Burslem's most famous sons include the potter Josiah Wedgwood, the watercolour painter James Holland (1800-1870), Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, the founder, bassist and lead singer of Motörhead, and Robbie Williams, who was a major shareholder in Port Vale and whose family are still resident in the area.
In the 17th century, Molly Leigh was resident of the town before being accused of being a witch and dying before her trial.