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Walsall's unusual name
is said to derive from 'Walh Halh' meaning 'valley of the
foreigners', referring to the Celts. The settlement grew up
as a market centre in the Middle Ages and in 1220 was given
permission to hold a weekly market.
In 1554 Queen Mary I founded
the Queen Mary's Grammar School in Walsall.
The Industrial Revolution saw
the dramatic growth of the town. Walsall had many industries
including coal mining, iron and brass founding and limestone
quarrying but when the coal mines were exhausted the town
became internationally famous for its leather trade. The Queen's
handbags are still made here and the town has long been the
home of the English saddle manufacturing industry. This explains
Walsall Football Club's nick-name: 'The Saddlers'.
Visitors can discover the history
of the industry at Walsall
Leather Museum.
The Walsall Memorial Gardens
and Arboretum stages the Walsall IIluminations, the UK's 2nd
largest light and laser show.
Other attractions include the
Walsall
Museum and the Walsall Art Gallery (rebuilt in 2000).
The Jerome
K. Jerome Museum, celebrates the author of 'Three
Men in a Boat', who was born in Walsall in 1859.
Visitors can also take trips
along the town's canals on the Wharf Narrowboat.
The Willenhall Museum nearby
illustrates the history of the town and gives a facinating
insight into the traditonal lock making industry.
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Walsall
