The “RUNAWAY MARRIAGE” Jug by
Burleigh Ware of Staffordshire England / Romantic Figural Pitcher Depicting the Blacksmiths at Gretna Green
The Jug is in perfect condition. No Chips or Cracks.
It stands just about 8.5 inches (22 cms) tall and has a base diameter of 4 inches (10 cms).
The backstamp has the Beehive pottery mark dating the Jug to the 1930s.
It tells the (true) story of the Blacksmiths Shop in Gretna Green Scotland where wedding ceremonies have been conducted since the late 1700’s. In the last photograph is an old black and white postcard of the shop.
When visiting Gretna Green one can still see the old coaching roads where young couples would desperately flee towards the England/Scotland border after many hours of travel - often with an angry father in close pursuit on horseback!
At the time English law decreed that no one could marry under the age of 21 without their parent’s consent. However the laws in Scotland were very different - you needed only to confirm you were both free to marry, and with just two witnesses, the ceremony could take place. And fast! Gretna Green was perfectly positioned since it’s the first village in Scotland and the Blacksmiths Shop is the main building. As soon as the Blacksmith had finished, the runaway lovers were now married, and there was nothing the furious father could do!
The rhyme on the side of the jug says:
“The danger of the long night ride are past
In Gretna Green they find themselves at last
The friendly Smith awhile his work resigns
To hear from them the oft repeated lines”
Burleighware added some delightful touches including a handle to portray the Gretna Green signpost and around the rim of the jug is a horseshoe. On the back is the father galloping frantically with shotgun held high, whilst the front shows the Blacksmith and the happy couple by the anvil - all in raised relief.
Burleigh ware is crafted from a unique blend of fine earthenware clay that ensures a luxurious look and feel as well as durability. This is all achieved at the renowned Middleport Pottery, the last working Victorian pottery in England and our home since 1889.
Burselm is one of the six towns that along with Hanley, Tunstall, Fenton, Langton and Stoke-upon-Trent form part of the city of Stoke-on-Trent in Straffordshire, England. It is often referred to as the “Mother Town” of Stoke on Trent.