Romsley & Hunnington History Society -

Meeting Report - Mar 16

Black Country Churches

At the meeting of the Romsley and Hunnington History Society on Tuesday, March 22nd, Tim Bridges, a member of the Victorian Society and Hereford Church Building Support Officer, gave a talk on 'Black Country Churches'. If you were born and bred in the Black Country you would probably be familiar with many of the places mentioned, as Tim has been studying the history of the churches in the area.

Several of them have their origins in mediaeval times, but have been built on and extended over hundreds of years. The older ones were built of local sandstone, which was readily available, but in the 19th century they used bricks, made by hand in the numerous brick yards. Throughout the region the architecture of the churches is interesting, and as might be expected in a prominent glass making area, there are some beautiful stained glass windows.

Tim illustrated his talk with lovely slides, inviting you to visit the churches. Today, although some are covered on the outside with a veneer of black grime, absorbed from the smoke of the coal and steel industries, on the inside they are still very beautiful. St Bartholomew's overlooking the town of Wednesbury, has some intricate woodwork and richly decorated walls, reflecting the old mediaeval style.

Of course the churches have had to move with the times and have adapted to modern living. Some are now dual purpose, with shopping facilities in one part and the church for worship in another. We learnt a great deal of local history from the talk, which was very informative.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday the 26th April at 7.30 p.m. in the Church Hall when Mary Bodfish will give a talk on 'You Can't Abdicate and Eat it - Edward and Mrs. Simpson'. The Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday May 24th, followed by a presentation by Julian Hunt and Ruth Harper 'Celebrating 50 Years of Romsley and Hunnington History Society'. Everyone is welcome.

Pat Evans