Burslem grew rapidly in the early 19th century and the demand for wharfage facilities was met by the development of the area between Longport and Newport.

By 1823 this area was known as “Middle Port”. Here a large new wharf had been opened by 1832 called 'Port Vale Wharf’  (see 1832 map) connected to Newcastle Street by Port Vale Street (originally Bag Street). 

The Anderton Canal Company bought the adjacent site to Burgess & Leigh in the early 1890s where they erected a large warehouse and boat repair yard most of which is intact.

The Anderton works are now used as offices and small manufacturing units

The dilapidated wooden structure on the frontage of the warehouse  is a lift which was used to load and offload the barges.

Anderton Canal Co from Port Street
showing the Warehouse on the right.