Shelley History - The People
Thomas Shelley (1746 - 1798)
Thomas and Michael Shelley bought some land at Lane End (this area later became Longton). They set up two separate businesses which were successful and developed a thriving trade producing plates and dishes. Josiah Wedgewood of Etruria was known to be a customer. When Michael died in 1788, his business was sold, but after two years, Thomas bought it back and ran both businesses. Both businesses thrived and Thomas became an important figure in Lane End, he was a churchwarden, trustee of rebuilding the church and was also a member of the Committee of Commerce for the Potteries. He owned a large farm nearby. On his death in 1798, the works were sold. Some of this pottery works is now part of the Gladstone Museum site in Longton.
