Staffordshire is the historic area where "the potteries" have reigned for over 300 years. The pottery region is located approximately 150 miles from London and is easily accessible by road, an excellent railway system and two nearby airports in Manchester and Birmingham. Manufacturers such as Spode, Royal Doulton and Wedgwood are household names for many Americans. There are also hundreds of lesser-known names associated with the pottery industry in this region of England.  cont'd