Welcome to Forgotten
Burton Stories

Celebrating the local history and heritage of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, through community plays, books and talks that raise funds for local charities.

A man in a suit, bow tie and trilby hat (Vale Rawlings) sits for a portrait in 1914.

Friendship, Love & Truth - a book about the life of Vale Rawlings in early 20th century Burton upon Trent - is out now!

The Orton and Spooner family.
Image courtesy of
Andrew Warwick-Thompson.

All profits from plays, books and talks about Vale Rawlings, Orton and Spooner and Lily Thomas go to Burton-based charities.

Lily Thomas, First World War humanitarian, who sent food,
medicine and clothes into
prisoner of war camps.

Latest News

Upcoming Forgotten Burton Stories events

We've got a busy few weeks' ahead as we make final plans for the stands we'll have at events in Staffordshire and Derbyshire during June and July 2026. Silk Mill Lockout festival - June 20th Our first appearance will be at the Silk Mill Lockout festival on Cathedral Green, Derby, on Saturday June 20th. This annual event commemorates the Silk Mill lockout of 1833/34, when hundreds of textile workers were locked out of their workplace during a dispute for better conditions and

Lily Thomas and her daughter Marguerite, then aged about eight, pose with gifts given to Lily by returning World War One prisoners of war in Burton upon Trent

Can you help find relatives of Guernsey-born Lily Thomas?

The search is on to track down any surviving relatives of the amazing, Guernsey-born Lily Thomas. May 19th 2026: I have now edited this post thanks to the comprehensive information I've received from generous and helpful members of the Guernsey Family History group on Facebook who have filled in many gaps. But at this time I am still following up leads and looking to find descendants of Lily's siblings and half-siblings. Lily Thomas pictured with her daughter Marguerite and s

Remembering the martyrs of labour

By Elaine Pritchard The wreaths laid at the TUC tree at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark International Workers Memorial Day 2026. International Workers Memorial Day was marked by a service and wreath-laying at the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas in Staffordshire on April 28th. It was the 10th year that the event has been organised by East Staffordshire Trades Council at this national centre for remembrance. Colourful floral tributes in remembrance of fire figh