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Elliott Brown Civic pride
22 Mar 2023 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Dawson and Timmins, the co-founders of the Shakespeare Memorial Library

On the 28th February 2023, two blue plaques were unveiled at the Shakespeare Memorial Room, Level 9 of the Library of Birmingham. One of Samuel Timmins (it was placed in Elvetham Road, Edgbaston) and George Dawson (outside the room at the Skyline Viewpoint room). There is also an exhibition on from Everything to Everybody Shakespeare, for visitors to see.

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Dawson and Timmins, the co-founders of the Shakespeare Memorial Library





On the 28th February 2023, two blue plaques were unveiled at the Shakespeare Memorial Room, Level 9 of the Library of Birmingham. One of Samuel Timmins (it was placed in Elvetham Road, Edgbaston) and George Dawson (outside the room at the Skyline Viewpoint room). There is also an exhibition on from Everything to Everybody Shakespeare, for visitors to see.


The Heroic Age in Birmingham History

The Heroic Age in Birmingham History is part of the Everything to Everybody Project. It started on the 27th February and runs to the 12th April 2023. A collaboration between the Jewellery Quarter Research Trust and Everything to Everybody. They have worked together to explore the formation of Our Shakespeare Club and the people behind it. Free entry.

A quick look at this exhibition on Saturday 4th March 2023, was a lot of people in there, only really came up for the George Dawson blue plaque, which wasn't outside the room that day. There is images of Dawson, Timmins and Bunce on three of the walls up here. There was books in the glass display tables.

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dndimg alt="Shakespeare Memorial Room" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/E2E%20Shakespere%20LoB%2004032023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A return visit to the Shakespeare Memorial Room on Thursday 16th March 2023, this time got the room to myself. Mission accomplished this time, as I got the George Dawson blue plaque, now on the wall outside of the room that he inspired. Probably best to see it during a weekday, compared to a Saturday (closed on Sunday's).

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Link to Everything to Everybody 

Birmingham City Council page on The Heroic Age in Birmingham

 

Samuel Timmins

Samuel 'Sam:' Timmins (1826-1902) lived at 18 Elvetham Road, Edgbaston. Also called Elvetham Lodge. Timmins was a co-founder of the Shakespeare Memorial Library. Timmins was a learned industrialist, lover of libraries and literature. The blue plaque from the Birmingham Civic Society was unveiled in the Shakespeare Memorial Room on the 28th February 2023, and was placed a few days later on his former home in Edgbaston. Seen on the 4th March 2023.

dndimg alt="Samuel Timmins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sam%20Timmins%2018%20ERE%2004032023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Samuel Timmins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sam%20Timmins%2018%20ERE%2004032023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Samuel Timmins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sam%20Timmins%2018%20ERE%2004032023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

George Dawson

On the 4th March 2023, the George Dawson blue plaque was not yet screwed to the wall outside of the Shakespeare Memorial Room, but the existing tablets, from the old Central Libraries, and the previous blue plaque up here for Marie Bethell Beauclerc were on the wall.

dndimg alt="George Dawson" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/E2E%20Shakespere%20LoB%2004032023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I waited a couple of weeks for them to put the blue plaque up, and returned on the 16th March 2023. George Dawson (1821-1876) was a champion of the Civic Gospel, promoting responsible local government and education, arts and culture for all. He inspired the world's first great Shakespeare Library. Dawson bust has been up here on Level 9 in the Skyline Viewpoint room since it opened in September 2013, but the glass case for that and the other marble busts is a recent addition.

dndimg alt="George Dawson" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/George%20Dawson%20LoB%2016032023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="George Dawson" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/George%20Dawson%20LoB%2016032023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="George Dawson" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/George%20Dawson%20LoB%2016032023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Previous post on the Shakespeare Memorial Room

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
07 Mar 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Taxi exhibition at the Coventry Transport Museum in 2019

I've been to the Coventry Transport Museum around three times between 2015 and 2019, when entry used to be free (has been an entrance fee since 2020). The last time I went around March 2019, for an exhibition called TAXI: The Story from A to B (was on at the time from January to May 2019). Had UK taxis as well as taxis from around the world. Including New York and Tokyo.

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Taxi exhibition at the Coventry Transport Museum in 2019





I've been to the Coventry Transport Museum around three times between 2015 and 2019, when entry used to be free (has been an entrance fee since 2020). The last time I went around March 2019, for an exhibition called TAXI: The Story from A to B (was on at the time from January to May 2019). Had UK taxis as well as taxis from around the world. Including New York and Tokyo.


Coventry Transport Museum is a short distance away from Pool Meadow Bus Station. So if you don't get the train, you can catch the X1 bus from Birmingham (takes over an hour, via the Airport and NEC). On these visits I used to start by going to Esquires Coffee, before going into the museum (it is now Baxter Baristas @ 16 Hales Street).

 

TAXI: The Story from A to B

From horse drawn to horse power, the history of the taxi is much older than you think. From record breaking cabs that drove around the world, to hackney carriages throughout the ages. This is the Story from A to B.

Free Admission (not on the meter). It was on from the 26th January to 12th May 2019.

Did you know that the much loved feature of London streets has been made in Coventry since the 1940s?

They have been ferrying millions of passengers around the UK and in more than 40 countries.

The recent TX4 black cab model has starred in more than 5000 films including in James Bond, Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes.

 

Here is some of the taxis that was on display in this temporary exhibition at the Coventry Transport Museum, back in 2019.

 

Humber Laudette 1910 London Taxi

dndimg alt="Coventry Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Taxi%20Cov%20TM%20(Mar%202019)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

FX3 1948-1958

dndimg alt="Coventry Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Taxi%20Cov%20TM%20(Mar%202019)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

TX1 1997-2017

dndimg alt="Coventry Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Taxi%20Cov%20TM%20(Mar%202019)%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Sent to Coventry - 2 Tone Taxi - BBC Coventry & Warwickshire

dndimg alt="Coventry Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Taxi%20Cov%20TM%20(Mar%202019)%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Japan Taxi

dndimg alt="Coventry Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Taxi%20Cov%20TM%20(Mar%202019)%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

New York Taxi

dndimg alt="Coventry Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Taxi%20Cov%20TM%20(Mar%202019)%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Get Taxi Breaking a World Record - It's on the Meter World Taxi Challenge

Aston University, Birmingham, QUT Business School.

dndimg alt="Coventry Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Taxi%20Cov%20TM%20(Mar%202019)%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rickshaw

dndimg alt="Coventry Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Taxi%20Cov%20TM%20(Mar%202019)%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Tuk Tuk

dndimg alt="Coventry Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Taxi%20Cov%20TM%20(Mar%202019)%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

TX E City Electric Future

dndimg alt="Coventry Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Taxi%20Cov%20TM%20(Mar%202019)%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
01 Mar 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Avanti West Coast: Riding the Flying Scouseman to Coventry

I got the Avanti West Coast Pendolino service from Birmingham New Street to Coventry (it was going to London Euston) on the 23rd February 2023. Journey took around 20 minutes, with only one stop at Birmingham International. This train the Flying Scouseman was named in the Liverpool Echo Name a Virgin Train competition in 2017. The name remained after Avanti took over in 2019.

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Avanti West Coast: Riding the Flying Scouseman to Coventry





I got the Avanti West Coast Pendolino service from Birmingham New Street to Coventry (it was going to London Euston) on the 23rd February 2023. Journey took around 20 minutes, with only one stop at Birmingham International. This train the Flying Scouseman was named in the Liverpool Echo Name a Virgin Train competition in 2017. The name remained after Avanti took over in 2019.


Coventry Station

Arriving at Coventry Station on Avanti West Coast Pendolino Flying Scouseman 390 148 on the 23rd February 2023. Mainly to have a look around the new Coventry Station concourse (the old 1960s building remains as is Grade II listed). Caught at Birmingham New Street, this train was going down the West Coast Mainline towards London Euston. The train stopped at platform 2. After my walk around Coventry (via War Memorial Park and the City Centre), I got Cross Country Trains back to Birmingham New Street (standing all the way, no free seats).

dndimg alt="Avanti West Coast" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20Scouseman%20Cov%20Stn%2023022023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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The previous time I'd been to Coventry Station was on the 12th June 2021, where I saw Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390 010, with the 'Welcome to Coventry' sign. That day I got Avanti down to Coventry from Birmingham New Street, and later back with this train.

dndimg alt="Avanti West Coast" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Avanti%20WC%20Cov%20(Jun%202021).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham International Station

I previously saw Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390 152 at Birmingham International on the 3rd September 2022. But that day got London Northwestern Railway back to Birmingham New Street. This Avanti service was heading for Edinburgh at the time.

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dndimg alt="Avanti West Coast" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AWC%20BIS%2003092022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham New Street Station

Seen from platform 4c at Birmingham New Street was Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390 135 at platform 5 (5b) on the 19th June 2021.

dndimg alt="Avanti West Coast" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AWC%20390%20BNSS%2019062021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Avanti West Coast" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Avanti%20WC%20BNSS%2019062021%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

While at platform 3 (3b) that day was Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390 122.

dndimg alt="Avanti West Coast" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Avanti%20WC%20BNSS%2019062021%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A pair of Avanti West Coast Pendolino's Class 390 recorded at Birmingham New Street, from the Moor Street Link Bridge on the 17th October 2021.

dndimg alt="Avanti West Coast" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Avanti%20WC%20BNSS%2017102021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

At Birmingham New Street on the 20th August 2020,  I saw Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390 127 in the new livery. Earlier that year before the pandemic began, they were still white, after the end of Virgin Trains in December 2019.

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dndimg alt="Avanti West Coast" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BNSS%20Avanti%20W%20Coast%20(Aug%202020)%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
21 Feb 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Centro Regional Railways livery on 323221

Eventually the Cross City Line fleet of the awesome Class 323 EMUs will be replaced by the new Class 730 EMUs. In December 2022 West Midlands Railway 323221 was repainted in classic 1990s yellow and green livery of Centro | Regional Railways. BWA's Elliott first photographed it at University on 11/02/2023, then rode it from Birmingham New Street to Shenstone and back on 15/02/2023.

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Centro Regional Railways livery on 323221





Eventually the Cross City Line fleet of the awesome Class 323 EMUs will be replaced by the new Class 730 EMUs. In December 2022 West Midlands Railway 323221 was repainted in classic 1990s yellow and green livery of Centro | Regional Railways. BWA's Elliott first photographed it at University on 11/02/2023, then rode it from Birmingham New Street to Shenstone and back on 15/02/2023.


Centro Regional Railways 323221

West Midlands Railway repainted the Class 323 unit 323221 in the 1990s livery of lime green, yellow and white with Centro and Regional Railways logos at the Soho depot. It returned to service on the 19th December 2022.

Birmingham We Are contributor Elliott Brown first spotted it at Selly Oak near the Worcester & Birmingham Canal a day later (near Selly Oak Shopping Park on 20/12/2022), but was unable to get a photo of it.

Several other attempts to see it including a trip from Five Ways to Longbridge (and back to Kings Norton on 21/12/2022), then Birmingham New Street to Aston (and back from Duddeston on 01/01/2023), finally Bournville to Birmingham New Street one way (on 28/01/2023), didn't catch it.

 

Previous liveries over the years

London Midland 323221 at Aston Station during August 2012.

dndimg alt="Aston Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LM%20323221%20Aston%20(Aug%202012).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Midland 323221 at Witton Station during September 2012.

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London Midland 323221 at Bournville Station during January 2015.

dndimg alt="London Midland" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bournville%20Station%20(Jan%202015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323221 in London Midland livery, late December 2017, at Birmingham New Street Station. The franchise changed that month.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20BNSS%20(Dec%202017).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323221 at Chester Road Station during December 2018.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chester%20Road%20West%20Midlands%20Railway%20323221.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323221 at Selly Oak Station during August 2019.

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University Station - 11th February 2023

On this day I went to the Selly Oak Shopping Park and walked up the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to catch a train one way from University to Birmingham New Street. And I finally got 323221 arriving on a service to Redditch! It was quite awesome to see. The station here is still not complete. At the front that day was 323204.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The platforms here feel extra long, but don't walk past the no pedestrians sign at the end.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Sometime in the future you will be able to use both sides of the new station building, but it is still not open or complete.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

First full view of the back of 323221 in it's "new" Regional Railways livery.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

These units still had this livery into the Central Trains era, but was changed to a darker green, yellow and white livery under London Midland from 2007 to 2017.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Eventually when West Midlands Railway took over in 2017, they got a orange and white livery. They are due to be replaced by the new Class 730 Aventra with orange and purple livery sometime in the future, by 2024.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Video clip on Youtube here West Midlands Railway 323 at University.

 

Birmingham New Street Station - 15th February 2023

A few days later, I went to Birmingham New Street to get the train to Shenstone in Staffordshire, to see the Annatomix mural. And guess what, Centro Regional Railways 323221 showed up at platform 8! So I got on it and had a half hour ride to Shenstone. While there was 11am emergency alarms tests at the station, but departed a few minutes later.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20BNSS%2015022023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Class 323's have a big gap between the platform if they are curved, so MIND THE GAP.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20BNSS%2015022023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The refurbished interior is unchanged from when West Midlands Railway did up the entire fleet from 2018 to 2021.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20BNSS%2015022023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

My walk around the village of Shenstone gave me time to get back to the station and back on West Midlands Railway 323221 in Regional Railways Centro livery, and back to Birmingham New Street. Arriving at platform 12.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20BNSS%2015022023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Shenstone Station - 15th February 2023

Between Sutton Coldfield and Staffordshire as usual is all the fields, and after that Shenstone is the first station outside of the WMCA. Got off West Midlands Railway 323221 at Shenstone. It was a bit bright from this side as I exited the station. Couldn't initially saw the Annatomix. A half hour walk around the village, found three pubs, and several old churches.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The station building at Shenstone probably dates to 1884 but isn't listed, sunlight to bright from this side, was better to see from the car park.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Up the steps to Lynn Lane, for a half hour walk around Shenstone.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After the walk, back to Shenstone Station. The Annatomix was in the bike store area on platform 2. This time 323221 was at the back, with 323207 at the front, still I decided to get on 323221 again for the half hour train ride back to Birmingham New Street from Shenstone.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

323207 passed under the Lynn Lane bridge.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Six carriages on three car sets linked together. The WMR livery contrasts with the Centro Regional Railways livery behind.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Yellow doors with the Centro logo, press the button to open the doors when it lights up.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
Elliott Brown History & heritage
20 Feb 2023 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

West Bromwich - Take a Tour with us!

Head on the tram to Sandwell from Birmingham and get off in West Bromwich (Zone 2). There are some fascinating places to experience out in the neighbourhoods. Here's a look at West Bromwich. Well worth a visit. For history, there's some fascinating places to visit. There are some wonderful open spaces and some great places to relax.

Take our article.

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West Bromwich - Take a Tour with us!





Head on the tram to Sandwell from Birmingham and get off in West Bromwich (Zone 2). There are some fascinating places to experience out in the neighbourhoods. Here's a look at West Bromwich. Well worth a visit. For history, there's some fascinating places to visit. There are some wonderful open spaces and some great places to relax.

Take our article.


On your My Metro app, buy an off peak return Zone 1 - 2 ticket. Make your way to either Corporation Street or Bull Street tram stops (or any Zone 1 tram stops) in Birmingham City Centre. Catch an Urbos 3 or Urbos 100, West Midlands Metro tram towards Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop, where this tour will begin of West Bromwich!

 

Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop

Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop is at Dudley Street, West Bromwich B70 9LY

This will be our stop in West Bromwich, as you can start the walk from the top of the High Street. The tram stop is at Dudley Street in West Bromwich. This is good starting point for the Farley Clock Tower. The no 74 bus also stops near here. And there is the West Bromwich Parkway.

dndimg alt="Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2045%20Dudley%20St%20Guns%20Vil%2019012023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

From Dudley Street,  turn right, and walk towards Carters Green and the West Bromwich High Street. Directly in front of you is the Farley Clock Tower.

 

St Andrew's Carters Green

St Andrew's Carters Green is at 18 Dudley Street, West Bromwich, B70 9LR. At the junction with Carters Green.

A church at Carters Green in West Bromwich which is shared by both The Church of England and The Methodist Church. It was built from 1915 to 1924.

dndimg alt="St Andrew's Carters Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Andrews%20CG%20WB%20(Jan%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Farley Clock Tower

Farley Clock Tower at Carter's Green, West Bromwich, B70 9LG

This Grade II listed red brick and terracotta clock tower dates to 1897, and was named after Reuben Farley (1826 - 1899), who was the first Mayor of West Bromwich, and served four terms. Located at Carters Green. There is three reliefs, a portrait of Reuben Farley, one of Oak House and one of West Bromwich Town Hall.

dndimg alt="Farley Clock Tower" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Farley%20Clocktower%2019012023%20(10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Old Hop Pole

The Old Hop Pole at 474 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 9LD. Corner of Guns Lane.

A traditional West Bromwich High Street pub near Guns Village called The Old Hop Pole.

dndimg alt="The Old Hop Pole" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Old%20Hop%20Pole%20(Jan%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Wheatsheaf

The Wheatsheaf at 379 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 9QW

A Real Ale public house on the High Street in the West Bromwich called The Wheatsheaf with Pure Black Country Holder's Golden.

dndimg alt="The Wheatsheaf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wheatsheaf%20WB%20(Jan%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Garden of Remembrance

The Memorial Gardens in West Bromwich aka the Garden of Remembrance. High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8RJ.

A place for reflection in West Bromwich for those lost in conflicts of the past. The gardens is in front of the Sandwell Register Office at Highfields House.

dndimg alt="Memorial Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mem%20Gardens%20WB%20(Apr%202011)%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Highfields House

Sandwell Register Office at Highfields, High Street, West Bromwich. B70 8RJ.

This building is the location of the Sandwell Register Office, it is called Highfields, or Highfields House. A Grade II listed building since 1985, was four houses, now offices, probably built in the 1830s.

dndimg alt="Highfields" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mem%20Gardens%20WB%20(Apr%202011)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Take a minor detour down Lodge Road, for a couple of former Sandwell College buildings, that used to be part of the West Bromwich Campus.

 

West Bromwich Grammar School

The former West Bromwich Grammar School was at Lodge Road, West Bromwich, B70 8DY

The West Bromwich Municipal Secondary School was built in 1902 as the West Bromwich Institute at Lodge Road, funded by George Kenrick. The school was expanded several times, and later became a Grammar School in 1944. The actress Madeleine Carroll was a pupil here. The school moved to new buildings in Clarkes Lane in 1964. For a period from at least the 1990s to the early 2010s, the building was part of Sandwell College as the Hair Beauty and Holistic Centre. The college moved out in 2012 to a purpose built building on the West Bromwich Ringway. The building was empty until about 2018 when Ideal Travel Services took up a unit in the building.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Grammar School" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WB%20Gram%20School%20(Apr%202011)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Ryland Memorial School of Art

What is now the British Muslim School is at Lodge Road, West Bromwich, B70 8NX

This red brick building on Lodge Road in West Bromwich, was built as an Art school in 1902 by Wood & Kendrick of Birmingham. It had been part of Sandwell College, as the Ryland Building until the early 2010s (before the college moved to a modern building on the West Bromwich Ringway). Empty for a few years, by 2017 it had become the British Muslim School and Latifiah Fultali Complex.

dndimg alt="Ryland Memorial School" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ryland%20Mem%20School%20(Apr%202011)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Head back to the High Street, for the Town Hall and Library next.

 

West Bromwich Town Hall

West Bromwich Town Hall is at High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8DJ. Corner with Lodge Road.

A town hall in West Bromwich from 1874 to 1875, on what was the Lodge Estate. It was the headquarters of the county borough of West Bromwich and remained the seat of local government after Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council was formed in 1974. However, the council moved to a modern facility in Oldbury in 1989. The building has been Grade II listed since 1987.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Town Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West%20Brom%20Town%20Hall%20(Apr%202011)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

West Bromwich Central Library

West Bromwich Central Library is at 316 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8DZ

Originally a library was built into the town hall of West Bromwich of 1874-5. But a purpose built public library was built next door in 1907, by Stephen J Holliday, of red brick with yellow terracotta dressings. The building was a gift of Andrew Carnegie to the Borough. It has been a Grade II listed building since 1987, and is known as the Central Library, West Bromwich.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Central Library" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WB%20Central%20Library%20(Jan%202023).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Kenrick & Jefferson Building

The Kenrick & Jefferson Building is at 1, Astle Park, High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8NS

Red brick and terracotta offices built on the West Bromwich High Street in 1883 for Kenrick & Jefferson. It was a Printing Works founded by John Arthur Kenrick and Frederick Jefferson. They bought the Free Press newspaper in 1878 to help promote Liberalism.

dndimg alt="Kenrick & Jefferson" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kenrick%20Jefferson%20(Jan%202023).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Cross in Hand

The Cross in Hand sculpture outside the Wesley Methodist Church,  291 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8ND

The sculpture called Cross in Hand was originally unveiled in October 1989. It previously stood at the entrance to the Duchess Parade, but was removed in 2012 to make way for improvements to the pedestrian High Street, carried out by Fitzgerald Civil Engineering Contractors. It was created by Chris Dunseath and is dedicated to John Wesley, preacher and religious reformer, who preached many times in the 18th century in West Bromwich, Wednesbury and Tipton. His biblical teaching resulted in a revival of the Christian Church and the founding of the Methodist movement. The hand and cross is a symbolic representation of his message being accepted by the people.

dndimg alt="Cross in Hand" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross%20Hand%20(Jul%202017)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Now briefly turn onto St Michael's Street for the Billiard Hall.

 

The Catholic Church of St Michael and the Holy Angels

The Catholic Church of St Michael and the Holy Angels is at 260 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8AQ. On the corner with St Michael Street.

A Roman Catholic Church in West Bromwich Town Centre. The Roman Catholic Church of St Michael and The Holy Angels West Bromwich was built from 1875-77 by Dunn and Hansom. The tower and spire was added by 1911 by Edmund Kirby. Built of  Red brick with some stone dressings and tile roof. A Grade II listed building since 1974. It is close to the West Bromwich High Street.

dndimg alt="St Michael and Holy Angels" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Michael%20HA%20WB%2007022023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Billiard Hall

The Billiard Hall is at St Michael's Street, West Bromwich Ringway, West Bromwich, B70 7AB

Built as a snooker and billiard hall in 1913 in West Bromwich, since the early 21st century, the building has been used as a JD Wetherspoon Free House.

dndimg alt="Billiard Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Billiard%20Hall%20WB%20(May%202017).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Head up New Street from St Michael's Street towards New Square shopping centre.  Perhaps stop for a coffee at Costa Coffee? On sunny blue sky days, it does get a bit bright in that Costa. There is other venues for lunch here including Nandos and a pub called the Interceptor.

 

The Sandwell

The Sandwell is at 277 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8ND. Corner with New Street.

A corner public house in West Bromwich at High Street and New Street. Now called The Sandwell. It was known as The Goose until at least 2015-16. And was associated in the past with Mitchells & Butlers. Now owned by Great UK Pubs.

dndimg alt="The Sandwell" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Sandwell%20WB%20(Jan%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Madeleine Carroll Memorial

The Madeleine Carroll Memorial on New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PG

A 2006-7 memorial to the actress Madeleine Carroll (1906-87), in the shape of a lollipop stick. It's located outside of The Public (now Central St Michael's Sixth Form College) on New Street in West Bromwich. The world famous actress was born in West Bromwich in 1906. She starred in Alfred Hitchock's 'The 39 Steps' amongst many other films. She also won awards for her humanitarian work during the Second World War.

dndimg alt="Madeleine Carroll" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mad%20Carroll%20The%20Public%20(Jul%202017).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Central St Michael's Sixth Form College

Central St Michael's Sixth Form College is at New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PG

This building was originally a public arts venue called The Public, designed by Will Alsop. It was fully open by 2009, but it closed it's doors by late 2013 and was handed over to Sandwell College, where it became Central Sixth Sandwell College in 2014. By 2018 it was renamed to Central St Michael's Sixth Form College (following a merger between Sandwell College and Cadbury College). 

dndimg alt="The Public" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Central%20Sixth%20West%20Bromwich%20(July%202017)%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Celebration WBA statue

The Celebration Statue at New Square shopping centre, West Bromwich, B70 7PP

The Three Degrees: Brendon Batson (born 1953), Laurie Cummingham (1956-89) and Cyrille Regis (1958-2018). Three former black football players for West Bromwich Albion during the 1970s and '80s. The bronze statue was unveiled in May 2019, sculpted by the artist Graham Ibbeson. Their appearance in top flight football, led to more black footballers being accepted in the game. Located in New Square shopping centre, West Bromwich.

dndimg alt="The Celebration" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Celebration%20WBA%20(Jan%202023).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Portrait bust of Phil Lynott

The Phil Lynott memorial at New Square, West Bromwich, B70 7PG

A portrait bust / bronze statue of the singer Phil Lynott (1949-86) unveiled in August 2021 on what would have been his 72nd birthday. He was a member of the band Thin Lizzy. It's located in New Square, West Bromwich behind Central St Michael's Sixth Form College (formerly The Public). It was sculpted by Luke Perry.

dndimg alt="Phil Lynott" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Phil%20Lynott%20WB%2019012023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Walk back along New Street, then turn left onto the High Street. You will walk past the markets and shops. Head towards Dartmouth Square where there is a memorial fountain and a clock.

 

I am the King of the Castle

I am the King of the Castle sculpture on the High Street, West Bromwich, B70 7LX

A bronze sculpture of a Lion King sitting on top of a castle, which is on top of an elephant. It was unveiled originally on the 30th January 1990 by the then leader of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Councillor C. R. Davis. The sculptor was Laura Ford and it was name I am the King of the Castle. It was moved from an entrance of the Kings Square Shopping Centre in 2012 for repairs and restoration to this location in 2014 on the High Street in West Bromwich near St Michael Street and New Street.

dndimg alt="I am the King of the Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/King%20Castle%20WB%20(May%202017)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Elizabeth Farley Memorial Fountain

The Elizabeth Farley Memorial Fountain in Dartmouth Square att 161 High St, West Bromwich B70 7QX

This drinking fountain and canopy was originally erected in 1885 in Dartmouth Park by Alderman Farley J.P. the son of Elizabeth Farley, of whom the fountain was in memory of. In 1987, the drinking fountain and canopy was relocated to the High Street at Dartmouth Square, around the time it was granted Grade II listing status. It used to be in a dark red colour, and a canopy over it from the Farley Centre was removed between 2012 and 2014. It was renovated and repainted in blue and green in 2022.

dndimg alt="Farley Fountain" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Farley%20Fountain%20WB%2019012023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Kenrick's Clock

Kenrick's Clock is in Dartmouth Square at High Street, West Bromwich, B70 7QU

This Grade II listed clock dates to 1912, and was presented to the Borough by the then Mayor, Councillor J Archibald Kenrick. The clock was relocated in 2000 from a traffic island to it's current position in Dartmouth Square. In 2022, the clock was refurbished and repainted from it's old red colours to blue and green.

dndimg alt="Kenrick's Clock" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Kenricks%20Clock%20WB%2019012023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

From Dartmouth Square, cross over at the lights at Bull Street, and continue down the High Street. Several Indian / Asian related restaurants and bars down here. The cross over the lights at Trinity Way.

 

The Great Lion Bar & Grill

The Great Lion Bar & Grill is at 43 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 6PB

A red brick and stone building, built as the Lewisham Hotel in 1887. To the rear was the Lewisham Brewery, the architect was Arthur James Price. In recent years the building has been Desi Junction, and since 2021-22, as The Great Lion Bar & Grill, an Indian restaurant.

dndimg alt="Great Lion" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Great%20Lion%20BG%20WB%20(Jan%202023).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

 

Continue down the High Street, which then becomes Birmingham Road. At West Bromwich Interchange, which is M5, Junction 1, there is pavements around it. Wait for the traffic lights to stop the traffic before crossing safely. As you will go past a Georgian landmark, the only surviving building from Sandwell Hall, it's lodge!

 

The Lodge of Sandwell Hall

The Lodge of Sandwell Hall at West Bromwich Interchange, West Bromwich, B71 4EA

This remarkable survival might date to the early 18th century, it was the Lodge of Sandwell Hall. The remains of the hall are at Sandwell Valley Country Park (not far from the Sandwell Priory ruins). It is thought that William Smith designed this lodge. The M5 motorway was opened in stages between 1962 and 1972, and this lodge is a feature in West Bromwich for drivers around the Interchange. You can also see it from the top deck of the no 74 bus.

dndimg alt="Lodge of Sandwell Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lodge%20Sandwell%20Hall%2019012023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

From West Bromwich Interchange, walk down Birmingham Road, then cross the footbridge, as you will be approaching the home stadium of West Bromwich Albion Football Club. The Hawthorns. There is also a Starbucks Drive Thru, McDonald's and Greggs nearby.

 

West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club

West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club is at Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B69 4EX

A cricket club founded in West Bromwich in 1834. They are a friendly, sociable and inclusive cricket club. The are close to The Hawthorns (West Bromwich Albion FC) and Sandwell Park Golf Club.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WB%20DCC%20(Jan%202023)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Allied Bakeries West Bromwich

Allied Bakeries West Bromwich is at Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B71 4JH

Part of a network of bakeries across the UK, this is the Allied Bakeries located in West Bromwich, opposite The Hawthorns. Allied Bakeries was founded in 1935 when bakery entrepreneur Willard Garfield Weston set up Allied Bakeries and sister company Allied Mills. That group of mills and bakeries is the foundation of what was to become a great British business – Associated British Foods, a global PLC, still run by the Weston family.

dndimg alt="Allied Bakeries West Bromwich" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Allied%20BWB%20(Jan%202023)%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Greggs - formerly The Hawthorns Public House

Greggs is at 2 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B71 4JZ. Corner of Halfords Lane.

A house built in circa 1840. It was a public house called The Hawthorns (used by the WBA Supporters Throstle Club). But has been been part of the Greggs bakery chain since 2015. The building is Grade II listed.

dndimg alt="Hawthorns Greggs" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hawthorns%20Greggs%20(Jan%202023).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Hawthorns - home of West Bromwich Albion

The Hawthorns at West Bromwich Albion Football Club, Halfords Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4LF. Also on Birmingham Road.

West Bromwich Albion has been located at The Hawthorns since 1900, the stadium is located on Birmingham Road, on the corner with Halfords Lane. It is here that you will find the 2014 statue of Tony 'Bomber' Brown, WBA's highest goal scorer!

dndimg alt="The Hawthorns" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hawthorns%20WBA%2019012023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Tony 'Bomber' Brown WBA statue

The Tony 'Bomber' Brown statue outside The East Stand, The Hawthorns, West Bromwich,  B21 0BH

A bronze statue located at The Hawthorns football stadium, home of West Bromwich Albion. Tony Brown (born 1945) was WBA's highest goal scorer. The statue was sculpted by Jonathan Wylder and unveiled in November 2014. It was removed for cleaning in 2020 before it was returned in 2021. It can be seen from Birmingham Road through the Jeff Astle (1942 - 2002) gates.

dndimg alt="Tony Brown" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hawthorns%20WBA%2019012023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Hawthorns Tram Stop

The Hawthorns Tram Stop at The Hawthorns Station, between Halfords Lane and Middlemore Road, West Bromwich, B66 2HB

Enter The Hawthorns Tram Stop from Middlemore Road in West Bromwich. There is a path called Roger Horton Way from there. Just head down the steps and wait for your tram back to Birmingham.

dndimg alt="The Hawthorns" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20Hawthorns%2019012023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

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