104 
SWILLINGTON BRIDGE POTTERY. 
Situated near Methley, in a field adjoining the river Aire and 
the bridge which spans the same, very little is known about this 
pottery. The 1845 Survey marks a pottery of black ware near 
Swillington Bridge. It is said to have been closed owing to the 
smoke from the fires blowing across the Lowther’s park. Large 
trees now grow over part of the site, and very few people know 
that a pottery ever existed here. 
Specimens of this ware are very rare. We have the only 
marked piece that I have ever seen. It was most kindly presented 
to us by Mr. J. R. Kidson, of 116 Albion Street, Leeds. It is a 
round plaque, with figures in relief in colours, and incised on the 
back, “John Wildblood Swillington Bridge Pottery, July 12th, 
1831.” 
Mr. Thomas Boynton has a big jug but it is unmarked, and 
Mr. A. Hurst has a large two-handled loving cup, also not 
marked, with this inscription on it, between two lines of painted 
flowers : 
“ Eshaldwell Brewery is known very well 
For brewing good ale none it can excel 
Pay off your old scores and order again 
For im sure of the ale you cannot complain.’' 
Fig. 100. Plaque. York Museum Collection. 
