Burton potteries centred on the production of earthenware and stoneware pottery. Although many different items of stoneware were produced in the later half of the 19th century up until the demise of the last pottery in 1945 output centred on the production of spirit jars.

 

There were thirteen potteries in the village including; Mill Hill, Greta, Wilsons, Baggaley's Bradshaw, Larpish, Town End, Potters Arms, Waterside, Lower Highergate, The Hall and Greta Bank Pottery.

 

Burton earthernware pottery was characterised by a 'yellow on brown' design. Amongst the most common varieties of slipware were puzzle jugs and money boxes.

 

Bentham Potter, Lee Cartledge of Bentham Pottery, produces  a pottery blog which contains some fascinating information about Burton potteries. Items include an article on the last potter of Burton in Lonsdale, Richard Timperely Bateson ( 1893 – 1991) and Digging the Black Burton clay.  He has also uploaded a fascinating conversation between  Richard Bateson and William Skeates reminiscing about life working in "Black Burton" Potteries.

 

In 2011 the Museum of North Craven Life featured Burton Potteries as part of their Challenge and Change Exhibition. The panel can be found here courtesy of the museum.