The porcelain manufactory at Worcester was established in 1751 and this first company of the name lasted until 1840. At the time of Franklin's residence in London it was considered to be one of England's most important ceramics factories. "Worcester's prints, especially those by Robert Hancock, tended to be their own province, and they were the earliest factory to transfer print commercially." (I am indebted to Letitia Roberts for that information.)

Franklin visited Worcester on at least one occasion, after which he wrote to his wife that he was sending her, among other ceramic gifts, "a Worcester bowl, ordinary" (February 19, 1758).