Old Town Hall, Burslem

The Old Town Hall is a classical building with paired Corinthian pilasters, a deep eaves cornice, and an octagonal clock turret at its west side supported by carved stone figures. It stands prominently at the Market Place and now functions as a sixth form college.

The building was designed between 1854 and 1857 by architect G.T. Robinson from Wolverhampton and replaced an earlier town hall from 1761. It arose during a period when Burslem was expanding rapidly as a pottery center.

The building marks Burslem's identity as a center of pottery manufacturing and reflects the town's importance during the 1800s. Its placement at the Market Place continues to serve as a focal point for understanding the town's layout.

The best approach is from Market Place at the center of Burslem, where the building is easy to spot. You can view the outside anytime, though interior access may be limited since it operates as an active school.

A gilded angel perches at the top of the clock turret and was fully restored and re-gilded in December 2000. This detail often goes unnoticed by visitors, though the craftspeople worked at considerable height to bring the artwork back.

Location: Burslem

Location: City of Stoke-on-Trent

Inception: 1857

Architectural style: classical architecture

GPS coordinates: 53.04570,-2.19787

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06