Local historian tells the Story of a City as Centenary book launches

A new book commissioned to mark Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary will be launched this week.

Produced with local publisher Barewall, and written by renowned local historian Fred Hughes, ‘Stoke-on-Trent: The Story of a City’ will launch at an event at Stoke Minster on Tuesday 9 December.

The book charts key moments and people in the civic life of the city and complements the year-long programme of events and activities taking place across 2025. It reflects on where the city has come from and looks ahead to its next century.

Visitors to the launch will have the chance to meet Fred and buy a signed first edition copy. The book retails for £20.

Fred Hughes, author and local historian, said: “This book is styled as an informal history of Stoke-on-Trent.

“It’s a book I’ve long wanted to write, and the city status centenary has provided perfect timing for its publication. It tells the story of what can only be described as the remarkably rapid rise of six humble villages that evolved through artistic and civic unity to become one of the nation’s foremost industrial and populated districts. This book then is my tribute to my home city with particular reference to its civic guardians.”

The book features a foreword written by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent.

Councillor Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “I was honoured to be asked to write the foreword to this incredibly important book.

“Fred is one of our most respected local figures and has contributed so much to our understanding of Stoke-on-Trent. I cannot think of a better or more qualified person to write the history of our proud city in its Centenary year.

“If it happened in Stoke-on-Trent, Fred knows about it and has probably written about it. This book brings together his deep knowledge with his rare gift for making history engaging and accessible.”

Following the launch, copies will be on sale at Barewall Art Gallery in Burslem, at Gladstone Pottery Museum and at the Civic Centre reception.

Residents are invited to the launch event at Stoke Minster on Tuesday 9 December at 10.45am.