The Curiosities Of Dudley And The Black Country, From 1800 To 1860 - free ebook by C. F. G. Clark

Read as playlist

The Curiosities Of Dudley And The Black Country, From 1800 To 1860

C. F. G. Clark

60 chapters

19 hour read

Read as playlist

Selected Chapters

60 chapters

The Curiosities of Dudley AND THE Black Country, From 1800 to 1860:

The Curiosities of Dudley AND THE Black Country, From 1800 to 1860:

Also an Account of the Trials and Sufferings of DUD DUDLEY WITH HIS METTALLUM MARTIS: The First Artificer in Iron , MADE WITH Pit Coale and Sea Coale, in 1618: Being some lively and instructive Traits of the Peculiarities of the Inhabitants and their Doings in the Coal and Iron District: also , AN ACCOUNT OF THE ERECTION OF ST. THOMAS’S CHURCH. COMPILED AND EDITED BY C. F. G. CLARK, Carr Villa, Dudley. PRICE 2/6. Birmingham: BUCKLER BROTHERS, PRINTERS, YORK PASSAGE, HIGH STREET. 1881. Entered at

38 minute read

Read Chapter

Preface.

Preface.

Sophocles — Ajax. In placing the following pages before the attention of the inhabitants of Dudley and its vicinity, I am actuated by the desire that the memories of the past generation, with all its fierce struggles for social and political predominance, and its efforts to promote local progression, may be faithfully portrayed in the mirror of its own doings, reproducing many forgotten scenes and events enacted in this Borough, which to the writer of these pages, and many others, afforded then

6 minute read

Read Chapter

THE DEATH OF THE VISCOUNT DUDLEY AND WARD, BARON OF BIRMINGHAM.

THE DEATH OF THE VISCOUNT DUDLEY AND WARD, BARON OF BIRMINGHAM.

Died, April 25th, 1823, the highly esteemed Viscount Dudley and Ward, of Himley Hall, acknowledged to be “The rich man’s model and the poor man’s friend.” This benevolent nobleman spent his truly valuable life at his estate and amongst his numerous friends and tenantry, dispensing with rare judgment and true benevolence his continual benefactions. The noble lord was not only mindful of the well-being and interests of the rich, “but he ne’er forgot the poor;” and the thousands of colliers working

10 minute read

Read Chapter

THE NEW CONNEXION METHODIST CHAPEL, WOLVERHAMPTON STREET.

THE NEW CONNEXION METHODIST CHAPEL, WOLVERHAMPTON STREET.

1829. This commodious Chapel was built and opened in 1829. The cost of the structure and land was £4100, and in 1866 the Chapel was considerably enlarged and beautified at an additional cost of £2094. Previous to the erection of this long-needed edifice, this section of the Wesleyan Congregation worshipped in a small Chapel in Chapel Street. This zealous body (of New Connexion Wesleyans) has largely increased of late years. They have also an excellent School in Rose Hill in connection with their

1 minute read

Read Chapter

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH, NETHERTON.

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH, NETHERTON.

1830. July 16th. This new Church was consecrated and opened by the Lord Bishop Folliott this day. It was built at the cost of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The first Incumbent was the Rev. Arthur Miller, M. A. The body of this spacious Church was built to accommodate 1500 people, and the galleries contain 1000 free sittings. The foundation of this Church was laid by Dr. Booker, the Vicar of Dudley, on November 30th, 1827. On the awful visitation of the Asiatic cholera in England, (in 1831 an

1 minute read

Read Chapter

REFORM AGITATION.

REFORM AGITATION.

During this period the agitation for Reform was monthly assuming larger proportions, and the mighty voice of the then unrepresented masses was knocking at the doors of the Houses of Parliaments with miles of petitions from all parts of the country, for “a Reform in the Representation of the People.” Dudley joined its neighbours at Birmingham and Wolverhampton in the cry for Reform (neither of which important centres of industry had any share then in parliamentary representation, save through the

1 minute read

Read Chapter

EXTRACTS FROM REFORM SPEECHES.

EXTRACTS FROM REFORM SPEECHES.

Mr. Joseph Hume says,—“But I must submit that in whatever way you view the question it is one of immense difficulty, because in the established institutions of this country any change from the worse to the better must always be attended with great difficulty, so far as individual interests and contending parties are concerned. It is with this view His Majesty’s Ministers have done wisely. I candidly confess that when the noble lord stated yesterday that it was not the intention of the Ministry t

31 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY POLITICS.

DUDLEY POLITICS.

To the Editor of the Birmingham Journal. Sir ,—I was much surprised on receiving your paper of last Saturday, to find a most impudent statement made by Mr. John Williams of this town, relative to his exclusion from the Bowling Green. In my opinion, he only met with his deserts, for it is an invariable rule with us to cut any person who differs from us in politics. It was our wish that Colonel Lygon should have been again returned to Parliament for the County of Worcester, and of course expected

4 hour read

Read Chapter

BAPTIST CHAPEL.

BAPTIST CHAPEL.

1839. This substantial brick building was erected in 1777, and considerably enlarged in 1839, at a cost of £700; in 1880, further improvements and alterations were made, adding much to the comfort and convenience of the congregation. The Rev. William Rogers, a true specimen of a Welshman, was the zealous minister of this Chapel for many years. There is also a good Sunday School in vigorous operation held in the vestry room. The Baptist connexion have also another Chapel situate at Cinder Bank, N

9 minute read

Read Chapter

INDEPENDENT CHAPEL.

INDEPENDENT CHAPEL.

1840. This new and commodious Congregational Chapel was built and opened for Divine Worship in 1841, under the pastorship of that excellent minister the Rev. James Dawson, who held that increasingly arduous appointment for a period of forty years. The yearly increasing numbers of the members of this Christian Church, after Mr. Dawson had been thoroughly engrafted into his truly earnest and evangelical work, made it necessary that three enlargements of the old chapel were required; for, as the mi

1 minute read

Read Chapter

ST. JOHN’S AND ST. JAMES’ NEW CHURCHES.

ST. JOHN’S AND ST. JAMES’ NEW CHURCHES.

1840, July 27th. These two unpretending and unmeaning looking district Churches were consecrated this day by the Rev. Robert James, Lord Bishop of Worcester. Architect, Mr. William Bourne, Dudley. The first Incumbent of St. John’s was the Rev. Mr. Short, M.A. The first Incumbent of St. James’ was the Rev. Chas. Cameron, M.A. The Builders were Mr. Thos. Pitt Stokes and Mr. John Holland, Dudley. The site and burial ground, in both cases, were given by that very liberal Church Patron, Lord Ward. Bo

58 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY BREAD AND SOUP KITCHEN.

DUDLEY BREAD AND SOUP KITCHEN.

1842. This very valuable and highly acceptable institution, to the distressed poor especially, was established by a number of benevolent ladies and gentlemen in the town, during one of those cycles of hard times and bad trade to which this town and district is periodically subject. Messrs. Thomas and Isaac Badger, Mr. Wm. Barrows, Mr. Cornelius Cartwright, Messrs. Bourne and Wainwright, the Rev. W. H. Cartwright, M.A., Vicar, &amp;c., Miss Banks, Mrs. H. M. Wainwright, Mrs. Wm. Barrows, Mrs.

38 minute read

Read Chapter

THE METHODIST WESLEYAN CHAPEL.

THE METHODIST WESLEYAN CHAPEL.

1842. This fine brick edifice, forming a centre with two projecting wings, situated in King Street, was erected in 1790, and had considerable additions and alterations made in 1810 and 1825. It contains about 850 sittings, of which 190 are free. The Wesleyan Members in this town and neighbourhood are a highly respectable and liberal communion of Evangelical people, having during the last hundred years exercised a most Christian and beneficial effect upon this town and locality. In the earlier da

56 minute read

Read Chapter

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, ST. MARY AND ST. THOMAS OF CANTERBURY.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, ST. MARY AND ST. THOMAS OF CANTERBURY.

1842. This modern Gothic Church was opened on March 7th, 1842, by his eminence Cardinal Wiseman. Previous to the erection of this sacred edifice the Roman Catholics in Dudley worshipped in a small Chapel in King Street, or were necessitated to travel to Sedgley. The Catholic Church was founded and built at the sole cost of the Honourable Rev. George Spencer, better known afterwards as “Father Ignatius.” The land was given by Mr. William Fletcher, nail master, of Dudley. In 1875, this Church was

10 minute read

Read Chapter

THE FRIENDS’ MEETING HOUSE.

THE FRIENDS’ MEETING HOUSE.

1845. This small place of worship is approached through a passage leading out of High Street. It was originally built in 1670, was enlarged in 1793, and has since had additional alterations. The Friends are a small and select body of worshippers in this town, and appear to have suffered severe and uncharitable persecution at times, for it is recorded that on the 2nd May, 1665, four Friends of Dudley were seized by one Major Wilde, and a troop of horsemen, and taken to Worcester Gaol, kept there

56 minute read

Read Chapter

THE DUDLEY DISPENSARY.

THE DUDLEY DISPENSARY.

1845. May 14. The foundation of this most valuable and humane institution bears date from this period. A public meeting of the inhabitants was held at the Town Hall, on May 14th, 1845, under the presidency of Edward Terry, Esq., the Mayor, “For the purpose of adopting such means as might be deemed best calculated to afford efficient medical relief gratuitously to indigent persons residing in the district, and especially of considering whether the establishment of a hospital at Dennis Park, to be

48 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY POLICE STATION.

DUDLEY POLICE STATION.

1847. The Borough Gaol and habitations for our excellent Police Force were erected at this time by the County of Worcester. Previous to this wise concentration of the Police Force into one locality, the men were lodging and living all about the town, much against that discipline so necessary in the force, and now so characteristically practised by the Dudley Police. The lock-up for prisoners was a dingy hole at the Workhouse, in Tower Street. Mr. Superintendent Burton is our veteran popular chie

4 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION, UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD WARD.

DUDLEY MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION, UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD WARD.

The Sub-Committee appointed at a Public Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Borough of Dudley, convened by the Mayor, (pursuant to a Requisition), and held at the Old Town Hall, on Monday Evening, the 7th instant, for the purpose of taking into consideration the best means to be adopted for the permanent establishment of the Dudley Mechanics’ Institution, beg to call your attention to THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WHICH WERE PROPOSED AND UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED:— 1.—That this Meeting, acknowledging the de

13 minute read

Read Chapter

CHURCH RATES.

CHURCH RATES.

“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, PEACE ON EARTH, AND GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN.” “ Do this in remembrance of me. ” Luke 22. v. 19. Fellow Townsmen , My household goods have been pounced upon a third time, to furnish the Churchmen of the ward, in which I have the misfortune to dwell, with means to worship their God more cheaply; with wine to drink in remembrance of their Saviour at the communion table, at less expense to their niggardly pockets; to pay for the washing and mangling of their parson’s surpl

22 minute read

Read Chapter

THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, DUDLEY.

THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, DUDLEY.

1849. Rev. A. Kerr Thompson, M.A., Queen’s College, Oxford, Head Master, late Senior Assistant Master in King Edward the VIth’s School, Birmingham; Rev. F. J. Fairhead, B.A., Queen’s College, Cambridge, Second Master, late Second Master of the College, Wye, Kent; Mr. John Henn, Assistant Master, formerly Assistant Master in King Edward the VIth’s School, Meriden Street, Birmingham, and late Head Master of St. Peter’s National School, Birmingham....

19 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY UNION WORKHOUSE.

DUDLEY UNION WORKHOUSE.

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Dudley, convened by the Mayor ( Edward Terry , Esq.,) in compliance with a respectably signed requisition, held at the Town Hall, the 8th day of October, 1849, “to take into consideration the confined situation of the present Poor House, and the necessity that exists for the adoption of measures without delay for its removal to a more open and healthy site.” Resolved ,—On the motion of Thomas Badger , Esq., seconded by C. F. Hewitt , Esq., “That it is the opini

48 minute read

Read Chapter

PAPAL AGGRESSION.

PAPAL AGGRESSION.

On November 26th, 1850, a large and influential public meeting of all denominations of Christians, Thomas Fereday, Esq., the Mayor, i n the chair, was held in the Old Town Hall, for the purpose of presenting an address to the Queen, “against the recent insolent usurpation by the Pope of Rome of authority and jurisdiction in this your Majesty’s independent dominions.” This meeting was addressed at great length by the Mayor, Dr. Browne, Vicar; Rev. Jno. Wesley Thomas, Wesleyan Minister; Rev. Jno.

3 minute read

Read Chapter

PROPOSED APPLICATION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT TO DUDLEY.

PROPOSED APPLICATION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT TO DUDLEY.

On Tuesday last, William Lee, Esq., one of the Superintending Inspectors of the General Board of Health, opened an enquiry at the Old Town Hall, Dudley, for the purpose of enabling the authorities at Whitehall to form an opinion as to the desirability of bringing the provisions of the Public Health Act into operation within the Borough. Such investigations have mostly hitherto been instituted upon the petition of the inhabitants of such towns as were considered to require improvement in sanitary

22 minute read

Read Chapter

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE WATER COMPANY.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE WATER COMPANY.

December 1st, 1851. This new company gave public notice of their intention to apply to Parliament for a Bill to give to a large portion of South Staffordshire, together with the town of Dudley, a better supply of water. After considerable opposition they succeeded in obtaining the Bill in the main, and from that time our water supply has been given by that now very enlarged company. March 2nd, 1852. Married Miss Cresswell, of the Priory Home, to Mr. John Beddard, Nail Factor and Iron Merchant. C

1 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

DUDLEY LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

To the Ratepayers of the Parish of Dudley. Fellow Ratepayers , The Public Health Act being extended to the Parish of Dudley, you will in a few days be called upon to elect proper persons, as a Local Board, to carry out its provisions. As it will necessarily entail a very heavy expense on the Parish, it is of the utmost importance that those persons should be elected who will faithfully discharge the weighty duties of their office, with a due regard to ECONOMY IN THE EXPENDITURE OF THE PARISH FUN

15 minute read

Read Chapter

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE ELECTION!!!

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE ELECTION!!!

February 11th, 1854. A very sharp contest took place this day for South Staffordshire, betwixt Lord Paget and Lord Ingestre, which ended in a majority of 1568 votes for Lord Paget, the Liberal Candidate. Lord Ward, a Conservative by induction, who can command this constituency, by some unexplained reason, threw the whole of his weight and influence into the hands of the Liberals, hence the result of the election. We had again another pitiable exhibition of territorial influence in Dudley and els

2 hour read

Read Chapter

BOROUGH ELECTION.

BOROUGH ELECTION.

The death of Mr. Benbow necessitated another Parliamentary Election in this borough, and as very little time was given (only eleven days) for the burgesses to look around for a new member, that short time was very adroitly occupied by the Castle wire-pullers in trimming and burnishing up the rather raw and unsettled political ideas of a perfect stranger to Dudley, in the person of Sir Stafford H. Northcote, Bart., of the Pynes, near Exeter. This gentleman, of great ability and good lineage and d

5 minute read

Read Chapter

PEACE!

PEACE!

March 30th, 1856. A Treaty of Peace was signed at Paris this day, which put an end to the cruel and unsatisfactory Russian War. Six New Members of our Local Board of Health had to be elected this spring, and the contest was again both sharp and bitter; for the old Tory party, with Mr. Isaac Badger at its head, were determined to get rid of all Liberals and Liberal progress in the Board; hence followed some smart hand bills....

22 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH ELECTION.

DUDLEY LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH ELECTION.

Isaac opposed all Civil Liberty ! Isaac opposed Repeal of the Corn Laws ! Isaac opposed Free Trade ! Isaac opposed Parliamentary Reform ! Isaac opposed and opposes the Press in the Board Rooms ! Isaac opposes Information and Knowledge as the basis of Local Legislation ! Isaac and his Friends opposed Economy in the Workhouse, when it was proved each Pauper cost 1s. 7½d. per week more than Birmingham and Wolverhampton; increasing the Rates £422 per year. WOOD AND HOLLIER Reduced this Extravagance;

24 minute read

Read Chapter

PITCHFORK TESTIMONIAL FUND.

PITCHFORK TESTIMONIAL FUND.

Committee : Rev. William McKean W. E. Johnson, Esq. Mr. Edward Grainger “ C. F. G. Clark “ Peter Wright “ Edward Wood “ Charles Tyler “ W. Sheppard “ John Owen “ Thomas Roberts “ Alexander Patterson “ George E. Horton “ John Williscroft “ James Smith “ Henry Silvers “ Thomas Crew “ T. E. Beesley “ W. Meese “ Joseph Beddard “ R. W. Vanes “ Geo. T. Patterson “ William Davies “ Samuel Boden “ Thomas Haynes “ George Wood “ George Stevenson “ Thomas Morris Mr. John Finch “ John Castree “ John H. Vane

44 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY CONSTABULARY FORCE:

DUDLEY CONSTABULARY FORCE:

John Roberts , Commandant. Seventh Division. Isaac Badger , Superintendent. E. Cresswell , Deputy Superintendent. Ed. Cresswell, jun. William Beddard H. Addenbrooke John Bent Samuel Edwards William Cole Daniel Parker Jeremiah Parker Thomas Berry William Fellowes Stephen Dunn William Cooper James Wood Stephen Hodgetts Peter Minty Moses Hughes Richard Stokes William Deeley George Cardo Stephen Dunn William Cooper James Wood Stephen Hodgetts Peter Minty Moses Hughes Richard Stokes William Deeley Ge

1 minute read

Read Chapter

BEN BOUCHER,

BEN BOUCHER,

The Dudley Poet and Rhymist . BEN BOUCHER. THE DUDLEY POET, 1847. This extraordinary old man was truly a “curiosity” in himself; for many years he enlivened the Black Country with distiches of the ins and outs of life, in all its varied phases, by his peculiar doggerel poetry or songs, which the old man used to compose on any public event which struck his fancy or provoked his wrath. He then sallied out to the wondering public, and sold his songs at one penny per sheet, and familiar indeed was t

11 minute read

Read Chapter

APPOINTMENT OF ORGANIST.

APPOINTMENT OF ORGANIST.

To the Subscribers to the St. Thomas’s Congregational Fund. Gentlemen , The Vicar, having refused the use of the Vestry Room for the Meeting appointed to take place this morning, and published the communication referring thereto, we beg to lay before you the whole correspondence that has passed between us, and part of which Dr. Browne chooses to say was so unsatisfactory as to induce him, and the Churchwardens, somewhat hastily to appoint an Organist; after the Meeting of the 14th we called upon

16 minute read

Read Chapter

THE INDIAN REVOLT.

THE INDIAN REVOLT.

October 24th, 1857. A General Subscription was entered into in Dudley, on behalf of the Indian Relief Fund for sufferers by the dreadful Military Revolt, which took place in Delhi and the surrounding Districts. The handsome sum of £831 6s. 8d. was raised for that laudable and urgent object....

14 minute read

Read Chapter

THE OXFORD, WORCESTER, AND WOLVERHAMPTON RAILWAY STATION AT DUDLEY.

THE OXFORD, WORCESTER, AND WOLVERHAMPTON RAILWAY STATION AT DUDLEY.

To the Editor of the Dudley and Midland Counties Express . Sir ,—Scarcely three months have rolled over our heads, since the leading officials of the above line did penance on the stool of public opinion, erected at a town’s meeting held in the Old Town Hall, Dudley, “to consider the disgraceful state of the Railway Station in Dudley, and the want of railway accommodation afforded to the town generally.” On that occasion a considerable amount of special pleading was resorted to by the parties co

6 minute read

Read Chapter

LORD WARD’S COURT LEET.

LORD WARD’S COURT LEET.

The result of the Parliamentary Election in March last was not allowed to slumber, for Mr. Wm. Haden, a County Magistrate, and a member of the Court Leet, got his back up at some of the proceedings, and as he was out-voted by the majority of the Liberal gentlemen present, he must needs vent his spleen upon Mr. Bourne, the Clerk to the Court Leet, which brought forth the following correspondence:— To the Editor of the Birmingham Daily Press . Sir ,—In your report of the proceedings at Lord Ward’s

32 minute read

Read Chapter

THE CELEBRATION OF THE PRINCESS ROYAL’S WEDDING IN DUDLEY.

THE CELEBRATION OF THE PRINCESS ROYAL’S WEDDING IN DUDLEY.

On Monday last, John Beddard, Esq., the Mayor of this town, issued bills stating that he should be very happy to meet, at Smith’s Hotel, in the Market Place, that evening at seven o’clock, any of the inhabitants disposed to support some public demonstration on the marriage day of the Princess Royal. At the time appointed for the meeting to take place, our reporter attended and found only the Mayor present. During the next half-hour or so a few gentlemen looked into the room to see what sort of a

38 minute read

Read Chapter

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.

Brother Ratepayers , Monopoly has passed away —The death fang of ignorance, political and social oppression, has been broken in the Abortive Doings of the Past; and the sunbeam of enlightenment and knowledge is once more permitted to dawn upon the horizon of Dudley’s political and social degradation. RATEPAYERS TO ACTION!! The tocsin of opposition has been sounded loud and clear in the corners of our streets, and the hand of Liberty is once more held out to uphold and maintain your expiring righ

17 minute read

Read Chapter

THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM.

THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM.

June 15th, 1858. Her Majesty the Queen this day opened the “People’s Park,” at Aston, a suburb of Birmingham. This being the first time a monarch had visited, in state, the Radical town of Birmingham, the good people of that busy town received their Queen in a right royal style. The Corporation, however, having a strong plebeian tendency, was much stirred within its Radical proclivities, as to how far it could sustain the cordiality and loyalty to the Sovereign, befitting her exalted station, wi

1 minute read

Read Chapter

THE DUDLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL PRIZES.

THE DUDLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL PRIZES.

To the Editor of the Daily Post . Sir ,—The omission at this Midsummer vacation of the usual distribution of prizes to the boys, and the circular issued by the head master (the Rev. R. Harper,) announcing a very important alteration from the hitherto practised mode of rewarding the industry and stimulating the energy of the lads in this public school, cannot fail to have awakened the minds of the parents and public in this town and neighbourhood, as to the reasons which have induced the trustees

15 minute read

Read Chapter

THE SEBASTOPOL GUNS.

THE SEBASTOPOL GUNS.

To the Editor of the Dudley Times and Express . Sir ,—Your many readers will recollect that (at Midsummer, 1857) Dudley was the scene of much rejoicing and loyal demonstration, on the event of the Sebastopol Guns being drawn into the Castle Court Yard, amid the din of drums and flourish of trumpets. On that joyous occasion, loud and lofty promises were made, and official dignity was pledged to make some decent arrangement for fixing those famous trophies on a suitable basis; but alas, Mr. Editor

3 minute read

Read Chapter

THE OLD TOWN HALL AND THE SEBASTOPOL GUNS.

THE OLD TOWN HALL AND THE SEBASTOPOL GUNS.

To the Editor of the Dudley Times and Express . Sir ,—It will be in the recollection of the gentlemen who attended the late Court Leet dinner in Dudley, that amongst a variety of anticipated improvements and amendments that were required for the social, moral, and architectural advancement of our good old town of Dudley, “that another public effort should be made to get rid of that unneccessary building, the Old Town Hall.” Now, sir, we have great veneration for the doings of the past, and belie

6 minute read

Read Chapter

THE DUDLEY NEW UNION WORKHOUSE.

THE DUDLEY NEW UNION WORKHOUSE.

1859. This long wanted and extensive Poor Law Establishment, was occupied early this year. The cost of the New Union House and Land, was upwards of £26,000; which had to be provided for by the four large Parishes, Dudley, Sedgley, Tipton, and Rowley Regis. The population of these four Parishes was estimated to be 130,000 souls; and the in-door paupers connected with each Parish had, up to this very necessary change, been confined in four wretched habitations, called Poor Houses, which were a tho

53 minute read

Read Chapter

EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION.

EAST WORCESTERSHIRE ELECTION.

February 22nd, 1859. This was considered to be the most severe contest, for a single seat, which had ever taken place in this division of the county. There had not been a contest at all during the last 22 years in this division; and it had become a matter of doubtful speculation as to which party, Tory or Liberal, could carry the day. The Tories had from almost time immemorial held possession of Worcestershire, both East and West, and it required a stout heart and a willing hand to engage in thi

11 minute read

Read Chapter

BOROUGH ELECTION.

BOROUGH ELECTION.

April, 1859. No sooner had our political elements settled down, after the severe county contest of the preceding February, but we were called into agitation again by the sudden dissolution of the Conservative Parliament, and Dudley was taxed to its utmost to so trim its political sails, and put square men into round holes, in order that its former political triumphs might not have been won in vain. Mr. H. B. Sheridan, the sitting member, sought re-election again, backed by the Radicals and Chart

41 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY RIFLE CORPS.

DUDLEY RIFLE CORPS.

November 23rd, 1859, a requisition, signed by upwards of 120 of the leading inhabitants of the town, was presented to the Mayor, T. Tinsley, Esq., requesting him to convene a public meeting, to take into consideration the expediency of forming a Volunteer Rifle Corps in this Borough. Mr. Henry Money Wainwright, Solicitor, was elected the first captain, which honourable appointment he held with great dignity and efficiency for a number of years. A public subscription was originated to raise funds

33 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY GARRICK CLUB.

DUDLEY GARRICK CLUB.

Some of my readers may be pleased to see a re-print of one of the earlier Play Bills of this enterprising Volunteer company of our younger townsmen, who founded one of the most enjoyable entertainments ever held in the town. Too much praise cannot be accorded to these young gentlemen for the assiduity and care they always manifested in placing upon the boards some of the most exciting as well as highly finished dramatic pieces of the day. These theatrical performances were liberally patronized b

3 minute read

Read Chapter

THE EARLDOM OF DUDLEY.

THE EARLDOM OF DUDLEY.

February 13th, 1860. The Right Honourable Lord Ward was created “Earl of Dudley and Viscount Ednam.” This important event was received with great satisfaction, both in the town of Dudley and the surrounding villages and hamlets, and the ancient town of Dudley was especially aware of marked consideration, in having the new elevation in the Peerage of the House of Himley called after our loyal and trusty old Borough. Deputations of congratulations to the noble Earl poured in upon him from all quar

2 hour read

Read Chapter

TRIAL OF MR. SAMUEL COOK, DRAPER OF DUDLEY.

TRIAL OF MR. SAMUEL COOK, DRAPER OF DUDLEY.

1827. Posterity will view in very different light the public acts of this remarkable townsman, when we consider that all the points of the Great Charter, which he so strenuously advocated, and never failed to bring to the front when occasion presented itself, have now, save one or two divisions, been passed by succeeding Parliaments, and entered upon the Statute Book of this country, as just and lawful measures to be exercised by voters in sending “fit and proper men” to make laws and administer

9 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY ELECTION, 1832.

DUDLEY ELECTION, 1832.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 As a great amount of talk and contention has of late been indulged in by all classes of ratepayers, in reference to the proceedings of the Dudley Town Council; more especially about the Deep Drainage, and the Public Baths, &amp;c., it may not be out of place in preserving a record of the names of those gentlemen and ratepayers who, in 1864, appended their names to the largest requisition ever signed in this town, “for the purpose of consideri

4 minute read

Read Chapter

INCORPORATION OF THE BOROUGH.

INCORPORATION OF THE BOROUGH.

TO SAMUEL RUDGE, Esq. , MAYOR OF DUDLEY. We, the undersigned, Ratepayers and Inhabitants of the Parish of Dudley, respectfully request you to convene a PUBLIC MEETING, for the purpose of considering the desirability of presenting a Petition to the Queen in Council, praying Her Majesty to grant a Charter of Incorporation to this Borough. James C. Browne, D.C.L., vicar Alexander George Davies, M.A., incumbent of St. James’s John Davies, M.A., incumbent of St. Edmund’s E. H. L. Noott, B.A., incumbe

21 minute read

Read Chapter

ST. THOMAS’S PARISH CHURCH.

ST. THOMAS’S PARISH CHURCH.

Much unkindly feeling and animosity was occasioned in the Parish when this fine Old Parish Church was doomed to be demolished, more especially when it became known that a heavy Church Rate for years to come would be levied upon the Ratepayers, partly to meet the cost of building the New Parish Church. [37] On laying the Foundation Stone of the present St. Thomas’s Church, on October 25th, 1816, the following ticket was issued:— ADMIT THE BEARER INTO ST. THOMAS’S CHURCH YARD, On the 25th of OCTOB

5 minute read

Read Chapter

DUDLEY DURING THE LAST SIXTY YEARS.

DUDLEY DURING THE LAST SIXTY YEARS.

To the Editor of the Dudley Guardian . Sir ,—In my former letters to you I have given an account of what took place and about the old Parish Church, in this I shall give some information respecting the present church, which is so great an ornament to the town. The foundation stone was laid in the year 1816, and finished building in the year 1819, at a cost of £24,000, raised partly by rates and partly by voluntary contributions. The following is a list of the donors:— So that it will be seen tha

5 minute read

Read Chapter

OLD DUDLEY DURING THE LAST SIXTY YEARS.

OLD DUDLEY DURING THE LAST SIXTY YEARS.

To the Editor of the Dudley Guardian . Sir ,—In reference to the letters which have appeared in the Dudley Guardian for several weeks past signed “Veritas,” and “Z.”—such letters containing matters which are in many instances preserved as historical records,—permit me to say that some of the statements are very vague and indefinite. We will take for instance Saint Thomas’ Church, Dudley. Your correspondent states it cost the sum of £24,000, raised partly by rates and partly by voluntary contribu

34 minute read

Read Chapter

ANCIENT DUDLEY SOUP KITCHEN.

ANCIENT DUDLEY SOUP KITCHEN.

In the earlier part of this book I have had occasion to refer to the commencement of the present Dudley Soup Kitchen, which I consider is well supported by the town, and does an immense amount of real good, in distributing such large quantities of excellent soup amongst the poor and indigent classes in bad winter weather; since that was printed I have been favoured with the following particulars of the old Soup Kitchen, established in 1799. The establishment of this Soup Kitchen and Relief to th

4 minute read

Read Chapter

TO THE PUBLIC.

TO THE PUBLIC.

This Work “ Metallum Martis ,” first printed in the year 1665, and written by “ Dud Dudley ,” a member of the ancient and honourable family of the Lords of Dudley, is most curious in its composition and most valuable to the antiquarian, and all engaged in the manufacture of iron and steel, and all their varied products, showing the indefatigable efforts of this enterprising artificer in metals, “ Dud Dudley ,” to make iron by the liberal use of coal, so abundant in this neighbourhood. The noble

5 minute read

Read Chapter

TO THE Kings Most Sacred Majesty.

TO THE Kings Most Sacred Majesty.

May it Please Your Majesty , All Your Kingdoms, Dominions, and Territories, being the happy Subjects of Your Cares, are therefore the proper Objects of Your View: Great Brittain, O Great Brittain, Your Principal Island, here Humbly Presents her self unto Your Royall Presence, View and Care; be Pleased, to interpret this her Obsequiousness, to be her Duty; for since Your Majesties safe Return, has already Graciously dayned, to View, and often to review her Shipings, Stores, Armories, Ordnance, Ma

41 minute read

Read Chapter

TO THE honourable, his Majesties Great Council, The High Court of Parliament.

TO THE honourable, his Majesties Great Council, The High Court of Parliament.

Your Predecessors in former Ages, had both serious Consultations, and Considerations, before they made those many Wholesome and Good Lawes, for the Preservation of Wood, and Timber, of this Kingdome, 1 Eliz. 15. 23 Eliz. 5. 27 Eliz. 19. 28 Eliz. 3. 5. in whose dayes, and since in King James’s Reign, Ships in most Ports and Rivers of this Kingdom, ( Thames Excepted) might have been built, for forty Shillings per Tunn; but now they can hardly be built for treble the value, wood and timber is so mu

9 minute read

Read Chapter

To the Reader, especially of England, Scotland and Wales.

To the Reader, especially of England, Scotland and Wales.

The injury and prejudice done unto me &amp; to this Island, my native Country for the making of Iron, in cast works and bars with Pitcoal, Seacoal, Peat and Turff, and with the like feuell, to melt, extract, refine and reduce all Mines and mettals, moved me in the negligence of better Wits and Pens to apologise for it: in this ensuing Treatise, and believe me Reader, twas no private, or politick designe in my Invention, but meer zeal, becomming an honest man , Patriæ, parentibus and amicis;

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Dud Dudley’s Metallum Martis.

Dud Dudley’s Metallum Martis.

That Great Brittain with her Men of Warr, Fleets and Shiping, have had in all Ages, and in these latter Ages, as great Success at Seas as any people whatsoever in the Universe, cannot modestly be denied in 88, overthrowing that Invincible Armado so long a preparing, and since other Navies also; and whose Armadoes, Navies, Armes, and Men, have been a Terrour to other Nations; nay her own Grand Magazins, are the very Granary from whence all His Sacred Majesties Kingdomes, Dominions, and Territorie

42 minute read

Read Chapter