Read all about the Norton Green Riots that took place in the village over 170 years ago.

Living at Norton Green over 170 years ago and owning the Old Hall was the family of Hales, from all accounts a highly respected family. The 'Staffordshire Advertiser' in November 1834 records the death of Mary Hales, widow of Charles Hales, and from the tributes paid in the press at the time of her death, she was a much loved lady and her passing was much lamented by the neighbours to whom she had shown many kindnesses. She was succeeded by her son Alfred who resided at the Hall, and it was he who sank the Lime Kiln Pit (Lime Kiln Cottages), a venture which proved a failure and Alfred lost all his money. This preyed on his mind with the result that he committed suicide at the Old Hall.

Charles Hales then succeeded his father at the Hall and lived there for some time but the family was in considerable financial difficulty. Property which included the Old Hall, Brick Bank Farm, the Lime Kiln, Coal and Ironstone Mine and Canal Wharf were put up for sale. A family of 'Oldacr'e then occupied the Hall. Mr Oldacre being a Solicitor in Burslem was thought to have arranged a mortgage. Charles Hales still claimed possession of the Hall, as he had not received any payment.

The sequel to this confrontation led to what was known as the "Norton Green Riots". Hales still insisting that he should occupy the Hall took the law into his own hands. One day Hales accompanied by about 70 men from Mow cop arrived at the Old Brown Jug (Foaming Quart) at 9 a.m, with the intention of taking the Hall by force. James Mayor was the licensee at the time and his sister Alice was the Housekeeper at the Hall. Mayor's wife hearing of their intentions sent word to the Oldacres to warn them of what might happen. She also sent her daughter Elizabeth to Mr. Cope's Foundry for help. The foundry men were also joined by the farm labourers from Mr Dean's farm at Heakley to go the aid of Mr Oldacre.

Free fights ensued, and some of the rioters were thrown through the windows of the Old Hall. Eventually the Mow Cop men were driven off and chased by the foundry men up to Norton still pelting them with stones. Several rioters were sent to trial at Stafford Assizes and sent to prison. Some notable names were Eardley, Hancock, Simpson, Taylor, Sargeant, Unwin and Evans. The Old Hall at Norton Green c.1643 is one of our oldest properties bearing witness to the test of time.

The above record was taken from a back issue of an 'Old Nortonian Society' newsletter written by Mr. Geoff Brammer, who at the time of writing them was the Hon. Secretary of the Old Nortonians. Sadly in 2005, Geoff passed away. Geoff was a highly respected & well known character around the village & surrounding areas & generously contributed his time & energy to the local communities. He also took an interest in the local History and was also a teacher of Photography at the local college. We would like to thank Geoffs widow Mrs. Margaret Brammer who kindly offered the records for the purpose of this Community website.