The 'Knotty' was one of the most beloved of Britain's pre-grouping
companies. Centred on Stoke-on-Trent, at one time it carried two-thirds
of the country's pottery, as well as partaking in the lucrative coal and
iron trades. It began to build its own carriages and locomotives at an
early date and operated an extensive canal system, as well as narrow
gauge lines including the Leek & Manifold. Never a wealthy company, it
withstood aggressive take-over attempts from its bigger rivals to
maintain its independent existence until 1923. This book, illustrated
with a wealth of rare images, marks the 100th anniversary of the end of
the railway's independence.