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This northern Staffordshire town was once an Iron Hill fort settlement. The territory saw constant war between the Anglo/Saxons, Wessex and Mercians from the sixth to the eight centuries. The lands became the property of the Mercian nation. The king bestowed the land his daughter, Lady Ethelfleda, who fortified the village against Danish invasion.
In 1086, Wednesbury was depicted as a rural community with families farming small sections of land having heaths for livestock grazing. In 1315, the discovery of coal pits introduced a new industry and new residents with hopes of finding employment. The town also had nail making among its many trades.
Wednesbury remained the property of the crown until the reign of Henry II. At this time, the land passed onto the Heronville family. During the seventeen hundreds, John and Charles Wesley introduced the Methodist movement to Wednesbury. Warmly received at first, the Anglican Church soon influenced citizens to turn their backs on the new religion. Those that disobeyed endured ransacking and vandalism of homes. The violence ceased once the local Vicar died.
Wednesbury became a municipal borough in 1886. The town also had a large steel works plant that remained open until 1980.
Activities and Attractions
The scenic waterways and vast countryside provide plenty of options for cycling and walking in Wednesbury. Visit the Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery and explore the vast collection of drawings, paintings and watercolours. The facility is noted for having the largest collection of Ruskin pottery, which was made in nearby Sandhill. The museum also houses a collection of antique games and toys from the Victorian era. The Bilston Craft Gallery contains a collection of handmade items running the gamut from ceramics and glassworks to jewellery and woodworking. Exhibits include historic and contemporary craftwork. The facility also hosts public sessions and offers refreshments.
The Black Country Living Museum is a collection of over four dozen homes, shops and workshops commemorating the history of the area. Visit with costumed actors depicting life during the early industrial age. Get a taste of daily life back in the day. Marvel at craftsmen performing everyday tasks that included everything from bread making to metalworking. See a silent movie in an authentic 1920s cinema or venture into the dark recesses of a real coalmine. The site also has various eateries and public facilities.
Young guests enjoy a trip to the Blackbrook Zoological Park, where little ones have the chance to see a wide array of birds ranging from flamingos to penguins. Tortoises to meerkats welcome visitors daily.
Places to Stay and Dining
Local lodging includes historic coaching inns that not only provide a comfortable night's rest, but also contain pubs supplying delicious home cooked meals and traditional ales.
The local Casa Mia restaurant offers a variety of meals with a hint of Southern Europe, Greek or Italian cuisines. Try a sirloin steak, served with onions, garlic and capers along with traditional seasonings. Order a freshly stone baked pizza, made to perfection. The dessert menu includes a selection of ice creams dishes or the ever-popular cheesecake.
Accommodation in Wednesbury
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