Somewhat extensive pot works existed here, on Morewood Moor, in the middle and latter part of last century, or probably much earlier. In 1763 they belonged to a Mr. Thomas Dodd, who in that year became bankrupt. The estates were somewhat extensive, and their sale--land and houses, &c.--covered three days. The sale was “at the house of Mr. Jonathan Kendall, known by the sign of the Peacock, near Alfreton, in Derbyshire.” The following is a copy of the description of the lots in which the pot works occur:-- Lot 1. A large commodious Dwelling House, called Crich Pot House, standing in Wheatcroft, within the said parish of Crich, together with the Garden, walled round, and planted with Wall Fruit, and a Summer House within; and all the Outhouses, Barns, Stables, Cowhouses, Workrooms, Pot furnace, Warehouses and other Edifices therto belonging. And also those six several closes or parcels of enclosed land lying and being in Wheatcroft aforesaid, therto adjoining and belonging, containing by estimation about 38 acres, and being tythe free and paying a chief rent of Two pence halfpenny per ann. And also the Potter’s Clay upon all the commons or waste grounds within the Manor of Lea (within which Manor the before mentioned premises lie), all which are now in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Wheldon, or his assigns. Lot 2. A Leasehold estate for the reversion of a term of 99 years, which commenced at Lady Day, 1744, of one acre of Land to be fenced out of the South-east corner of a certain Close in Wheatcroft aforesaid, commonly called Agnes, otherwise Annis Bottom, under the yearly rent of one pound. Upon which said acre of Land there is now built and standing a good new Pot House, with Workrooms, Pot furnace, Warehouses, and all other Edifices and Apartments necessary for a Pottery, now also in the possession of the said Mr. Wheldon. Lot 3. A Close (being formerly three Closes) in Plaistow, within the parish of Crich aforesaid, containing about 8 acres, being tythe free, together with a Windmill, Kiln for drying Corn, and Blacksmith’s Shop, standing thereupon, being only separated from the fold-yard of the aforesaid house, called Crich Pot-house, by a narrow Lane (called Dark Lane) which said Close pays a Chief rent of £6 per ann., and is now in the holding of the said Mr. Wheldon. Lot 4. A Dwelling House with a Barn and Cowhouse, and two Closes of Land adjoining, tythe free, in Plaistow aforesaid, containing about five acres, paying only a Chief rent of 4d. per ann., and now in the occupation of John Bacon and Mr. Thomas Wheldon.