West Bromwich

West Bromwich is the largest town within the metropolitan borough of Sandwell, in the English county of West Midlands, five miles north west of Birmingham. It is sometimes considered a part of the Black Country.

History

West Bromwich was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1066, the name meaning "the little village on the heath of broom". A Benedictine priory existed in West Bromwich from the 12th century around which much of the town grew. In 1727 the town became a stop on the coaching road between London and Shrewsbury and its growth began. In the 19th century coal deposits were discovered, ensuring that the town grew rapidly as an industrial centre, with industries such as gun and nail making developing.

Related Topics:
Domesday Book - 1066 - Benedictine - Priory - 12th century - 1727 - London - Shrewsbury - 19th century

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In 1888 West Bromwich became a county borough, incorporating the village of Great Barr. It was expanded in 1966 to include most of the borough of Tipton and Wednesbury urban district, before joining with the neighbouring county borough of Warley in 1974 to form the Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell.

Related Topics:
1888 - County borough - Great Barr - Borough - Tipton - Wednesbury - Urban district - Warley - 1974 - Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell

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