This booklet serves as an addendum to "The Broken Earthenware of Midhope Potteries" and delves into the cultural and historical significance of the Little Don Valley, emphasizing its contributions to English ceramics and its picturesque environment. It features about 130 illustrations, providing a visual complement to its detailed narrative on the lives of humble potters and glass-makers, as well as the rich history of the area.

The author highlights the drastic transformation of the Stocksbridge area from its past exploitation of labor and natural resources to the present state of enclosed lands, secured minerals, and controlled waters. They stress the importance of thoughtful urban planning to address the needs of Stocksbridge’s 12,000 residents, advocating for better education, infrastructure, and cultural development.

The booklet also underscores the need for cooperation and community-focused progress, contrasting it with selfish individualism that stifles growth. It calls for improved transportation and access to the area, encouraging visitors to explore its historical sites, natural beauty, and antiquities.

Key topics include:

• Reflections on Stocksbridge’s past, present, and future.

• Advocacy for cultural and educational improvements.

• Preservation of historical sites like Midhope and Langsett.

• Celebrating notable figures with ties to Midhope, such as Dr. Nicholas Saunderson and Rev. Matthew Stanley.

• Meditations on the communal spirit, the value of heritage, and the need for modernization without losing historical integrity.

The author urges the preservation of public access to places like Stocks Lane, emphasizing its historical significance and the broader need to balance progress with the protection of cultural heritage.

Please click on the image below to access the handbook in PDF format.