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Tag Archives: David Evans
The far pavilion
I said I’d return to the subject of Walsall Wood F.C. in due course, and today, I have some interesting pieces of the jigsaw to throw in, courtesy of readers. I’ve got other contributions on the subject to come, too, which will be developed in a subsequent post.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1935, 1936, Booth, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, David Oakley, Events, Express & Star, FC, Football club, Lichfield Mercury, local blogs, Local History, McClean, Mycock, Pavilion, Peake, Pedro, Peter Cutler, Seedhouse, Staffordshire, Stand, Things to do, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Bradford on Brownhills
Here’s something found by Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler in the newspaper archive that crosses over from the Ogley Hay school into the area covered by Doctor Bradford’s predecessor, Dr. Maddever in his report to the health of Brownhills in 1910.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1910, 1933, Andy Dennis, Bradford, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Coombe House, David Evans, Doctor, Hussey Estate, Infant School, Junior School, Lichfield Mercury, Local History, Local politics, Maddever, medical report, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Square, Poverty, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
Looking after the girls
For many years the now sad, tired old building in Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood, was the only school in the village. It had opened in 1859 to replace the original school which stood at the corner of Beech Tree Road and King Street, and had itself fallen into disrepair .
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills local history, David Evans, Derelict, Education, Girls school, Local History, Maddaver, New Photos, Records, School, Shire Oak, St Johns, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
24 Comments
A spectator writes…
What I really enjoy about doing this blog is those times when we get a historical snippet, then explore it through various avenues, take it and run with it. Often, this not only reveals the story to be different to that originally stated, but also a fascinating journey through what would otherwise be lost local history.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1936, Booth, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, David Oakley, Events, Express & Star, FC, Football club, Lichfield Mercury, local blogs, Local History, McClean, Mycock, Peake, Pedro, Peter Cutler, Seedhouse, Staffordshire, Stand, Things to do, Walsall Wood
6 Comments
Stand up!
In honour of the great footballing occasion currently bestowed upon Walsall Wood, the inexhaustible Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler, assisted by young David Evans has been making busy with the newspaper archives, and unleashed a deluge of historical articles about our favourite local soccer club.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1936, Booth, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Events, Express & Star, FC, Football club, Lichfield Mercury, local blogs, Local History, Mycock, Peake, Pedro, Peter Cutler, Seedhouse, Staffordshire, Stand, Things to do, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
An epic battle unfolds
Well, The Wood lads did well yesterday, and held the posh chaps from Geurnsey to a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes of what was, by all accounts, tense, entertaining football. Our roving sports correspondent, young David Evans, had this to say:
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 0-0, Brownhills, David Evans, draw, Events, football, Footes Lane, Footy, Geurnsey, local blogs, match, New Photos, Oak Park, result, score, soccer, The YamYam, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
11 Comments
Those Craddocks in full…
The Craddocks are one of Brownhills most notable and mentioned families; they’re one of those names that just keeps cropping up whenever you delve into local history.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burnell, Clayhanger, Craddock, David Evans, David Evens, David Okley, Family, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Richard, Rose Mariia, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, Vandalism
28 Comments
Bless this tiny house
Many of us may not have noticed the diminutive House of Prayer in Coppice Road, Walsall Wood. In my lifetime, I don’t think it was ever a place of worship; I remember it being used as another add-on yard for the ubiquitous Ken Hodges Builder’s merchants, and when that closed, being converted into a private residence.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged AH Craddock, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chapel, Church, Clayhanger, Coppice Road, Croddock, David Evans, David Oakley, Ken Hodges, Local History, Methodism, New Photos, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, The House of Prayer, Walsall Wood
19 Comments
Over the water
Here’s a great post from top reader a contributor David Evans, who’s something of an expert on the history of Methodism in the area. Over the course of last Christmas, the question of the religion and it’s chapels in Norton came to the fore.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bethel, Brownhills, Chapel, circuit, Conduit Colliery, Conduit Pit, David Evans, Local History, Methodism, Methodism in Norton Canes, Methodist, Minister, ministry, New Photos, Norton Canes, planning, Prims, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Tin Tabernacle, Trinity, Walsall Wood, Wesleyan, Wilfred J Hill
15 Comments
Musical youth
Here’s an odd one I’ve been meaning to sneak in for some time here on the blog. Readers and top contributors David Evans and Pedro Cutler regularly muse over the newspaper archives, and have found this gem from The Lichfield Mercury in 1903.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Central School, choir, Choral, Clayhanger, concert, David Evans, Fredericks, Harrison, Lichfield, Lichfield Cathedral Glee Union, Lichfield Mercury, Local History, Nevill, Perkins, Redfern, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
When the fighting stopped
Earlier in the year, reader and friend of the blog David Evans suggested I run an article about the truce at Messines over Christmas in 1914. This outbreak of humanity in the midst of one of the bloodiest wars the world had ever witnessed, captured the popular imagination for years. The idea of opposing sides downing weapons and joining in a game of football in no man’s land is enchanting and solid, and has featured in many forms of pop culture – from rock music videos to films and books.
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Posted in Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1914, Chris Baker, Christmas, David Evans, Events, football, Great War, Messines, military history, New Photos, Politics, The Long Long Trail, Things to do, trenches, Truce, Word War One, WW1
7 Comments
Let it pour
Here’s an interesting (and slightly daft) query for a pre-Christmas weekend. David Evans, reader, contributor and top Walsall Wood bloke, was very kindly given this commemorative jug by local history wonder Gerald Reece, when Gerald undertook his recent excellent talk in Brownhills.
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Posted in Churches, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Church, David Evans, Events, Gerald Reece, gift, Jug, Local History, memento, New Photos, pottery, St Johns, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Archdeacon blues
Further to last Sunday’s article here regarding the book I recently acquired, ‘Visitations of the Archdeaconry of Stafford 1829-1841’ I thought I’d take the opportunity to fulfil a couple of requests.
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Posted in Churches, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media
Tagged Aldridge, Archdeacon, Church, David Evans, George Hodson, Inspection, local blogs, Local History, Old maps, Rushall, Stafford, Staffordshire, Susan MArie Ward, Things to do, Visitation, Visitations of the Archdeaconry of Stafford
8 Comments
Christmas events, anyone?
I just wondered if anyone out there had local christmas stuff they wanted publiscising here on the blog. In previous years in Brownhills, the Town Centre Team have had unified ‘Magic of Christmas’ branded events, but since Antonia has moved on to pastures new, it all seems a bit haphazard this year.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Christmas, Clayhanger, David Evans, Events, Kevin Simon, local blogs, Methodist Church, New Photos, planning, Shire Oak, Silver Street, Things to do, Tree festival, Walsall Wood, whats on, Xmas
1 Comment
Bowled over?
Here’s a quick one for Friday. Reader and top Walsall Wood whizz David Evans has finally managed to get hold of a full copy of the Aerofilms image of Walsall Wood from 1926. This is an interesting one, as it’s not yet listed on the archive of Aerofilms work.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aerial photograph, Aerofilms, bowling, bowls, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, club, David Evans, David Oakley, green, Julie Le-Moine, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Pubs, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
21 Comments
Local history talk in Brownhills tonight!
Top contributor, commentor and all round good egg David Evans has been busy over the last few weeks organising a treat for local history buffs in Brownhills and the wider community. David has kindly contacted noted local historian and author … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills a walk into history, Brownhills bypass, Brownhills local history, Canal, charity, Chasewater, Clayhanger, David Evans, Engine Lane, Events, Gerald Reece, historian, history, History Talk, Local History, Macmillan Cancer Support, mining, planning, Staffordshire, Things to do
4 Comments
Fair exchange
Following her comments here, reader and local history enthusiast Ann Cross recently accepted my invitation to write about her family history at the Royal Exchange pub in Walsall Wood. When I suggested that she might like to write up her work, I could tell that Ann had a great story to tell, and would tell it very well indeed. I wasn’t disappointed, and the first instalment was incredibly popular with readers of the blog.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1901, 1911, Ann Cross, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, David Evans, Elizabeth Weston, Family history, Freemasons Arms, history, licensee, Local History, May Emily Williams, pub, Pubs, Royal Exchange, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Thomas Weston, victualler, Walsall, Walsall Wood, William Cross
27 Comments
Top local historian to give talk in Brownhills!
Top contributor, commentor and all round good egg David Evans has been busy over the last few weeks organising a treat for local history buffs in Brownhills and the wider community.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills a walk into history, Brownhills bypass, Brownhills local history, Canal, charity, Chasewater, Clayhanger, David Evans, Engine Lane, Events, Gerald Reece, historian, history, History Talk, Local History, Macmillan Cancer Support, mining, planning, Staffordshire, Things to do
11 Comments
A corner of a foreign field
In the approach to Remembrance Sunday, I asked reader and contributor David Evans if he would like to write a piece on his experience of the war cemeteries he visits in northern Europe. David kindly obliged.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Battle, Belgium, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Events, France, Gate, Great War, Local History, Menin, New Photos, Paschendale, Remembrance, Walsall Wood, war, Wijtschate, WW 1, Ypres
4 Comments
Home on The Grange
Thanks to reader contributions, we’ve found the Grange in Aldridge – it was, until relatively recently, in Leighswood, as described by commentors to my original post. Hat tip too, to David Evans, who mailed me with a map which jogged my memory.
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Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1887, 1903, 1920, 1956, 1961, 1971, Aldridge, Birmingham History Forum, David Evans, Lazy Hill, Leighswood, Local History, Mary Woodroffe, New Photos, Northgate, Old maps, Ordnance Survey, Pennard, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, The Grange, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Road, Walton Road
13 Comments
Walsall Wood 1911, before and beyond
This article is the fourth – and final (at least until the 1921 census comes out…) part of blog reader, commentator and top contributor David Evans’ ongoing project to chart the growth of Walsall Wood just over a century ago. The first, second, and third instalments in the series have been published in the last two months, and generated quite a bit of debate and interest.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911, Batkins, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, colliery, David Evans, Grocer, growth, Headleys, health, history, Local History, pit, population, Pubs, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, store, teacher, Walsall Wood
21 Comments
An interesting Exchange
Following her comments here, reader and local history enthusiast Ann Cross recently somewhat gamely took on a private challenge I made to her, where I suggested that she might like to write up her work on her family and their history at Walsall Wood’s Royal Exchange pub.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1881, 1891, 1901, Ann Cross, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, David Evans, Family history, history, licensee, Local History, pub, Pubs, Royal Exchange, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, victualler, Walsall Wood, William Cross
21 Comments
War child
Here’s an interesting bit of postwar ephemera, lent to top reader and contributor David Evans for use here on the blog by local lady Marjorie Hadley.
I know nothing about this unusual document, who issued it or any details. I’ve certainly never seen one before. Did every war-child receive them? What effort of campaign were they linked with? Was it a local or national thing? Church or school?
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 8th June 1946, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, card, commemoration, David Evans, Events, Important war dates, King George, Local History, Marjorie Hadley, My families, Staffordshire, Today we celebrate victory, Victory, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
When waterways were motorways
Here’s a quick post that may be of interest to blog readers. Spotted by blog reader Nick Elliot and posted on Facebook, I thought these historic information films and photo compilation deserved a wider audience than they might otherwise receive.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Facebook, Local History, Staffordshire, Things to do
1 Comment
Top local historian to give talk in Brownhills!

Top contributor, commentor and all round good egg David Evans has been busy over the last few weeks organising a treat for local history buffs in Brownhills and the wider community. Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills a walk into history, Brownhills bypass, Brownhills local history, Canal, charity, Chasewater, Clayhanger, David Evans, Engine Lane, Events, Gerald Reece, historian, history, History Talk, Local History, Macmillan Cancer Support, mining, planning, Staffordshire, Things to do
7 Comments
Walsall Wood, 1901: Into a new century
This article is the third part of blog reader, commentator and top contributor David Evans’ ongoing project to chart the growth of Walsall Wood just over a century ago. The first and second pieces in the series have been published in the last month, and generated quite a bit of debate and interest.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1881, 1891, 1901, Batkins, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, colliery, David Evans, Grocer, growth, Headleys, health, history, Local History, pit, population, Pubs, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, store, teacher, Walsall Wood
26 Comments
Walsall Wood, 1891. Fit to burst…
This article is part of an effort by top reader, commentator and contributor David Evans to chart the growth of Walsall Wood, towards the turn of the last century. The first article in this series was published a couple of … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1881, 1926, Aerofilms, Batkins, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, colliery, David Evans, Growcer, growth, health, history, Local History, Nootmaker, pit, population, Pubs, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, store, teacher, Walsall Wood
18 Comments
Walsall Wood, 1881. A melting pot…
This is an effort to chart the growth of Walsall Wood, towards the turn of the last century. At this time, the village was growing; the expansion (I hesitate to use the word ‘wealth’) that this created shaped the community … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1881, Batkins, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, colliery, David Evans, Growcer, growth, health, history, Local History, Nootmaker, pit, population, Pubs, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, store, teacher, Walsall Wood
29 Comments
Wood work
This is a post for top reader, contributor and friend of the blog David Evans. A couple of days ago, he emailed me asking if I had any old maps covering the general Walsall Wood area. Well, it took me … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1884, 1902, 1919, 1938, 1:2500, aerial imagery, Aerofilms, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, Ordnance Survey, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
You want a flake with that?
Here’s a wonderful bit of lost local history regained. I spotted this film some weeks ago in The Stonnall History Group on Facebook, posted by Desmond Burton. The clip, recorded in 1958, shows the Burton family and pals, including Sandy … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 1958, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Desmond Burton, Facebook, Ice Cream, local blogs, Local History, Main Street, Shire Oak, Sonnall, Staffordshire, Stonnall, video, Walsall Wood, Wordsley House
9 Comments
End of an era?
Thanks to the anonymous reader who flagged this up with me a couple of days ago. Further to our recent rumination on the matter of the former Royal Oak, at Bullings Heath, it’s been noted that the piece of land … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, David Evans, Derelict, Development, Green Lane, Land for Sale, Local History, Paul Carr, planning, Redevelopment, Royal Oak, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
The Royal Oak, Bullings Heath: The last century
This is the second of a multi-part epic. Researched painstakingly by David Evans, top bloke and stalwart of this blog, he wrote this up some months ago, and I’ve been working on bringing the information out in the best way … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged alehouse, beer house, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Census, David Evans, Derelict, Events, Goblin Pit, Green Lane, Hall Lane, Hillary Little, Local History, New Photos, old inn, Old maps, Pepper Alley, Pubs, Royal Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
22 Comments
Yew could be right…
Here’s an interesting theory from David Evans regarding Walsall Wood High Street, and the recent debate over pubs, beer-houses and other purveyors of the holy pint.Not sure I totally agreed with this hypothesis, but I’ll chuck it out there and … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Compensation Authority, David Evans, Drunken Duck, Hawthorn, Local History, New Photos, Norridge, Politics, pub, Pubs, Royal Oak, Staffordshire, Terry, Walsall Wood, Yew Tree Cottage
7 Comments
Something wonderful from Omaha, Nebraska
Today, I received a wonderful, touching note concerning our combined research into the Derry Family, and Goblins Pit in Walsall Wood, from John Derry, a resident of Omaha, Nebraska. I know lots of you put a great deal of effort … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Andy Dennis, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Charles, Charles Derry, Coppice Woods, coppy woods, David Evans, Derry, George, Goblin, Goblin Pit, Goblings Pit, Gomez, Grave, Green Lane, John Derry, Kate, Lichfield Lore, Local History, Moromn, Nebraska, Old maps, Omaha, Staffordshire, The Poor Widow's Offering, Walsall Wood, Woodbine
11 Comments
Cutting down the Oak?
Readers anticipating the next instalment of the Royal Oak story – the lost pub in Bullings Heath – could be forgiven for thinking I’d forgotten the subject, but nothing could be further from the truth. At the moment, I’m just … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged alehouse, beer house, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Census, David Evans, Derelict, Events, Goblin Pit, Green Lane, Hall Lane, Hillary Little, Local History, New Photos, old inn, Old maps, Pepper Alley, Pubs, Royal Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
The Royal Oak, Bullings Heath: Explorations in local history
This is the first of a multi-part epic. Researched painstakingly by David Evans, top bloke and stalwart of this blog, he wrote this up some weeks ago, and I’ve been working on bringing the information out in the best way … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged alehouse, beer house, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Census, David Evans, Derelict, Events, Goblin Pit, Green Lane, Hall Lane, Hillary Little, Local History, New Photos, old inn, Old maps, Pepper Alley, Pubs, Royal Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
47 Comments
The boys were back in town
Here’s a quick one for the Walsall Wood contingent: Specifically the fine lads who were members of the local Boys Brigade. They held a reunion back in March, I think at Walsall Wood Football Club. I’ve been supplied this picture … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Events, Features, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Boys Brigade, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, D Evans, David Evans, Ebenezer Boys Brigade, Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church, football, Local History, new organ, New Photos, reunion, sixties, Staffordshire, team, team photo, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Walsall Wood – A short history by Margaret Brice
The readers of this humble blog really are remarkable people. No sooner had I mentioned yesterday that I was looking for a copy of Margaret Brice’s Walsall Wood book, than I had two readers offering me copies. Reader and top … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged A Short History of Walsall Wood, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Lichfield Road, local books, Local History, Margaret Brice, Mrs. Proffit, New Photos, off licence, Outdoor, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Street's Corner, The Ivy House, Walsall Wood
22 Comments
Miles of steel over wood
Here’s a fantastic bit of research history from local historian and author Gerald Reece. Following our recent communications about the question of pumps and mining in general in the area of Brownhills Common and Engine Lane, Gerald sent me the … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media
Tagged A Walk Into History, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Cathedral, Company, David Evans, Derelict, Draft, Engine Lane, Greald Reece, Lessees, local blogs, Local History, Norton Branch, Occupiers, Old maps, Owners, Plans, Railway, Redevelopment, South Staffordshire railway, Staffordshire, The Slough
15 Comments
The Ivy League
I’ve just had this one come in this afternoon from reader, contributor and all round top chap David Evans. It’s jarred me awake a little, as I know a reader locally to be researching this very subject, so I’m posting … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged A Short History of Walsall Wood, Betty Fox, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Lichfield Road, Local History, Margaret Brice, Mrs. Proffit, New Photos, off licence, Outdoor, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Street's Corner, The Ivy House, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
Where you go, Vigo too…
It’s been a bit disparate here of late. I’m sorry if things are a little disjointed. I’m very busy at the moment, I’m working through the usual backlog of posts, and new stuff keeps cropping up all the while. I … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bayliss, Brownhills local history, David Evans, General Store, Gill, Hollander, Local History, Marjorie Hadley, New Photos, Shire Oak, Shops, Staffordshire, The Vigo, The Vigo Stores, Vigo, Walsall Wood, Whitehouse
36 Comments
Anchor Bridge flooding: Halfway there
My recent efforts to find out who’s actually working on the flooding issue at Anchor Bridge, and what the situation is have come to nothing. Severn Trent have clearly been doing a fair bit of work, though, and the situation … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, CCTV, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Drain Survey, flood, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, road maintenance, Severn Trent, Silly, standing water, Streetpride, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment

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