Black Country

From the early 20th century, the Black Country region was one of the most industrialised parts of the UK with numerous coal mines, iron foundries, glass factories, brick works and more dominating the landscape. It was famously described as ‘black by day and red by night’ because of the constant black smog by day and the fiery glow of the furnaces by night.

Almost every house was it’s own little factory, with cottage manufacturing happening alongside the mining and other industries. It was a tough, noisy and dangerous place to live. At one time the average life expectancy was just 17 years. Children started work at the age of 5 or 6, as chimney sweeps, or fetching and carrying in factories.

Housing was very basic and without sanitation. Living conditions were harsh and the houses would be considered slums today. Many homes were affected by subsistence from the mining going on below them, and sank at odd angles into the earth.

The museum is a time capsule of the years from the early 1800’s to the mid 1900’s, showcasing domestic life, industrial workplaces, schools and social history.

Staff in period costume are more than happy to chat and give live demonstrations of daily routines, as well as sharing the history of the buildings, which have all been either moved brick by brick from a few kilometres away, or faithfully reproduced. There is much to see and learn and it was fascinating to experience. However, I’m grateful we didn’t live during those times.