Midland Main Lines Rugeley to Stoke-on-Trent TRENTHAM GARDENS BRANCHMidland Main Lines Rugeley to Stoke on Trent TRENTHAM GARDENS BRANCH 20. 95 by Vic Mitchell & Keith Smith The North Staffordshire Railway was widely known as The Knotty, owing to its emblem containing the countys curious cord symbols. This route served The Potteries, source of much of the nation's china, and also ran through extensive picturesque countryside. The line formed part of the shortest link between London and Manchester. Stations & Locations