Founder of the Spode company, Josiah Spode I, was born on March 23rd 1733. He is sometime referred to as Spode I.
A son and a grandson also had the same name, so are referred to as Josiah Spode II (or Spode II) and Josiah Spode III (or Spode III). There was also a Josiah Spode IV but he was not directly involved with the company.
Spode I was born in Lower Lane near Stoke in North Staffordshire, England.
Josiah Spode I was an important figure in the history of the North Staffordshire pottery industry and, together with his sons Josiah Spode II and Samuel, a generous benefactor to local good causes.
You can find out more about the owners of the Spode company on my page Who Owned Spode?
