Richard Dudson (1768-1833) started a pottery business in 1800 at a factory in Broad Street - originally this was High Street, Shelton later the street was re-named 'Broad Street' - presumably to prevent confusion with the High Street in the north of Hanley, which led to Sneyd Green.

This was the beginning of a family pottery business which was to last for over 200 years. 

In 1809 a second works was opened at the junction of Hanover Street and Hope Street, Hanley - this was a short distance from the Broad Street Works. The new factory was operated by Thomas Dudson.