Clifton was originally a pattern produced by Royal Worcester Porcelain (Spode's sister company) in the 1940s and was produced on bone china and named Lakme. It was printed in dark red and featured rose briars and exotic birds. In the 1980s the Royal Worcester/Spode designers adapted the original pattern removing the border design and birds to produce Clifton for production at Spode on earthenware for an exclusive pattern for the retailer Laura Ashley.

In 1996 the pattern was put into general production but will be withdrawn in 1999. A new pattern called Burlington is Clifton in blue and yellow and was introduced in 1999. (The new Burlington should not be confused with an earlier pattern of the same name but a completely different design.)