Description:

A pearlware commemorative jug and matching beaker printed underglaze in blue with the Rocket pattern.  Hand painted in ochre is the name "John Radcliffe" 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...

Description:

A pearlware commemorative jug and matching beaker printed underglaze in blue with the Rocket pattern.  Hand painted in ochre is the name "John Radcliffe" 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 Radcliffe 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 Radcliffe 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 Huddersfield 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 sold 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 Standedge Canal Tunnel which opened in 1811.