Pottery. [Of uncertain origin and age: connection with CROUCH-CLAY, or the converse, is suggested by Solon, Old English Potter, but evidence is wanting.] A name applied by collectors to the early salt-glazed pottery of Staffordshire.
1817. W. Pitt, Topogr. Hist. Staffordsh., 415–6. These pieces [of c. 1700] appear to be composed of the clay found in the coal-pits in and near Burslem, then called Can-marl; while others have been found, formed of this clay and a mixture of white sand or pounded gritstone, procured at Mole Cop, and well covered with a salt glaze. This last is known by the name of CROUCH WARE, and proves that the salt glaze had at that time been introduced.
1829. S. Shaw, Hist. Staffordsh. Potteries, 110. We find CROUCH WARE first made there [Burslem] in 1690…. In making Crouch Ware, the common Brick Clay and fine Sand from Mole Cob, were first used; but afterwards the Can Marl and Sand, and some persons used the dark grey clay from the coal pits and sand, for the body; and Salt glaze.
1883. Solon, Art Old Eng. Potter, 72.
