Darts players and footballers top Moorlands ‘celebs’
ERIC Bristow, Gareth Owen and a 19th century Anglican priest are among the most popular people in the Staffordshire Moorlands – judging by how many Wikipedia hits they get.
The Pudding website has compiled the most searched for person who has lived in, is connected with, or is born in each part of North Staffordshire.
Biddulph – James Wilson: Former Manchester United striker James Wilson was born in Biddulph. He rose through the ranks at the Red Devils before moving to Aberdeen. He now plays for Salford City FC in League Two.
Caverswall – Robert Williams Buchanan: Born in Caverswall to Scottish parentage, Robert Williams Buchanan was a famous Scottish poet, novelist and dramatist during the 19th century.
Cheadle – Gareth Owen (below): The English-born defender comes from Cheadle but represented Wales at youth football before going on to make over 100 appearances for Port Vale. He is now academy director at Stoke City.
Cheddleton – The Venerable Charles Estcourt Boucher: The Venerable Charles Estcourt Boucher was an Anglican priest born in Cheddleton in 1856. He became the first Archdeacon of Loughborough in 1921.
Dilhorne – Harold Bridgwood Walker: The Lieutenant-general
Sir Harold Bridgwood
Walker of Dilhorne was a senior British Army commander who led Australian and New Zealand forces for much of the First World War. He was only replaced from the role in 1918 when a rule change meant imperial forces should be led by an Australian.
Endon – T.E. Hulme: Modernist poet T.E. Hulme, Thomas Ernest, was born in Endon before attending Newcastle High School. From there he attended Cambridge but was thrown out. He wrote war notes under the pen name North Staffs. He was killed by a shell in 1917.
Forsbrook – Arthur Bridgett: Born in Forsbrook, footballer Arthur Bridgett started his career at Stoke City making seven appearances before heading to the North East to play for Sunderland. He forged a successful career playing over 300 times between 1902 and 1912.
Ipstones – Eric Prince: Footballer Eric Prince played for Port Vale during the war years. He also turned out for Crewe Alexandra during the 1945 season. Born in Ipstones he also featured for Macclesfield Town and Simplex Creda.
Leek – Eric Bristow (above): Known affectionately as the Crafty Cockney, Eric Bristow was widely regarded as one of the greatest ever darts players. He was a five-time World Champion, five-time Masters champion, and four-time World Cup winner. He settled in Leek where he became a mentor to Phil Taylor before his sudden death in 2018. Werrington – Adam Yates (left): Werrington’s Adam Yates rose through the youth football ranks at Crewe Alexandra before leaving the South Cheshire club for pastures new. Having had spells at Leek Town and Morecambe he found himself playing over 200 times for Port Vale. Fans voted him the best right back of the 2010s in a poll.