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Dudley,
the largest town, grew up around its castle. The fortress
today dates from the 13th century castle but the original
castle was built in the 8th century.
During
the 18th and 19th century the Industrial Revolution lead to
the rapid expansion of the town. Its main industries were
the mining of coal and limestone and glassmaking. These heavily
polluting industries lead Dudley to become part of the 'Black
Country'.
The Black
Country has many tourist attractions for visitors to enjoy,all
illustrating the history of this important industrial area.
The Black
Country Living Museum, a mile from Dudley town centre,
uses costumed demonstrators to bring to life the facinating
story of England's industrial heart. Highlights of this outdoor
museum include carefully reconstructed houses, canal rides,
working trolleybuses and trams and a funfair.
At the
Dudley
Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mine visitors get the chance
to experience the original art of 'legging' (propelling a
canal boat with your feet).
The Red
House Glass Cone near Stourbridge (one of only four cones
to survive in the UK) gives an insight into the history and
tradition of glassmaking.
At the
Broadfield
House Glass Museum, situated in the historic glass quarter
at Kingswinford, visitors can view a world-famous collection
of British glass dating from the 17th century to the present
day.
Other
attractions in the area include the Dudley
Zoological Gardens and the Wren's
Nest, parkland and an important geological nature reserve.
Some of the fossils uncovered at here are on permanent display
at Dudley
Museum in St James Road.
Near
the town stands Himley
Hall, a fine 18th century mansion, with a 'Capability'
Brown landscaped park.
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Dudley
