Commemorative Jug with Beaker, John Radcliff, 1799

Item Number: J116a & J116b
Shape Type: Jug with Beaker
Pattern Name: Chinaman with Rocket
Date: c. 1799
Dimensions:  Jug, Height: 7.5 in, Beaker, Height: 3.5 in
Maker: Unknown
Description:
A pearlware commemorative jug and matching beaker printed underglaze in blue with the Rocket pattern. Hand painted in ocher is the name “John Radcliff” accompanied with the date “1799”. The exterior border design made up of geometric shapes and symbols and the interior border consisting of a variation of the butterfly design, distinguish this Rocket pattern from the more traditional one with its bell pattern border. This is an extremely rare example of a pair of commemorative items that would have been presented to John Radcliff at the same time. The fact that they have both survived for well over two hundred years is extraordinary. The beaker is 3.5 inches high.
The name John Radcliff and the date 1799 probably refers to John Radcliffe of Stonebreak, merchant (1756-1840) and early Saddleworth industrialist. John Radcliffe was an original subscriber and on the committee of the Huddersfiled Narrow Canal Company which arrived at Wool Road, Dobcross in 1799. It is possible that the date on the jug and accompanying beaker correspond to the date of the completion of the canal at Wool Road, Dobcross. When James Farrar liquidated the Manor of Saddleworth in 1791, John Radcliffe assumed the duties of Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, keeping the minutes of 32 subscribers intending to purchase the Manorial Rights of Saddleworth for their farms and tennant-held lands. The project was part of a larger endeavor culminating with the completion of the Stanedge Canal Tunnel which opened in 1811.