Bideford has produced earthenware goods since medieval times and at its peak the industry, around Willet Street, producing clay ware such as pots, bread ovens, pitchers, plant pots and clay pipes for both export and the home market.

These Potteries were very important to the town, particularly in the 17th century when they were in great demand for provisioning ships, in the new American colonies and also across many parts of Europe.

As an example of the importance of this business to the local economy, in 1683 approximately 140,000 parcels of Bideford earthenware were exported to Ireland to be used for marketing butter.