"Bottle kiln ovens have been described as the sentinels of the Potteries and certainly they portrayed the staple industry of the district almost from the time of early pottery making. 

Today they are rare and objects of veneration..... one of the best examples, taken in December 1951, at Twyfords Cliff Vale Works, which shows an unusually large number of kilns gathered together. 

This picture formed the background for the title of 'Clayhanger'. a televation series. Some of the smoke they emitted can be gained from the picture in the background of which can be seen the cemetery at Shelton, itself dating back to 1860."