William Boulton (engineer)

He was an apprentice engineer in Madeley, and later moved to Burslem where he started in business with a Mr Brough, before creating his own company.

He died in his sleep on the night of October 28, 1900, and his funeral was a large affair with all members of the town council present and thousands lining the streets.

Middleport Pottery is an example of a new pottery equipped by William Boulton in 1888, and much of the original equipment remains, including the steam engine, clay blungers, slip pumps and filter presses of the slip house, the jolleys, jiggers and steam dryers of the production areas, and the print presses in the transfer shop.

He promoted (and patented) the use of cotton rope to drive machinery such as throwing wheels replacing the hand cranking by a potters assistant (and as an alternative to overhead line-shafting).

From steam engines and boilers, drive systems, and to every part of production, William Boulton could provide equipment, much of which was covered by his patents.