St John's Church, Burslem

St John's Church is an Anglican church in Burslem with a large stone tower built in late medieval style and a brick structure featuring tall round-arched windows and an apsidal chancel. The building blends older and newer sections into a cohesive whole.

The west tower was built in 1536 and remains the oldest structure still in use within Stoke-on-Trent. A century later, an Act of Parliament elevated the chapel to become the main parish church as the town's population expanded.

The churchyard reflects the deep connection between this place of worship and the local pottery industry, with many prominent makers buried here. Walking through, you notice how the gravestones record the names that shaped ceramic production in the region.

The church sits in the town center and is easily accessible on foot, with clear paths around the building and churchyard. Keep in mind this is an active place of worship, so visiting hours may vary depending on services.

The tomb of Margaret Leigh from 1748 has an unusual north-south orientation instead of the typical east-west direction, altered by the rector following reports of supernatural incidents in the area. This rare departure from convention is a fascinating historical detail visitors can discover.

Location: City of Stoke-on-Trent

GPS coordinates: 53.04259,-2.19626

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06