyard-in-upper-tean/📍 Location: New Road, Upper Tean, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DXIf you'd like to explore more about our local history, support my work, follow me, sign up for my newsletter, or even treat me to a brew, click here:https://linktr.ee/theredhairedstokieSupport the showIf you love our local history, don't forget to follow me, check out more of my videos and my website www.theredhairedstokie.co.ukAnd if you loved this episode and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee here - buymeacoffee.com/jennagoodwin
Welcome to The Red Haired Stokie, the podcast, website and YouTube channel dedicated to uncovering the fascinating history and hidden stories of Staffordshire, right in the heart of England.
I am Jenna Goodwin and I will be your guide as we explore the archives, visit iconic landmarks and wander into forgotten corners of our historic county. From the hills of the Peak District to the industrial heritage of Stoke on Trent, we will be meeting the people and places that shaped Staffordshire and uncovering the events that forged its remarkable story.
Whether you live here or you are simply curious about this part of the country, this is the perfect way to discover the hidden treasures, secrets and surprises that Staffordshire has to offer.
And if you enjoy what I do, please consider subscribing to my Patreon to support this work and help me continue to produce more episodes, more research, and more history for this community to enjoy.
www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk
UK