Spode Josiah – The Kingdom of Spode

This thirteen-page essay entitled The Kingdom of Spode – is just that. It starts with a description of Spode’s family tree together with a quality map of 1832 showing the extent of the Mount estate. It follows with a description of many of his properties he built in Penkhull for his workers away from the pollution of Stoke. It starts with the sale of bankrupt Thomas Harrison in 1802 where Spode purchased the site to build his mansion and other Lots and continues with the development of his new home following that of Fenton Hall.
Following his death, it describes the various of tenants of the Mount including Mrs Allbut who opened a Girls Finishing School for children of the wealthy. A great read at thirteen pages and photographs.

All that Messuage farmhouse or tenement situate and being at Penkhull within the said Manor late in the possession of Harvey Boulton deceased. Together with the barns, stables, cowhouses, outbuildings, and other conveniences to the same belonging. This is the introduction to a facinating document that goes on to describe all the lands at that time that belonged to Penkhull Farm. In addition includes all the farm equipment, farm animals, the farm house and whats included.

Infact the lease gives a total insight as to what the farm was all about and its importance to Penkhull in 1831