Walsall is a large industrial town, located in the West Midlands and historically a part of Staffordshire. With a population of 170,994 it has grown enormously from its village origins before the Industrial Revolution. The town was originally known as ‘Walh Halh’, or ‘valley of the Welsh speakers’. It is first mentioned in 1002 as ‘Walesho’, although was left out of the Domesday Book, probably the result of a clerical error. Walsall’s weekly market began in 1220 and the town became known as ‘the town of a hundred trades’, a reference to nearby Birmingham which has been called ‘the city of a thousand trades’.
The Industrial Revolution had an enormous impact on the area, with the population rising from 2000 to 86,000 in just 200 years. Now that’s a lot of mouths to feed! Local workers embraced the modern world and manufactured a wide range of products including saddles, machinery and plated ware. A nearby limestone quarry also helped to boost the local economy.
Leather manufacturing has won the town international recognition. Walsall still supplies the Queen with handbags, the Royal family’s saddles and leather goods for the Prince of Wales. In fact, Walsall is the traditional home of the English saddle manufacturing industry, so get ready to saddle up!
The leather manufacturing industry is ingrained in Walsall’s history. It’s also the reason why the local football club is known as ‘The Saddlers’. The club was founded in 1888 when Walsall Town F.C and the Walsall Swifts F.C merged. The club currently plays at League One level.
Ride ‘em cowboy!
Horse racing was held in Walsall throughout the 19th Century, and a day at the races is exciting for young and old alike. However, if you’d have trouble hearing the race results over the tannoy; perhaps it’s time to think about digital hearing aids.
There could be a number of reasons why you’re suffering with impaired hearing, but don’t worry. Our expert team is here to help and we also offer a free audiology test. If you’d like to know more please call us on 01782 698090, or go to our website today.
See the light!
Walsall Arboretum was opened in May 1874 by the wealthy Hatherton family, who hoped the park would provide the local community with a recreation facility and divert their attention from ‘dogfights, bull baiting and cockfights’. The arboretum featured attractions such as, two boating lakes, tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, and later, a children’s play area and paddling pool. Seven years later the local council took over the running of the arboretum and in 1957 the Walsall Illuminations began. Originally these were just simple white bulbs in the trees as an attraction for courting couples, but during the 1960’s more lights were purchased from the famous Blackpool Illuminations. Eventually the attraction had over 60,000 bulbs and took a year to plan.
Unfortunately the Illuminations stopped in 2009 as visitor numbers never rose about 250,000 per year. The light creations have been replaced with laser shows and concerts held throughout the year. The arboretum also hosts a number of events such as a ‘park run’, community weight loss programme and ‘Peregrine’ watch scheme.
A fresh lick of paint!
In 2000 the New Art Gallery Walsall, or the E M Flint Gallery opened. The gallery was named in memory of Ethel Mary Flint, head of art at Queen Mary Grammar School, former Mayor of Walsall and exhibitor at the Royal Academy. The gallery boasts a fine collection of works from artists including Jacob Epstein, Van Gogh, Monet, Turner, Renoir and Constable. You can also view a number of temporary exhibitions from both local and international artists.
The gallery also hosts a variety of events aimed at families, children and displays young people’s work from the local school and college.
A step back in time!
Walsall is steeped in local history and has two museums to display historical artefacts and educate visiting tourists. The first museum, Walsall Museum, is primarily focussed on the area’s local history and has a range of objects for visitors to view and one off exhibitions throughout the year. The second museum, Walsall Leather Museum, is dedicated to the thriving leather trade that still operates today. Tourists can explore a mixture of leather goods and see recreations of leather workshops.You might even see the Queen collecting her latest leather handbag!
Famous faces of Walsall
· Jerome K Jerome – author, best known for ‘Three Men in a Boat’
· Martin Davies – ITV weatherman
· Zoe Dawson – actress, best known for her roles in ‘Doctors’
· Goldie – drum ‘n’ bass musician
· Mark Lewis-Francis – gold medallist at 2004 Olympics in 100m sprint
· Noddy Holder – lead singer in 1970’s rock band ‘Slade’
· Erin O’ Conner – supermodel
· Meera Syal – comedienne
· Bob Warman – ITV news anchor man
Keeping up with the local and international news is a part of daily life, but if you have to turn the television volume right up, or switch on the subtitles, it might be time to think about digital hearing aids.
Our friendly team are ready and waiting to discuss your needs. To discover more about our digital hearing aids, or our free audiology tests, simply go to our website or call us on 01782 698090.
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