Stoke Minster was founded in the 7th century as a holy place (Anglo-Saxon = Stoche) on the river Trent. Hence this site is the birth place of Stoke-on-Trent. Although the church was rebuilt in 1826 it still boasts its Anglo-Saxon font and carved stone preaching cross. Its unusual dedication - St Peter ad Vincula - can be translated as ‘The chains of St Peter’ or more symbolically as ‘The Liberation of St Peter’ and comes from Acts 12. St Peter’s is firmly linked to the Industrial Revolution, being the burial place of many of the great manufacturers who made Stoke-on-Trent famous for its pottery and proudly boast memorials to the Spode family and Josiah Wedgwood. Wedgwood was also active in the anti-slavery campaign, producing in 1787 the famous ceramic medallion – ‘Am I not and Man and a Brother’ – showing the liberation of an African slave from his chains. In 2000 Stoke Minster was the location of the funeral Sir Stanley Matthews. A historic Czech cross, given by his daughter in memory of Sir Stan., now adorns the south wall. Stoke-on-Trent is one of the major cities of the UK, but it does not have a cathedral to provide a focus for its spiritual life. In 2005 the Bishop of Lichfield re-designated the church as a Minster, in recognition that St Peter’s fulfils that role in this city. Our vision today is:
to share God’s love in Stoke by: delighting in God’s goodness, creating welcoming communities, and living the risen life of Christ. STOKE MINSTER IS WELL WORTH A VISIT
