Hello,
Welcome to our unique website and the 'Home Page' which we hope will 'wet your appetite' to become a member.
Are you from the Black Country?
Do you have links to the Black Country?
Are proud of the Black Country?
Do you live in the Black Country?
Are you fascinated by the history of the area and its impact since the Industrial Revolution?
The Black Country Society opens the door to develop a real interest in the History, People, Places and Lifestyles of our ancestors and those currently making a difference in the area.
The Society covers all these aspects through a quarterly Magazine, Talks & Walks programme (when the pandemic eases) and this Website.
If you are not a member yet, please consider joining today. The cost is very affordable (from £8.00) and you can join online in minutes (just visit the Membership Page).
Click on the 'Menu Bar' above to see a page on the history of the Society which was established in 1967 by Dr John Fletcher and Mr John Brimble at the Noahs Ark public house, Tipton. In 2017, the 50th Anniversary of the Society, a 'Blue Plaque' was unveiled above the front door of the public house.
The Society and its members are extremely proud to have, for over 50 years, supported, recorded, preserved and celebrated the distinct character and nature of the West Midlands area known since 1846 as 'The Black Country'.
The Society publishes a select number of books each year. These books enable Stories, personalities, legends, historic and researched information to be shared with BCS members. The books are available for purchase through various Midlands outlets and in the Gift Shop/Library of this website.
The 'Blackcountryman' magazine is our flagship and if you prefer, you can sit in your most comfortable chair at home and be entertained and extend your knowledge by reading the published features and articles in the magazine. These features describe the extraordinary events, achievements, places and 'larger than life' characters of the Black Country. The magazine also contains the latest news about the society and its events, so you will always be up-to-date.
"We live in the presence of History" Winston Churchill
NEW BOOK - Palethorpes (Master Sausage Makers for 115yrs)
Author John Dunn, worked for Palethorpe’s for over 30 years and through his connection to the Palethorpe’s family wanted to put on record how they created a World renown sausage and pie manufacturing facility in the Midlands. It also shows the family’s ethos in caring for the workforce on a daily basis and throughout two World Wars.
The Book is sponsored by and only available from BCS. Visit the Book/Gift Shop page to buy your copy!
POTTED HISTORIES (SEE LINK OPPOSITE)
Like many places the Black Country has always had very colourful characters in all walks of life and our new website series called 'Potted Histories' will highlight some of these individuals. Another good reason to join and get the full stories in our quarterley magazine features.
ARE YOU SELF ISOLATING?
The website has a new page called 'Potted Histories' so why not take a look at some of the featured short biographies of Black Country personalities.
1. Have a go at our online Quiz
2. Refresh your memory with our Black Country dialect pages
3. See a sample of The Gospels Book in Black Country dialect .and try translating it back. Why not order a copy from the Book Shop pages.
4. Visit the Gift/Book Shop to view the Society's selection of books for sale.
5. Read a copy of the Blackcountryman online (see below)
At this time of restricted travel, please be patient with any books ordered from the Society. Delivery may take up to 7 days. Thank You.
Want to see a copy of the BCS magazine?
to see a sample of the Blackcountryman magazine in digital format - then join the Society to receive further printed or
digital copies as part of your full Membership package.
NEW Book Launch
The Black Country - A History in 100 Objects
read the review written by Dr Trevor Raybould
Click on the PDF logo
This book is available
for purchase online.
POST A MESSAGE!
SOCIETY NEWS UPDATES
Dear Visitor,
At this time of health concerns, we want you to know that you are not alone and can make contact through this website with the committee and other members.
If you are self isolating, then scroll down the page for some ideas to entertain you and look through our books for inspiration and to read something special about the Black Country!
You are not alone!
All good wishes - BCS Committee
NEW 'POTTED HISTORIES'
Read about Joseph Darby, Netherton & World Champion Jumper and more ...
Click on the button above to read what Matt Mills thinks and how you can help!
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR LOCAL HISTORY
2020 AWARDS RESULTS
THE GRAHAM BECKLEY COLLECTION
Who were the Jolly Boys in 1914?
Click the icon to see the photo!
Click the camera to see BCS
Events images by Graham Beckley
?
Do you know the date of the blessing
of the 1st motorised ambulance in
Brierley Hill?
BCS EXCLUSIVE
Diary entries of Bombing Raids in the Midlands during WWII
A few years ago I was given a package of loose leaf pages which are hand written and log a short daily account of German bomber raids in the Midlands. I have now upload the script and you can find the information by clicking onto the button below ...
Brian Ridout
THE 2020 AGM IS POSTPONED
As you can see from the information on the website, the Society has a lot to interest all kinds of people and there is no pressure to do anything other than relax, learn, study and be amused. As a Member we can help you with any queries and don't forget that you will be part of one of the most unique 'heritage' society's in the UK. We welcome your support for the continuation of the Society into the next 50 years.
Go to the Membership Page and join something special today!
Robert Perry RBSA is a local artist with a unique mobile studio.
He should have been exhibiting at Himley Hall this month.
Find out more by visiting his page on the website or contact him direct -
ARE YOU MISSING FOOTBALL?
Sponsored:
Birmingham
County FA
DID YOU KNOW - The Black Country has produced more England International footballers than any other area of the West Midlands! Read this fascinating book by Pat Talbot which has over 50 biographies of some of the greatest players from the Black Country.
THE BLACK COUNTRY SOCIETY HAS A VACANCY
EXPRESS & STAR GOES DIGITAL - NEWSPAPER PHOTO ARCHIVE LAUNCHED
The Express & Star has just launched a website of its photo archive containing historical pictures of the public, architecture and events in the Black Country.
The Society has a new Secretary - Andrew Homer
A familiar face if you have visited the Black Country Living Museum. If you would like to know more click on the button.
Did You go to HIgh Harcourt School, Hayden Hill
Nikki Higgs would like to find former pupils for a friends group.
Contact: Nikki Higgs
Email:
Telephone: 01970822180
15th Black Country
HISTORY DAY 2020
DATE: Saturday 7th November
VENUE: Large Lecture Theatre, Arts Building, University of Birmingham,
TIME: 10:00am-4:00pm.
Organised in partnership with the Centre for West Midlands History, University of Birmingham.
This Event will be confirmed later in the year.
