Black Country Living Museum Summary

• Address: Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)121 557 9643
• Fax: +44 (0)121 557 4242
• Owner:
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Black Country Living Museum website

There were many different ways of getting about in the Black Country and they have some excellent examples in their transport collection, which help you explore the Museum. The 3'6” gauge tramway runs from the depot outside the Entrance Building to the School by the Museum village. The tram fleet comprises 3 vehicles, 2 single-deck trams of 1920 and a 1909 double-deck open-topper from Wolverhampton.

"Mind yer ed!", take a trip with 'Lija Wedge' into the world of the Black Country coalminer in the 1850s. The Black Country was famous for the Staffordshire Thick Coal, which lay beneath much of the area. The coal occurred in seams of up to 10 metres thick, far bigger than anywhere else in Britain and the extraction of this coal led to problems of subsidence as the ground dropped to fill the holes left.

Fairgrounds were as much a part of Black Country life as rolling mills, mines and trams and the collection of rides and amusements accurately portray the Black Country travelling fairs of the first decades of the last century. This small traditional fairground might have been operated by one of the many well-known travelling families who were based in the region.

"Pay attention you!" A lesson in St James's School will bring memories flooding back for some. Can you remember your tables or recite the alphabet backwards. What about doing sums in pounds, shillings and pence?! The original school was built in 1842, in Salop Street in Dudley, near St James Church and was designed by the architect, William Bourne of Dudley. It was built to accommodate 300 children, but probably never taught that many.

Throughout the Museum, buildings are occupied by costumed demonstrators who depict the living and working conditions of times past. Also around the Museum you will see other characters who have taken on a specific role and depict another part of the region's rich history. The policeman, postman, women chainmakers and boat people all represent different elements of Black Country past, and they are available not only to explain their story but to act as guides and points of information to make the most of your visit.

Throughout the Museum working demonstrations take place from time to time in some of the many workshops and small factories. The most regular is the chainmaker who can be seen almost every day plying his trade in the chain shop at the side of the rolling mill, behind the bakery. The Black Country was world famous for the production of chains of all sizes and much of it produced entirely by hand on small forges such as the ones you can see.

A warm welcome awaits you at the Bottle and Glass with traditional food and drinks, including Black Country Real Ale. The Inn originally stood on Brierley Hill Road, Brockmore, backing onto the canal at the Stourbridge Flight of 16 locks. It was probably built shortly after the canal was cut. A map of 1822 shows the Bush public house but by the 1840s it was known as the Bottle and Glass. Information about further attractions, such as their Fish ‘n' Chip Shop, their horses and ponies, the 1920s cinema, and exhibition halls can be found on their Website.

The Museum as an Event Venue:

The Black Country Living Museum offers a corporate venue with a difference just nine miles from Birmingham City Centre. The award winning Museum can host anything from a meeting for eight to an exclusive evening for more than a thousand. This unique venue can offer facilities for conferences, exhibitions, product launches, training days, evening receptions in the modern Museum galleries and evening hire of the whole Museum for that important company occasion.

The Museum is ideally situated in the heart of the West Midlands motorway network, with ample car parking facilities. This unique venue prides itself on its professional approach and friendly staff. With its combination of high quality conference suites, modern galleries, old-fashioned canal side village and 26 acre site, every event will be special.

Opening Times - 2012

• Open all year
• March - October: daily, 10 am - 5 pm
• November - December: daily, 10 am - 4 pm
• Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day

Admission Prices - 2012

• Adult - £14.95
• Child - £7.95
• Concessions - £11.95
• Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) - £39.95
• Groups Welcome (minimum 10 people)
• Optional canal tunnel trips and fairground rides available at additional charge

Further information including opening times and prices

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Additional Info for Black Country Living Museum

• Groups
• Disabled Access
• Education
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Meals Available
• Conferences
• Filming
• Gifts
• Shop
• Car Parking

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