{"id":2499,"date":"2026-03-03T17:28:49","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T17:28:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abhistory.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2499"},"modified":"2026-03-17T21:16:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T21:16:07","slug":"historical-events-surrounding-allerton-bywater-pottery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abhistory.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2499","title":{"rendered":"ALLERTON BYWATER POTTERY"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

All the researched data is under continuous review and can be updated or ammended at any time. Everyone in the group is welcome to add to this research.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Events surrounding Allerton Bywater Pottery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This map dated 1852 shows the location of<\/strong> Allerton Bywater Pottery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pottery appears active around 1836 owned by Thomas Dobson and T. Jeffery and producing stone bottles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1836<\/strong> – SATURDAY – 9  JANUARY 1836<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE YORKSHIRE GAZETTE<\/strong> <\/a>and H. R. H. DUKE OF YORK`S GAZETTES <\/strong>    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Published the following articles <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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REPORTED PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED. 1836<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between Thomas Dobson and Thomas Jeffery, Allerton Bywater, Yorkshire, stone bottle manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dobson Thomas and Thomas Jeffery, stone bottle manufacturers, Allerton Bywater, Yorkshire, 2nd<\/sup> Nov. – Debts by Dobson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the above report, Thomas Dobson looks to carry on the business as \u201cStone and Blackware Manufacturer\u201d and appears to erect some new buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>
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ISSUES WE ARE UNABLE TO AUTHENTICATE<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. 1838<\/strong>, an Indenture of Enforcement was recorded that involved Thomas Davison Bland and Thomas Dobson, indicating the Bland connection to the Allerton Pottery. This suggests that they played a role in the pottery’s operations or ownership during that time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    NOTE: – An Indenture of Enforcement typically refers to a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions governing the issuance and management of bonds or other financial issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. NOVA SCOTIA<\/strong> – IS MENTIONED IN RELATION TO THE POTTERY<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is said — Clay was removed from the NOVA SCOTIA site to a depth of approx 8 to 10 metres. It was taken by horse and cart to the pottery and the excavation was refilled with debris from the pottery.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    1839<\/strong> On 15 February 1839 in THE YOKSHIRE GAZETTE, the business is advertised for sale under Thomas Dobson\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    IN 1841 CENSUS THOMAS JACKSON IS THE PUBLICAN OF THE FERRY INN (BOAT INN )<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE POTTERY IN 1841 SALE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    T Carr respectfully announces that he is directed, by the assignees of Mr James Wells<\/strong> of Allerton Bywater Pottery, to sell by auction, on Wednesday and Thursday, the 3rd and 4th of March 1841, (without reserve) all his modern Household furniture and the implements of Trade. \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    SALE OF HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE,                         
    IMPLEMENTS OF TRADE, AND
    OTHER EFFECTS,         

    AT ALLERTON-BYWATER POTTERY,
    NEAR CASTLEFORD.                                                                        

    T. CARR respectfully announces that he is directed, by the Assignees of Mr. James Wells of Allerton-Bywater Pottery, to sell at AUCTION, on Wednesday and Thursd- ay next, at Eleven o’Clock, (with the usual Reserve,) all hisModern HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE<\/strong>, comprising handsome Four-post and Waterloo Bedsteads, with Moreen Hangings, Feather beds, Mattresses, Blankets, Sheets, Pillow Cases; Breakfast and Table Cloths; Painted Dressing and Wash Tables: Mahogany and Painted Drawers; Night Tables: Mahogany Bedsteps;  Dressing glasses Floor and Bedside carpeting; Mahogany Painted Stained, Dining and Bed-room Chairs; Mahogany Loo, Dining, and Pembroke Tables; Moreen Window Curtains; China Cut and Plain; Wine and Spirit Decanters; Tumbler and Wine Glasses; handsome Piano-Forte; Dresser and Delf-Case; A Set of Dinner Service; A set of Dish Covers; A Quantity of Books; Fenders and Fire Irons; Kitchen Requisites, Brewing Utensils, Earthenware, &c. THE IMPLEMENTS OF TRADE<\/strong>, &c. One Gig and Harness; One new patent-armed Car; and Gearings, for One Horse; Saddle, Bridle, &c. A Quantity of Manure, &c.; One Wood Pump; One Cast Iron Pump; One Bluging Clay Pump; Two Throwing Wheels; Two Making Wheels; Two Fire Pan Paddles; Six large Tubs; Sifting Box, Stone Trough; ( One Hundred and Thirteen Gallons) Rein Sieves; Riddles, Ladels, Blancer Sticks,  One Lead Mill, Spouts, One Cart Cover; Two Hundred and Forty-Five Pottery Boards, Scale and Weights; Ring Moulds, Firing Utensils; Eleven Hundred and Fifty square feet of Clay in Pits, Fourteen tons of Fire Clay, Seventy Tons of Black Ware Clay, Twelve Tons of Ready made Clay, Two Hundred Dozens of Porter bottles, Fifteen Hundred Ginger Ditto, Eight Two Gallons, Six One Gallon, Spirit Ditto, Three Hundred Fire Bricks, Two Hundred Quarries, Half a Ton of Whiting, Two and Half Cwt. of White Lead, Wh6 Wheelbarrows, and many other Articles too numerous to insert.                         
    Also, an Excellent BOAT, in good Condition, and capable of carrying Nine Tons Weight.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    1841 – In the Census taken 6 JUNE 1841<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    William Dibb<\/strong> appears to have purchased the pottery<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It gives his birthplace as Methley and he is described as an Earthenware Manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He lives at the Pottery with his wife and 5 children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    William Dibb<\/td>35 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    Hannah Dibb<\/td>35 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    George Dibb<\/td>14 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    James Dibb<\/td>12 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    Henry Dibb<\/td>8 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    Elizabeth Dibb<\/td>6 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    Mary Dibb<\/td>3 Years<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Earthenware<\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong>is one of the most ancient types of pottery produced. It is made from a coarse grain clay and has been used for thousands of years throughout history for a number of different purposes. Over time, earthenware has been made from a type of clay known as red earthenware or, perhaps more familiarly, terracotta.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1851 Census. <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    William Dibb<\/strong> is described as Main Potter employing 32 operatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His sons George, James and Henry all work here as Potters<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    William Dibb<\/td>48 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    Hannah Dibb<\/td>50 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    George Dibb<\/td>24 Years
    (not at home, married and living in Allerton Bywater)<\/td><\/tr>
    James Dibb<\/td>21 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    Henry Dibb<\/td>17 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    Elizabeth Dibb<\/td>16 Years<\/td><\/tr>
    Mary Dibb<\/td>13 Years<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    1852 <\/strong>– 1 May  1852<\/strong>   A Sale of manufacturers’ stock, etc., for Mr Dibb and sons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1861  Census.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    William Dibb<\/strong> has moved to Knaresborough and is described as an Earthenware Dealer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It seems his sons have also moved on and left the pottery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    HUGH MacDOWELL<\/strong> appears in Allerton Bywater on the 1861 Census with his wife Margaret, 5 children, a nephew, a niece and 2 servants. He is described as a Earthenware Manufacturer, He originates from Scotland, but has interests in several local potteries between 1856 and 1862 including Allerton Bywater Pottery, Eagle Pottery, and Castleford Mere Pottery under the name of Hugh McDowell & Co<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    * also living with him are Nephew Hugh Macdowel and Niece Elizabeth who both have the surname \u201c Clokie<\/strong> \u201c another name synonymous with the local \u201c Castleford and Albion potteries \u201c. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Allerton Bywater 1861 Census – Hugh MacDOWELL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hugh Macdowell<\/td>50<\/td>Head<\/td><\/tr>
    Margaret Macdowell<\/td>35<\/td>Wife<\/td><\/tr>
    Benj. Hugh Macdowell<\/td>9<\/td>Son<\/td><\/tr>
    Robert Macdowell<\/td>8<\/td>Son<\/td><\/tr>
    Sarah Macdowell<\/td>6<\/td>Daughter<\/td><\/tr>
    Jessie Macdowell<\/td>2<\/td>Daughter<\/td><\/tr>
    Mary Margaret Macdowell<\/td>5\/12<\/td>Daughter<\/td><\/tr>
    Hugh Macdowell Clokie<\/em><\/strong><\/td>25<\/td>Nephew<\/td><\/tr>
    Elizabeth Clokie<\/em><\/strong><\/td>18<\/td>Niece<\/td><\/tr>
    Sarah Wadsworth<\/td>16<\/td>Servant<\/td><\/tr>
    Fanney Hardeartte<\/td>19<\/td>Servant<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    For further Reference<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/a>:-<\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong>The above 1861 Census appears to indicate that both Hugh Macdowell and  Hugh Macdowell Clokie, are both linked as Earthenware manufacturers and are possibly in business together.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Historical Note:-<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Heather Lawrence<\/strong> in Yorkshire Pots and Potteries<\/strong> described Hugh MacDowell <\/a>as \u2018something of a tycoon in the pottery trade\u2019. This appears to be an exaggeration, although being involved with a number of potteries in the Castleford area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

     He was a tea merchant from nearby Pontefract, but originated from Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

     Known for it`s \u201cWhite Ware \u201d  the Eagle Pottery was the only pottery that MacDowell actually controlled. It had been constructed in 1853 and he purchased it in 1856 after the owners became bankrupt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He continued here until his death in 1868, firstly as Hugh MacDowell & Co and then as John Roberts & Co.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The partnership with Roberts being dissolved in 1868, shortly before McDowell\u2019s death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    VERONA PATTERN PLATE Attributed to Hugh MacDowell<\/p>\n\n\n

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    1861  –  Hugh MacDowell died on the 15th<\/sup> of November 1868<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    From the document below Hugh MacDowell is listed as a Deacon of The Church of Christ of the Congregation Order and died in the faith of the Gospel \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    15th<\/sup> of  November 1868<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Hugh MacDowell Will 9th<\/sup> March 1869<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    The Estate of Hugh Macdowell is left to his widowed wife Margaret and Hugh Macdowel Clokie his nephew.    <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As previously Referenced<\/u>:-<\/em>The 1861 Census appears to indicate that both Hugh Macdowell and  Hugh Macdowell Clokie, his nephew, are both Earthenware manafacturers and it would seem possible they are both managing their businesses together as this WILL in 1868 appears to confirm.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pottery workers from<\/strong> Allerton Bywater in the 1861 Census<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All these appear to be potters in Allerton Bywater at this time; however<\/strong>, they may not all have worked at the Allerton Bywater pottery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hugh MacDowell<\/td>George Dibb<\/td><\/tr>
    John Ellis<\/td>Joseph Dibb<\/td><\/tr>
    William Robinson<\/td>Harriet Dibb<\/td><\/tr>
    John Robinson<\/td>Kate Dibb<\/td><\/tr>
    Thomas Allerton<\/td>George Ashton<\/td><\/tr>
    Mathew Bullough<\/td>William Ashton<\/td><\/tr>
    Joe Bullough<\/td>Samuel Henry Skelton<\/td><\/tr>
    George Norton<\/td>Henry Skelton<\/td><\/tr>
    Mary Ann Norton<\/td>David Skelton<\/td><\/tr>
    Ellen Norton<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    1871 Census.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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    The pottery appears to be still in production in this 1871 Census <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some names are still prominent:-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    William Robinson who is described as Handler in Pottery<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Joseph, Mathew and John Bullough are described as Printers of earthenware<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    John Robinson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sam Bullough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anne Ellis is described as a transferor of pottery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However this is not a complete list and it is unclear who the actual owner is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It has to be assumed it is still under the ownership of the beneficiaries of<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hugh MacDowell`s will.  \u201c Hugh Macdowell Clokie \u201c<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Thomas Robinson<\/strong> appears to be the next owner of Allerton Bywater Pottery; strangely, his prior occupation between 1868 and 1876 was that of a TAILOR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1871 Census shows he originates from Methley, he is resident in Methley Road, Whitwood Mere, and electoral registers indicate he has a  Home, Shop and Premises there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1871 <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    From the electoral registers of 1876, he appears as resident in Allerton Bywater, but still has a Home, Shop  and Premises in Whitwood Mere<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1876   <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    1877<\/strong> he has a pottery business and is resident in Allerton Bywater<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1877 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1878  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1880<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1881 Census <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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    Thomas Robinson<\/strong><\/td>59<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Anna Robinson<\/strong><\/td>54<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    W.G. Robinson<\/strong><\/td>29<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Lily Robinson<\/strong><\/td>13<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Tom Robinson<\/strong><\/td>11<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Thomas Robinson<\/strong> <\/a>is recorded as Earthenware Manufacturer living at Pottery House, employing 7 men and 8 girls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The pottery is described later, as being 20 yards long by eight yards broad with an upper room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Thomas Robinson<\/strong> owned the Pottery between<\/a> 1881 and 1888<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1881 – 8 January 1888<\/strong><\/a> – Thomas Robinson<\/strong> dies,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    His will – 2 February 1888<\/strong>  values his estate at \u00a3814 11s 9d. and passes to his son John Robinson<\/strong> of Allerton Bywater<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    1888 – Friday 4th of May 1888 <\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Friday 4th of May 1888 a fire broke out at the Pottery<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fires in Leeds.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At about half-past one o’clock, Superintendent Baker received a telegram from Mr. Thomas Robinson<\/a>, of the Allerton Pottery, near Castleford, to the effect, “Send fire engine at once; fire raging.” The new tender was at once despatched, with two horses attached, and was followed a few minutes later by the steamer, drawn by four horses. In the short space of fifty minutes the scene of the fire was readied, but it was then found that the fire had been extinguished with the exception that the ends of several of the beams were burning. Those the fire brigade soon put out. The building which had been attacked was <\/a>20 yards long by eight yards broad, and the upper room<\/strong> in which was stored two tons of straw, this and the roof were destroyed. The damage, which is estimated at \u00a3700, is covered by insurance in the Liverpool and London and Globe office. The fire was caused by a pan of wax boiling over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    On the way to Allerton, while turning out of Great Wilson-street into Hunslet Lane, one of the leading horses of the steamer fell, and Police-constable Moore, who was riding it, received such an injury to his knee that he had to turn back. The animal was not injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Source – The Leeds Mercury – Friday, May 4, 1888; Issue 15624<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n