About Barrington Ironstone

Humble Beginnings

• During the Earth’s Jurassic Age, Mesozoic ores such as iron were formed in ancient sea beds that were revealed when water receded, and the waters that now surround the British Isles were formed. Three types of iron ore were deposited in the area: Frodinham, Marlstone and Northampton Sand. Roman legions pioneered mining activities and over time, the northern regions of England became an epicenter of iron ore excavation. In the Northampton area, limestone quarrying reached its peak in the 17th century as Royal forges associated with Rockingham Castle produced raw ironstone for a large portion of the country, until Sweden began to export a better grade of the ore.

The Industrial Revolution

• Swedish imports virtually put an end to ironstone quarrying in the U.K. until the Industrial Revolution dawned and the installation of railroad lines jump-started a resurgence of mining activities in the Northampton region. The ores of the East Midlands were prized and since coal production also dominated the area, both became key indicators of the nation’s economic and political health. The Barrington Cement Works in Cambridgeshire became one of the largest and most productive businesses in the region. Among the cottage industries springing up as a result of the Barrington Cement Works was ironstone pottery.

The Father of White Ironstone

• White ironstone was named for the ore’s extremely high salt content, and potter Charles James Mason of Staffordshire patented the process of making the pieces. White ironstone was stronger than porcelain, given its earthenware base, and homemakers were quick to adopt it for non-formal dining occasions. Mason’s patent lasted for 14 years but the legal standing didn’t stop English potters from producing it. Among the household names in earthy dinnerware and serving pieces was the Barrington Cement Works’ signature product: Barrington Ironstone.

The Barrington Quarry

• If you’ve visited Bath, England you know that the Roman baths are gorgeous archaeological remnants of an ancient era, but they’re not the only artifacts of the occupation that Roman legions left behind. The remnants of two Roman ironstone quarries exist in the Barrington area and if you visit, you might be able to see the chalky material used to make durable goods, including the clay that became today’s prized stoneware. Historians note that while the most recent excavation at Barrington is around 80 years old, there’s plenty of proof of the pioneering efforts of Romans to mine the clay several thousand years ago.

Barrington Ironstone Hallmark

• Look beneath each piece of heavy crockery for a primitive winged and hoofed animal that stands above a simple banner reading "Barrington." Printed beneath the brand name: “Ironstone; Made in England.” Own one or more of these treasures and you have a piece of history that’s worth quite a bit of money if it’s in pristine condition, though even a chipped or cracked example of this signature pottery is better put on display, rather than being used to serve oatmeal. Undecorated Barrington Ironstone vases and serving pieces remain so prized, a staff member of the City Museum and Art Gallery of Stoke-on-Trent traveled all the way to the U.S. to find samples for that city’s museum.