ALL OUR YESTERDAYS Remembering a Huddersfield radical

N illustrated talk on the history of the Victorian potteries of Salendine Nook is to be held next week.

Vincent Dorrington, chairman of Mount Community Group, will speak about two rival potteries – Lindley Moor Pottery and Salendine Nook Pottery – both run by members of the same family, the Mortons.

Mr Dorrington said it proved a challenging, yet fascinating, piece of research.

Local people have supplied books and maps dating back over 80 years and it is the recorded memories of Harold Morton, the last of the potters at Lindley Moor Pottery, that are most revealing. Harold’s niece hopes to attend the talk.

The potteries were of national significance supplying some of London’s most important exporters to the Continent and even playing a role in the gold industry and WW1.

Research has revealed many areas of controversy, none more so than a family feud in the Morton family between two brothers in 1835. This led to Joseph Morton setting up Salendine Nook Pottery to rival Enos Morton’s Lindley Moor Pottery.

The potteries were next to each other and only separated by a small wall.

Local street names also allude to the pottery history of Salendine Nook from Kiln Court and Morton Way to Pottery Street. Even Moor Hill Road used to be known as Pot Ovens Road.

Perhaps Morton Way is the greatest link to Lindley Moor Pottery with its cottages that once were the homes of pottery workers.

Vincent hopes local people will share their own memories. ■■The talk, The History of Laund Road Potteries in Salendine Nook, will be held on Wednesday, October 3, (7.30pm to 9.15pm) at Mount Methodist Church, Moorlands Road. Entrance costs £2.