Brown Edge
| Brown Edge | |
| Staffordshire | |
|---|---|
 St Anne's Church, Brown Edge | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SJ908532 |
| Location: | 53°4’34"N, 2°8’17"W |
| Data | |
| Postcode: | ST6 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Staffordshire Moorlands |
Brown Edge is a village in northern Staffordshire, named for its hill, and standing north-east of the fringe of the Potteries, apart but close. The village is found about five miles north-east of Hanley, the heart of Stoke-on-Trent.
The 2001 census recorded a population of 2,406, increasing to 2,486 at the 2011 Census.
History
Before 1800 the village consisted of no more than several farm cottages, some of which survive today. Throughout the 19th century, the village remained largely untouched by the pottery and mining industries of the Potteries and it was not until only around 1950 when the villagers began working in local mines such as Chatterley Whitfield.
Events
Brown Edge still looks to the hills: the Staffordshire Moorlands begin to rise here, and each year the local tradition of well dressing is practiced. This is an ancient festival (more famous in the nearby Peak District, with which the Staffordshire Moorlands form a long range of hills) an extension which involves blessing the local wells or springs on which the villagers would once have depended for their water by decorating the location with flowers. Today the wells are decorated with large boards decorated with pressed flower patals and coloured gravel, which are left up for several days around the time of the summer festival. The neighbouring village of Endon also participates in this practice, though it has fewer wells.
The village holds many annual events, the main one of which being the Summer Fair during which the well dressing is performed. This event usually occurs in late June or early July, but dates have been known to change from year to year dependant on weather forecasts and the decisions of the organising committee.
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Brown Edge) |